Driver Card: An Essential Tool for Truck Transport Drivers
Road transport plays a vital role in the modern economy, significantly impacting people’s daily lives and international trade. One essential tool supporting this sector is the tachograph, which monitors drivers’ working hours, vehicle speed, and rest periods. To use this device, drivers need a special driver card. In this article, we present all the key information about the driver card.
What is a Driver Card?

A driver card is an electronic data carrier used in digital tachographs. It contains the driver’s personal information, such as name, identification number, and driver’s license number. The card is assigned to a specific driver, enabling them to log their work in the digital tachograph. This facilitates more precise and efficient monitoring of work hours and vehicle speed. According to European Parliament and Council Regulation (EU) No. 165/2014, every driver operating a vehicle equipped with a digital tachograph must have a driver card.
Drivers are required to download the data recorded on the card every 28 days and keep it for the next 12 months for potential inspections. Both the employer and the driver can access these recorded details.
What is the Purpose of a Driver Card?
The primary purpose of the driver card is to monitor and record the driver’s working hours. This helps to prevent violations of permitted driving and rest limits, which is crucial for road safety. Additionally, the driver card is a tool for analyzing drivers’ performance and ensuring compliance with working time regulations in transport.
The card is essential not only for the driver but also for the employer, who can monitor employees’ work and ensure their safety. This also allows for better route planning and improved transport efficiency. It is important to note that not having a driver card can lead to serious consequences.
Consequences of Not Having a Driver Card

Failing to possess a driver card can result in significant consequences, including:
- Fines and penalties: Roadside inspections may impose substantial financial penalties on both drivers and their employers for not having a driver card, with fines reaching up to 2,000 PLN for drivers.
- Professional disqualification: Repeated violations can result in the driver losing the right to work, effectively cutting off their source of income.
- Insurance issues: In the event of an accident, the absence of a driver card may affect insurance claims.
- Increased accident risk: Without the ability to monitor work hours, drivers may experience fatigue, leading to a higher risk of road accidents.
Why is the Driver Card Important?
The driver card is essential for every truck driver. Firstly, its absence can lead to legal problems, as roadside inspections verify whether drivers have valid cards and comply with working hours regulations. Employers are responsible for providing their drivers with the necessary tools, including driver cards. Failure to have a card exposes the driver to fines and legal repercussions, which could lead to professional disqualification.
Moreover, not having a card can also impact the financial performance of a transport company. High fines for breaching work time regulations can affect profitability. Therefore, it is crucial for every driver to have a valid driver card.
How to Obtain a Driver Card in Poland?

Obtaining a driver card involves several steps. While the process may be time-consuming, it is essential for legally working as a truck driver. To apply for a driver card in Poland, you must submit an application to the Polish Security Printing Works (PWPW) in Warsaw. The easiest and quickest way to apply is online through the info-car.pl website, using a trusted profile or electronic signature.
How Long is the Driver Card Valid?
The driver card is issued for five years or until the expiration date of the driver’s license, whichever is shorter. For foreign drivers who do not permanently reside in Poland but work for a company based in Poland, a temporary driver card valid for 185 days is issued.
Assistance from Work Partner Service in Obtaining a Driver Card!
Our company, which employs international drivers, offers support in obtaining driver cards. We collaborate with relevant institutions and can assist in gathering all necessary documents and submitting applications. Our experience in the transport industry allows us to effectively support drivers, enabling them to focus on their work instead of administrative tasks. We also assist with obtaining documents such as the PKZ number, code 95, psychological and medical tests, and the exchange of foreign driving license.
Summary of Key Information:
- The driver card is an electronic information carrier that enables the recording of working hours and vehicle speed in a digital tachograph.
- Every driver operating a vehicle with a digital tachograph must possess a driver card, according to EU regulations.
- Data from the driver card must be downloaded every 28 days and stored for 12 months.
- Consequences of not having a driver card include high fines, potential professional disqualification, insurance issues, and increased accident risk.
- To obtain a driver card in Poland, apply to the Polish Security Printing Works (PWPW), preferably online using a trusted profile or electronic signature.
- The driver card is valid for five years, except when the driver’s license expires sooner.
- Our company offers assistance in obtaining driver cards and other documents, such as the PKZ number, code 95, and driver’s license exchange.
Do not hesitate to reach out for more information!