How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone dreams about having an ideal driving license, that will never expire. But the reality is quite different.
The process of getting the Polish driving license is many steps. The most important ones are the medical exam, theory and practical classes. It is also important to meet the age requirements for the category of driving license.
1. Medical examination
The first thing to be done to get your driving licence is getting the approval of a doctor (orzeczenie lekarskie) that you can drive. It may sound odd, but this is the way it works in Poland. The doctor will ask a number of questions that aren't really relevant to your health, such as the case if you're having issues with your vision, or other medical issues. They will not examine you physically. The cost for this exam is around 200 PLN.
If you're one of the countries that is a member of the EU or EEA or a country which is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you don't need to complete this process because your driving licence will be recognized as valid in Poland. If however, you're from a nation that isn't part of any of these groups, then you'll need to take a medical exam and a practical and theoretical driving test to get a Polish license.
It is possible to pass both of these exams in English. However, it depends on the centre. It is a good idea to call ahead and confirm availability prior to booking your appointment. It's also worth mentioning that in the event that you don't have a sufficient level of Polish to pass the exam, then you'll need to hire an interpreter for the day.
Once kosten führerschein polen have your medical certificate, you'll have to visit the district authority and get a driver's profile filled in (PKK - Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need an image of your passport, proof of your residency in Poland and a current photo in color.
You then visit a special office where they will create your personal file and scan your documents. They then give them to your. From there you can begin preparing for the tests and enrol at a driving academy. You can find WORD facilities in all major towns and a lot of smaller ones as well however, most schools require a payment in order to keep their classes.
2. Theory test
If you're a driver with an international driving permit that is valid in Poland provided you have an International Driving Permit ("IDP"). If you plan to operate in a vehicle in Poland for a longer period than six months, you will need an IDP. In other cases, it is required to exchange it to obtain an official Polish driving licence. You must satisfy four requirements for the process to be completed You must be a Polish citizen You must also pass a medical examination, you must pass a state-approved driving test and you must have completed driving lessons at a driving school that has been approved by the government.
You'll need to submit an Driving Candidate Profile, as well as other documents in order to pass the state driving test. Those include your ID, medical certificate, a certified driving instructor's certificate and an image of your visa or residency permit. The driving test itself is comprised of two parts: the theoretical part and the practical. The theory portion consists of 32 multiple-choice questions covering topics like road signs, traffic rules and emergency procedures, as well as safe driving practices. To pass, you must correctly answer 26 questions.
The practical part of the driving exam involves driving a car on a road that is public and under controlled supervision. During this period, an instructor will be watching your ability to follow the rules of the road, particularly in difficult situations such as roads or city streets. The test will last approximately 40 minutes.
Before you can pass the state driving exam you must apply for an PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego WORD). You will need your identity document, proof that you have paid the fee required and a picture of yourself. If you don't know Polish A professional translator can accompany you on the examination.
3. Practical test
You'll need to pass the practical test if you're driving with a foreign license. It's a tougher test than the one for theory and the success rate is very low. Furthermore, you are able to take the practical test only if you're legally resident in Poland. If not, your driving license will be indefinite. You could also be fined if you are stopped by the police for driving without a valid driving license.
In order to take the practical test, you'll need to submit a completed application form - available online and to be filled out in Polish (Google Translate can help). You'll also require an official medical certificate that proves you are fit to drive.
You must bring an ID photo, evidence of your health insurance coverage, and a current photo in colour (size 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm). You will need to register with the department of civil affairs as a driving candidate and this will require you to complete an application for a driving profile for the candidate (RKK) and then receive an identification number that you can use in the system.
It's a lengthy and difficult process, especially if your language skills are not up to par. It's recommended to hire an English-speaking instructor and to schedule your lessons in advance. You can also find a driving schools that provide English lessons in some regions.
The person applying for a Polish driver's license must submit an original copy of their residence permit or visa if not EU citizens. This is necessary to prove that you've been living in Poland for 185 days or more.
The office will also require a proof of payment for the theory and practical tests. The total cost should be about 1,500 PLN. There is an option to pay in cash however this doesn't guarantee a quicker processing of the documents. The whole process takes around two to four weeks. In some locations, it can take even longer. Ask your local office if you are not sure of the deadlines.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have emigrated to Poland and would like to drive, obtaining a Polish driver's license is vital for avoiding problems with car insurance. However, before they can do that, they must pass the theoretical exam, and this process will cost them. This will be less difficult for foreigners who are citizens of countries who have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
The first thing they have to do is ensure that they have lived in Poland for at least 6 months. This should be verified through either a local address registration, a residence permit, or a visa. They should also fill out a complete application form. You can find the form online or in an office in your area. They must also submit a recent photograph that measures 35 x 45 millimeters and documents of identification like a passport. They must also submit an official health certificate that proves they are fit to drive.
After they have submitted the documents The voivodship office will prepare their driving licence document for issue. This can take up to nine working days. In cases that require extensive testing the wait time could be as long as a month.
In addition to the document proving their right to live in Poland, a person who is a foreign national will need to provide a copy of their medical certificate. It is essential to possess a valid medical certificate since without it, the foreigner will be required to retake the theory test, which can extend their waiting period by as much as two months.
After the driving licence is prepared after the driving licence is issued, you are required to pay a fee at the office. The fee is 100 PLN for EU citizens and 250 PLN for those who are not EU citizens. This fee can be paid via bank transfer, debit or credit card. The applicant will receive the driver's licence at their home address. If for any reason, the driving license is not issued, an appeal could be filed to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow via the City Mayor.