How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone hopes to have a driving licence that will never expire. However, the reality is very different.
The process of obtaining the Polish driver's license is complicated. The most important are: medical exam and theory as well as practical classes. It is also essential to meet the age requirements for the category of driving license.
1. Medical exam
To obtain a driving license, you must first obtain a doctor's (orzeczenie Lkarskie) confirmation that you're competent to drive. It may sound strange however this is how it operates in Poland. The doctor will ask you a lot of naive questions about your health, such as the possibility of problems with your eyesight, or any other medical problems, never actually physically examining you at all. The cost for this exam is around 200 PLN.
If you're an area that is part of the EU or EEA or a country that is a participant in the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you do not need to take this step, as your driving licence will be recognized as valid in Poland. If you're from a non-member country you must pass both a practical and theoretical test as well as an examination for medical reasons to get the Polish driving licence.
Both of these exams can be taken in English, however it is somewhat of a hit or miss depending on the center. It is a good idea to call ahead and confirm availability before booking your appointment. It's also worth noting that in the event that you don't have a sufficient level of Polish to be able to pass the test, 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 authorities and have an updated driver's profile (PKK Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need to submit an image of your passport and proof of your residence in Poland and a current photo in color.
Then you go into an office specifically designed for you where they create your personal file and scan your documents to give them to you. You can then begin preparation for your driving test and enroll in driving schools. You will find WORD facilities in all major cities, and many smaller ones but most schools require a payment in order to hold their classes.
2. Theory test
If you have a driving license from another country it is valid in Poland provided you carry an International Driving Permit ('IDP') along with it. If you intend to drive an automobile in Poland for more than six months, you will need an IDP. It is mandatory to exchange the IDP for an official Polish licence in the event that you do not have one. The process requires you to satisfy four requirements that include: you must be a Polish resident You must also have passed medical tests, you must pass the state-issued driving test, and you must take driving lessons in an approved by the government.
To pass the state driving exam you must have a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. This includes your ID, your health certificate, a copy of your report from a driving instructor who is approved and a copy of your residence permit or visa. The driving test itself is comprised of two parts: the theoretical portion and the practical. The theory portion consists of 32 multiple-choice tests that cover subjects like road signs, traffic rules, emergency protocol, and safe driving practices. You must correctly answer at least 26 questions in order to pass.
The practical portion of the driving test consists of driving a vehicle on a road that is public and under controlled supervision. During this period, an instructor will be monitoring your ability to follow the rules of the road, particularly in challenging situations such as city streets or highways. The duration of the practical test is about 40 minutes.
Before you can sit for the driving test of the state, it is necessary to apply for PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego - WORD). To do this you'll need your identity document, proof of payment of the required fee and a photo of you. If you don't speak Polish an experienced translator can accompany you on the exam.
3. Practical test
If you're driving a car that has a foreign license, you'll also have to pass an actual test. This test is more difficult than the one for theory and the passing rate is low. Additionally, you can take the practical test only if you're legally resident in Poland. If you're not, your driving licence will remain indefinitely and should you be stopped by police you may be fined for driving without a valid driver's license.
In order to take the practical test, you'll need to submit a completed application form, which is online and to be completed in Polish (Google Translate can help). Also, you must have an official medical certificate that proves you're qualified to drive.
You have to bring a photo ID, the proof of your health care coverage, and a current photo in colour (size 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm). You must register with the department of civil affairs as a driving candidate which will require you to fill in an application for a driving profile for the candidate (RKK) and receive an identification number to enter into the system.
It's a long and complex process, particularly in the event that your language abilities aren't up to scratch. It's recommended to find an English-speaking instructor and to book your lessons in advance. In certain areas, you will also find driving schools that provide lessons in English.
The person who applies for an Polish driver's license has to submit the original copy of their residence permit or visa if not EU citizens. This is necessary to prove that you've been in Poland for 185 days or more.
The office will also require proof of payment for the practical and theory tests. The total cost for the entire process should be about 1,500 PLN. There is the 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 certain areas, it could be even longer. If you're unsure about the deadlines, it's best to contact your local office.
4. motorrad führerschein in polen machen
For foreigners who have moved to Poland and wish to drive, getting the Polish driver's license is vital to avoid issues with car insurance. However before they can get that license, they must pass the theoretical exam and this costs them. The good part is that if they're citizens of countries that have signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, this procedure will be much simpler than for non-natives.
The first thing they must do is verify that they have lived in Poland for at least 6 months. This should be confirmed with either a local address registration, a residence permit, or a visa. The applicant should also submit the entire application form. The form can be found on the internet or at an office in your area. A recent 35 x 45 millimeter photo and evidence of identity, such as an authentic passport, must also be provided. Additionally, they should provide a certificate from the health care system that affirms that they don't have any medical contraindications to driving.
After they have submitted these documents The voivodship office will draft their driving license document for issue. It usually takes between 5 and 9 working days. Waiting times can extend to 1 month in cases that require a thorough exam.
A foreign national also needs to submit a copy the medical certificate of their doctor. This is crucial since if they don't have an authentic health certificate, they'll be required to sit for the test in a second time, which can extend their waiting time by up to 2 months.
After the driving licence is completed and issued, you will need to pay an amount at the office. This is 100 PLN for EU citizens and 250 PLN for non-EU citizens. This fee can be paid via bank transfer, debit card 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.