How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone wants to have a perfect driving licence, which will never expire. However, the reality is very different.
The process of getting an Polish driver's license is complicated. The most crucial are: medical exam and theory as well as practical classes. It is also essential to meet the requirements of age for the category of the driving license.
1. Medical examination
The first thing that needs to be completed to obtain your driving license is to get an approval from a doctor (orzeczenie lekarskie) that you can drive. It may sound odd however this is how it is done in Poland. polen führerschein alter Führerschein will ask you a bunch of questions that aren't really relevant to your health, such as whether you suffer from issues with your eyesight or any other medical issue but they will not actually examine you in any way. The cost for this exam is about 200 PLN.
If you're from a nation that is part of the EU, EEA, or a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic you don't have to take this additional step as your driving license will be accepted as valid in Poland. If however, you're from a country which does not belong to one of these groups, then you'll need to take a medical exam and a practical and theoretical driving test to get an official Polish licence.
It is possible to pass both of these tests in English. However, it depends on the centre. It is a good idea to call ahead and confirm availability prior to making an appointment. It is also worth mentioning that in the event that you don't have a sufficient level of Polish to easily ace the exam, then you'll need to hire an interpreter for the duration of the exam.
After you've received your medical certificate, you need to go to the district authority and get an official driver's profile completed (PKK - Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need a scan copy of your passport as well as proof of your residence in Poland, as well as an image in color.
You then visit a special office where they will create your personal file and scan your documents. They then distribute them to you. From there you can begin to prepare for the test and enroll at a driving school. WORD is available in most major cities, and even in smaller ones. However some schools require a fee to run their courses.
2. Theory test
If you hold a driving license issued in another country it is valid in Poland provided you have an International Driving Permit ('IDP') along with it. You must have an IDP for any car that you drive in Poland for longer than six months. In other cases, it is required to exchange it to obtain the Polish driving licence. The process requires you to satisfy four requirements: you must be a Polish resident and you must pass medical tests and you must pass the state-approved driving test and take driving lessons in an approved school by the government.
You will need to submit an Driving Candidate Profile, as well as other documents in order to pass the state driving test. Those include your ID and medical certificate, an approved driving instructor's certificate and a photocopy of your visa or residency permit. The driving test itself consists of two parts: the theoretical part and the practical. The theoretical part includes thirty-two multiple-choice questions and covers such topics as road signs and traffic laws, emergency procedures and safe driving methods. To pass you must answer correctly 26 questions.
The practical portion of your driving test is driving on a public highway under controlled supervision. During this period the instructor will be observing your ability to follow the rules of the road, especially in challenging situations such as city streets or highways. The test is approximately 40 minutes.
Before you can pass the driving test of the state you must apply for a PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego - WORD). To apply for this, you will need: your identification document as well as proof of paying the fee, and a picture of yourself. If you don't know Polish it is possible to be accompanied by a professional interpreter during the test.
3. Practical test
You'll need to pass the practical test if you're driving on a foreign license. This test is more difficult than the one for theory and the passing rate is low. Furthermore, you are able to take the test in a practical manner only if you're legally resident in Poland. If not, your driving license is indefinite. You could also be fined if you are stopped by the police for driving without a valid driver's licence.
In order to pass the practical test you have to provide a completed application form, which is online and to be filled out in Polish (Google Translate can help). Also, you will require an official medical certificate that proves you are qualified to drive.
Bring your photo ID and proof of health insurance coverage, along with an up-to-date colour photo (size 3,5cm x 3,5cm). You will have to register with the department of civil affairs as a candidate for driving and this will require you to complete an application for a driving profile for the candidate (RKK) and get a code number to use in the system.
The process can be complicated and time-consuming, especially in the event that you're unfamiliar with Polish language. It's recommended to find an English-speaking instructor, and to make reservations for your lessons well in advance. You can also find a driving schools that offer English lessons in some regions.
Anyone seeking a Polish driving license is obliged to provide a copy of the residence permit or visa for non-EU citizens. This is necessary to prove that you've been in Poland for more than 185 days.
The office will need proof of payment for the theory and the practical test. The total cost should be approximately 1,500 PLN. Cash payments are accepted but it won't guarantee a quicker processing of your documents. The entire process can take between two and four weeks. In some places, it can take even longer. If you're uncertain about the deadlines, you'll need to contact your local office.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have relocated to Poland and want to drive, obtaining a Polish driver's license is crucial for avoiding problems with insurance for cars. However, before they can get that license, they must pass the theory test and this costs them. The good part is that if they are citizens of countries who have signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, this process will be much easier than for non-natives.
The first thing they must do is ensure that they have lived in Poland for at least 6 months. This must be proven by the registration of their local address or residence permit, or visa. The applicant must also fill out the entire application form. You can find the form on the internet or at the local office. A recent 35 x45 mm photograph and evidence of identity like valid passports, should be included. 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 the driving licence for issue. This usually takes up to 9 working days. If the case requires an extensive examination the wait time could be as long as a month.
A foreign national will also need to provide a copy of their medical certificate. This is crucial since if they don't have an authentic health certificate, they'll be required to take the test again, which can increase the time they wait for the exam by up to two months.
Once your driving license is issued after the driving licence is issued, you are required to pay an office fee. The cost is 100 PLN (for EU citizens) and 250 PLN (for non-EU citizens). The fee can be paid by bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. The applicant will receive their driver's license at their home address. If the driving license is not issued due to any reason the City Mayor may appeal to the Local Government Appeals Board of Rzeszow.