How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone hopes to have a driving licence that will never expire. The reality is a bit different.
The process for obtaining an Polish driver's license is a thorny process. The most important ones are: medical exam, theory and practical classes. It is also necessary to meet the age requirements for the category of driving license.
1. Medical examination
The first thing to be completed to obtain your driving licence is getting a doctor's approval (orzeczenie lekarskie) that you can drive. It might sound odd but this is the way it is done in Poland. The doctor will ask a series of silly questions about your health, such as if you are having problems with your vision, or other medical issue. They will not examine you physically. The cost for this exam is about 200 PLN.
If you're from a country which is part of the EU or EEA or a country that is a participant in the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you don't need to complete this process, as your driving licence will be recognized as valid in Poland. If you're coming from a non-member country, you will need to pass both a theory and a practice test as well as an examination for medical reasons to get a Polish driving license.
It is possible to take both of these tests in English. However, it depends on the centre. Contact the centre ahead of time to confirm availability prior to scheduling an appointment. It's also worth noting that in the event that you don't have a sufficient amount of Polish to easily ace the exam, then you'll need to hire an interpreter for the day.
Once you have your medical certification, you'll need to go to the district authority to fill in the driver profile (PKK – Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need a scanned photocopy of your passport and proof of your residency in Poland as well as an image in color.
Then you go into an office that is specially designed to create your personal file and scan your documents to give them to you. From in polen führerschein machen can begin preparing for the test and enroll at a driving academy. WORD is available in most major cities, and even in smaller ones. However some schools require a fee for their courses.
2. Theory test
If you have an international driving permit valid in Poland when you also have an International Driving Permit ("IDP"). You must have an IDP for any car used in Poland for more than six months. It is mandatory to exchange your IDP for a Polish licence if you do not have one. You must satisfy four requirements for the process to be completed that include: you must be a Polish citizen You must also pass a medical examination and pass a driving test administered by the state and you must have completed driving lessons in a school recognized by the government.
You'll need to submit a Driving Candidate Profile, as well as other documents in order to take the state driving test. These include your ID as well as a health certificate, a certified driving instructor's report, and the photocopy of your passport or residency permit. The driving test itself consists of two parts: the theoretical part and the practical part. The theoretical part includes thirty-two multiple-choice questions that cover topics as road signs traffic laws, emergency protocols and safe driving practices. You must be able to answer at least 26 questions in order to pass.
The practical part of the driving test involves driving a vehicle on a public roadway under the supervision of a trained instructor. During the time, an instructor will observe your ability to adhere to the rules of driving on the road particularly in challenging situations such as roads or city streets. The duration of the practical test is about 40 minutes.
Before you can take the driving test for state it is required to apply for a PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchudrogowego - WORD). You will need your identity document, proof that you have paid the fee that is required, and a photo of yourself. If you do not speak Polish A professional translator will accompany you during the examination.
3. Practical test
If you're driving a car with a foreign license, you'll also have to pass the practical test. This is a much harder test than the theory one and the rate of passing is low. Furthermore, you are able to take the test in a practical manner only if you're legally residing in Poland. If you're not, your driving licence will be indefinite. You may be fined if are stopped by police for driving without a valid driving license.
To take the practical test, you need to fill out an application form in Polish. Google Translate will help. Additionally, you'll need medical evidence that shows you're qualified to drive.
Bring your photo ID and proof of health insurance coverage as well as an up-to-date colour photo (size 3,5cm x 4,5cm). You must join the department of civil affairs as a driver candidate - this will require you to fill out a driving profile of the candidate (RKK) and then receive an identification number to use in the system.
The process is often complicated and time-consuming, especially in the event that you're unfamiliar with Polish language. It's best to hire an English-speaking driving instructor and book your lessons well in advance. You can also find driving school that offer English lessons in specific regions.
The person who is applying for an Polish driver's license must submit an original copy of their residence permit or visa if they are not EU citizens. This is required to prove that you've resided in Poland for at least one 185-day period.
The office will require proof of payment both for the theory and practical test. The total cost should be approximately 1500 PLN. Cash payments are accepted however it doesn't guarantee quicker processing of your documents. The entire process can take between two and four weeks. In some locations it could take longer. If you're unsure about the deadlines, be sure to ask the office in your area.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have emigrated to Poland and would like to drive, obtaining the Polish driver's license is essential to avoid issues with insurance for cars. Before they can obtain this, they need to pass the theoretical test and pay. This is easier 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 verify that they have lived in Poland for at least 6 months. This must be documented through either a local address registration, a residence permit, or an entry visa. They should also fill out a complete application form. The form is available online or at a local office. A recent 35 x45 millimeter photograph and evidence of identity, such as valid passports, should also be provided. In addition, they should include an official certificate from the health care system which states that they do not have any medical contraindications to driving.
Once they have submitted these documents The voivodship office will prepare their driving licence document to issue. It can take up to nine working days. Waiting times could be as long as 1 month in cases that require a thorough exam.
A foreign national will also need to submit a copy of their medical certificate. This is essential because if they do not have a valid health certificate, they'll be required to sit for the theory exam and again, which could increase the waiting time by up to 2 months.
After the driving license has been issued the fee has to be paid at the office. The fee is 100 PLN (for EU citizens) and 250 PLN (for non-EU citizens). This cost is payable via bank transfer or credit or debit card. The applicant will be issued the driver's license at their residence address. If for lkw führerschein polen driving licence is not issued, an appeal may be filed to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow through the City Mayor.