How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone wants to have an ideal driving license, which will never expire. However, the reality is different.
The process of getting a Polish driving license is several steps. The most important are: medical examination as well as theory and practical instruction. It is also important to meet the requirements of age for the category of the driving license.
1. Medical exam
The first thing to be done to get your driving licence is getting an approval from a doctor (orzeczenie lekarskie) that you can drive. It might sound weird but it's the way things work in Poland. The doctor will ask you a bunch of naive questions about your health, such as whether you suffer from problems with your eyesight or any other medical issue and will never physically examine you at all. The cost for this exam is around 200 PLN.
If you're coming from a country which is part of the EU or EEA or a country that is a member of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you do not need to take this step since your driving license will be recognised as valid in Poland. If however, you're from a country which isn't part of any of these groups you'll have to pass a medical examination and a practical and theoretical driving exam in order to obtain a Polish licence.
Both of these exams can be completed in English however it is somewhat of a hit or miss based on the center. It is recommended to call ahead and verify availability prior to booking your appointment. It's also worth noting that if you don't have a sufficient level of Polish to be able to pass the exam, then you'll need to book an interpreter for the entire day.
After you've received your medical certificate, you need to go to the district authority and get a driver's profile filled in (PKK - Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). browse around this site 'll need an image of your passport, proof of your residency in Poland and a current photo in colour.
Then, you visit a special office where they make your personal file and scan your documents to give them to you. Then you can begin getting ready for your driving test and sign up for a driving school. There are WORD facilities in all major cities and a lot of smaller ones but most schools require a deposit to hold their courses.
2. Theory test
If you have an international driving permit that is valid in Poland if you also carry an International Driving Permit ("IDP"). If you plan to operate in a vehicle in Poland for more than six months, you'll require an IDP. It is mandatory to exchange the IDP in exchange for an official Polish license in the event that you do not have one. You must satisfy four requirements to be able to complete the process: you must be a Polish citizen, you must have passed a medical exam, you must pass a driving test administered by the state and you must have completed driving lessons at a school that is recognized by the government.
You will need to submit a Driving Candidate Profile, as well as other documents to take the state-issued driving test. These include your ID, medical certificate, a valid driving instructor's report and the photocopy of your passport or residency permit. The driving test itself is comprised of two parts: the theory part and the practical part. The theory part consists of 32 multiple-choice questions covering topics like road signs, traffic rules, emergency protocol, and safe driving techniques. You must answer correctly at least 26 questions to pass.
The practical portion of your driving test entails driving on a highway that is public under controlled supervision. During this period, an instructor will be monitoring your ability to adhere to the rules of the road, particularly in difficult situations such as city streets or highways. The test will last about 40 minutes.
Before you can take the driving test of the state you must apply for PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego WORD). To do this, you will need: your identity document, proof of payment of the fee required and a picture of yourself. If you don't speak Polish A professional translator can accompany you on the examination.
3. Practical test
If you're driving with a foreign license, you'll also have to pass an actual test. This is a much harder test than the theory one and the pass rate is very low. You are only able to take the practical test only if you're legally resident in Poland. If you're not, your driving licence will be indefinite and if you're stopped by the police you may be fined for driving with an official driver's license.
To pass the test, you need to fill out an application form in Polish. Google Translate can assist. Additionally, you'll need an official medical certificate that proves you're qualified to drive.
Bring an ID photo and evidence of health insurance coverage, along with a recent colour photo (size 3,5cm x 4,5cm). You will be required to register as a driver candidate with the Department of Civil Affairs. This will require that you complete a Driving Profile of the Candidate (RKK) to receive a number to use within the system.
It's a lengthy and difficult process, especially in the event that your language skills aren't up to par. It's recommended to hire an English-speaking instructor and schedule your lessons in advance. You can also find a driving school that offer English lessons in some regions.
Anyone seeking an Polish driving license has to submit a copy of the residence permit or visa for non-EU citizens. This is required to prove that you have resided in Poland for at least the period of 185 days.
The office will also require evidence of payment for the theory and practical tests. The total cost should be around 1,500 PLN. There is the option of paying in cash, however, this does not guarantee a quicker processing of the documents. The entire process takes two to four weeks. In some places, it can be longer. Contact the local office if are not sure of the deadlines.
4. Documents
It is crucial for foreigners wanting to drive in Poland to get a Polish driving license to avoid issues with their insurance coverage for cars. Before they can obtain this, they need to pass the theoretical test, which will cost them. The good part is that if they're citizens of countries who have signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic the process will be much easier than for foreigners of other nationalities.
First, they must prove that they have lived in Poland for at least six months. This should be confirmed with either a local address registration or a residence permit or a visa. The applicant must also fill out the application form in its entirety. The form can be found online or in an office in your area. They should also provide a recent photograph that measures 35 x 45 mm as well as proof of identification such as a passport. In addition, they should include an official health system that states that they do not have any medical contraindications to driving.
After they have submitted these documents after which the voivodship office will prepare the driving licence for issue. This can take up to nine working days. The waiting time can extend to 1 month in situations that require a thorough exam.
In addition to the document that demonstrates their right to live in Poland A foreign national will need to submit a copy of their medical certificate. It is important to have a valid medical certification since without it, the foreigner may be required to retake the theory test, which can extend the waiting time by two months.
After the driving license has been issued it will be required to be paid at the office. The cost is 100 PLN (for EU citizens) and 250 PLN (for non-EU citizens). This fee can be paid via bank transfer, debit or credit card. The applicant will be issued the driver's license at their home address. If the driving license is not issued for any reason, the City Mayor can appeal to the Local Government Appeals Board of Rzeszow.