How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone dreams about having an excellent driving license which will never expire. The reality is a bit different.
The process of obtaining an Polish driver's license is complicated. The most crucial are: medical exam as well as theory and practical classes. You must also meet the requirements for age of the category for which you are applying for a driving licence.
1. Medical exam
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 might sound strange, but that's how it works in Poland. The doctor will ask a series of silly questions about your health and wellbeing, for instance 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 approximately 200 PLN.
If you're from an area that is part of the EU or EEA or a country which is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you don't have to take this step, as your driving licence will be recognised as valid in Poland. If you are coming from a country that is not a member you must pass both a theory and a practice test as well as an exam for medical certification to obtain the Polish driving license.
Both of these tests can be conducted in English However, it can be somewhat of a hit or miss based on the center. wie viel kostet ein führerschein in polen is recommended to call ahead and check availability before booking your appointment. You'll also need to arrange for an interpreter if your level of Polish is not high enough to pass the exam.
After you've received your medical certificate, you need to go to the district authority to get an updated driver's profile (PKK Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need a scan copy of your passport and proof of your residence in Poland as well as an image in color.
Then, you visit an office that is specially designed to create your personal file and scan your documents to give them to you. From this point, you can start preparing for the tests and enroll at a driving academy. You will find WORD facilities in all major cities and many smaller ones as well but most schools require a fee to be able to run their courses.
2. Theory test
If you have a driver's license from another country it is valid in Poland in the event that you carry an International Driving Permit ('IDP') in addition to it. If you intend to drive a car in Poland for a longer period than six months, then you'll require an IDP. Otherwise, it is necessary to exchange it in exchange for a Polish driving licence. You must satisfy four requirements to be able to complete the process that include: you must be a Polish citizen You must also have passed a medical exam and pass a driving test administered by the state and you must have completed driving lessons at a driving school that has been recognized by the government.
To take the state driving exam you will require a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. These include your ID, your health certificate, a copy of your report from a driving instructor who is approved and a copy your residence permit or visa. The driving test is divided into two parts, the theoretical portion and the practical. The theory part consists of 32 multiple-choice tests that cover subjects such as traffic signs, road signs emergency protocols, safe driving practices. To pass you must be able to answer 26 questions.
The practical portion of the driving test involves driving a car on a public road under the supervision of a trained instructor. During this period, a driver will be observing your ability to observe the rules of driving particularly in difficult conditions like city streets or highways. The duration of the practical test is about 40 minutes.
Before you can take the driving test of the state, it is necessary to apply for an PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego - WORD). You'll need to present your identity document, proof that you have paid the fee that is required, and a photo of yourself. If you do not speak Polish an experienced translator can accompany you on the exam.
3. Practical test
If you're driving that has a foreign license, you'll also have to pass a practical test. It's a more difficult test than the one for theory, and the pass rate is low. You can only take the test in practice in the event that you are legally resident of Poland. If you're not, your driving permit will be valid for a long time. You could be fined if are stopped by police for driving without a valid driving licence.
To take the test, you need to fill out an application form in Polish. Google Translate can assist. Also, you must have an official medical certificate that proves you're fit to drive.
You have to bring a photo ID, the evidence of your health insurance coverage, and a current photo in colour (size 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm). 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) in order to be issued a code to use within the system.
It's a long and complicated process, especially in the event that your language skills aren't up to par. It is best to find an instructor who speaks English and book your lessons in advance. There are also driving schools that provide English lessons in specific regions.
The person 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 been in Poland for more than 185 days.
The office will require proof of payment both for the theory test and the practical test. The total cost should be approximately 1,500 PLN. There is an option to pay in cash but this doesn't guarantee you speedier processing of documents. The entire process takes between two and four weeks. In some places, it can be longer. If you're unsure about the deadlines, it's best to contact your local office.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have moved to Poland and would like to drive, obtaining an Polish driver's license is essential for avoiding problems with insurance for cars. Before they can do this, they must first pass the theoretical test and pay. This process will be easier for foreigners who are citizens of countries which have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
First they must demonstrate that they have been living in Poland for at least six months. This is verified by a local address registration or a residence permit or visa. They must submit a completed application form. The form is available online or at a local office. A recent 35 x45 mm photograph and evidence of identity, such as valid passports, should be included. They must also submit a medical certificate that confirms they are qualified to drive.
The voivodship office then prepare the driving license documents for issuance. This could take up to nine working days. Waiting times can be as long as one month in cases that require a thorough exam.
A foreign national will also need to submit a copy their medical certificate. It is crucial to possess a valid medical certificate as without it, the foreigner will be required to retake the theory test, which could increase their waiting period by up to two months.
After the driving license has been issued, a fee will need to be paid at the office. The fee is 100 PLN for EU citizens and 250 PLN for citizens who are not EU citizens. This fee is payable via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. The applicant will receive their driver's license at their residence 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.