How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone hopes to have a driving license 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 are the medical exam as well as theory and practical classes. It is also necessary to meet the requirements of age for the category of the driving license.
1. Medical exam
The first thing that needs to be completed to obtain your driving license is obtaining the approval of a doctor (orzeczenie lekarskie) that you are able to drive. It might sound weird but it's the way things work in Poland. The doctor will ask a series of silly questions about your health and wellbeing, for instance when you have problems with your vision or any other medical issue. They won't even examine you physically. The cost for this test is around 200 PLN.
If you're coming from a country which is a part of the EU, EEA, or a member of 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic you do not need to take this additional step since your driving licence will be recognized as valid in Poland. If you are coming from a non-member country you must pass both a theory and a practice test as well as an exam for medical certification to obtain a Polish driving licence.
Both exams can be completed in English However, it can be an occasional hit or miss depending on the center. It's a good idea to call ahead and verify availability prior to making an appointment. It's also worth noting that in the event that you don't have a sufficient level of Polish to pass the test, you'll need to hire an interpreter for the entire day.
Once you've got your medical certificate, you must visit the district authority to get a driver's profile filled in (PKK Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You will need to take an image of your passport and proof of your residence in Poland and one current photograph in color.
Then, you visit an office that is specially designed to create your personal file, scan your documents and give them to you. Then you can begin preparing for your driving tests and enroll in a driving school. There are WORD facilities in all major towns and many smaller ones but most schools require a deposit to hold 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') in addition to it. You'll need an IDP for each vehicle driven in Poland for more than six months. In other cases, it is required to exchange it for a Polish driving licence. The process requires that you meet four conditions to be a Polish resident, you must have passed medical tests and pass the state-approved driving test and complete driving lessons at an approved school by the government.
To pass the driving test in the state, you need a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. These include your ID, your health certificate, a copy of your report from a certified driving instructor, and a copy of your visa or residence permit. The driving test is split into two parts: the theoretical part and the practical. The theoretical portion includes 32 multiple-choice questions and covers such issues as road signs, traffic laws, emergency protocol and safe driving techniques. You must be able to answer at least 26 of the questions to pass.
The practical part of the driving test consists of driving a vehicle on a public road under supervised supervision. During this time an instructor will be observing your ability to follow the rules of the road, particularly in difficult situations like city streets or highways. The duration of the practice test is about 40 minutes.
Before you can take the driving test of the state, it is necessary to apply for a PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchudrogowego - WORD). You'll need your identification document, proof that you have paid the fee required and a picture of yourself. If you don't know Polish, you can be assisted by an experienced interpreter during the examination.
3. Practical test
If you're driving a car that has a foreign license, you'll also have to pass a practical test. This is a more difficult test than the theory one and the pass rate is low. You are only able to take the test on the spot if you are legally resident of Poland. If you're not, your driving permit will be valid for a long time. You could also be fined if are stopped by the police for driving without a valid driving license.
In order to take the practical test you have to submit a completed application form, which is on the internet and must be completed in Polish (Google Translate can help). Also, you must have medical evidence that shows you're qualified to drive.
You have to present an ID photo, evidence of your health insurance coverage, and a recent 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 online profile of the driving candidate (RKK) and get an identification number to enter into the system.
The process can be difficult and time-consuming, especially when you're not a native speaker of the Polish language. It's recommended to employ an English-speaking instructor and to schedule your lessons in advance. In certain regions, there are driving schools that offer lessons in English.
Anyone seeking a Polish driving license is obliged to provide a copy the residence permit or visa for non-EU citizens. This is required to prove that you've lived in Poland for at least 185 days.
The office will require proof of payment for the theory test and the practical test. The total cost of the process should be around 1,500 PLN. Cash payments are accepted however it doesn't guarantee faster processing of your documents. The whole process takes around two to four weeks. In some areas it could take longer. Contact the local office if are unsure of the deadlines.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have relocated to Poland and would like to drive, getting a Polish driver's license is crucial to avoid issues with insurance for cars. However, before they can get that license they must pass the theoretical exam and this costs them. 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 must do is ensure that they have been in Poland for 6 months. This must be proven by an address registration for local addresses or a residence permit or visa. The applicant should also submit the complete application form. The form is available online or in a local office. A recent 35x45 mm photograph and identification proof like a valid passport, should be submitted. They should also provide a health care certificate to prove they are fit to drive.
The voivodship office will make the driving licence documents for issuance. This can take up to nine working days. If you require an extensive examination, the waiting time can be as long as a month.
A foreign national will also need to submit a copy of his or her medical certificate. It is crucial to possess a valid medical certificate since without it, the foreigner may have to take a new theory test, which can extend the time they wait by two months.
Once führerschein in polen kosten driving licence has been completed and issued, you will need to pay an amount at the office. The cost is 100 PLN (for EU citizens) and 250 PLN (for non-EU citizens). This cost can be paid via bank transfer or credit or debit card. The driver's license will then be mailed to the address of the applicant's home. If the driving license is not issued due to any reason the City Mayor may appeal to the Local Government Appeals Board of Rzeszow.