How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone dreams of having a driving licence that will never expire. However, the reality is very different.
The process for obtaining an Polish driver's license is a thorny process. The most important ones are: medical examination, theory and practical lessons. It is also essential to meet the requirements of age for the category of the driving license.
1. Medical examination
The first thing to be done to get your driving licence is getting a doctor's approval (orzeczenie lekarskie) that you are able to drive. It may sound odd, but this is how it operates in Poland. The doctor will ask a series of silly questions about your health and wellbeing, for instance if you are having problems with your vision or any other medical issues. They will not examine you physically. The cost of this exam is approximately 200 PLN.
If you're coming from a country which is part of the EU, EEA, or a member of 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic there is no need to take this additional step as your driving license will be recognized as valid in Poland. If, however, you're from a nation that isn't part of any of these groups, then you'll need to take a medical exam and a theory and practice driving exam in order to be able to obtain an official Polish licence.
It is possible to pass both of these exams in English. However it is contingent on the center. Call ahead to check on availability prior to scheduling an appointment. It's also worth noting that if you don't have a sufficient level of Polish to easily ace the exam, then you'll have to book an interpreter for the day.
After you've received your medical certificate, you have to visit the district authority to get an updated driver's profile (PKK Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need a scanned copy of your passport and evidence of your residence in Poland, as well as a color photo.
You then go to an office with a specific purpose where they will create your personal file and scan your documents. They then distribute them to you. You can then start getting ready for your driving test and enroll in a driving school. You will find WORD facilities in all major cities, and many smaller ones as well but most schools require a deposit to keep their courses.
2. Theory test
If you have a driver's license from another country it is valid in Poland provided you have an International Driving Permit ('IDP') along with it. You must have an IDP for every vehicle that you drive in Poland for longer than six months. It is required to exchange your IDP for an official Polish licence in the event that you do not have one. The process requires you to meet four criteria: you must be a Polish resident You must also have passed medical exams, you must pass the state driving exam and complete driving lessons at an approved school by the government.
You'll need to fill out the Driving Candidate Profile, as well as other documents to take the state driving test. Those include your ID as well as health certificate, a valid driving instructor's report, and an image of your visa or residency permit. killer deal driving test is divided into two parts: the theoretical part and the practical. The theory portion comprises 32 multiple-choice questions that cover topics like traffic signs, road signs, emergency protocol, and safe driving techniques. You must correctly answer at least 26 questions to pass.
The practical portion of the driving test consists of driving a vehicle on a road that is public and under supervised supervision. During this time the instructor will be watching your ability to observe the rules of the road, particularly in difficult situations such as city streets or highways. The practical test lasts about 40 minutes.
Before you can sit for the driving test for state, it is necessary to apply for an PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchudrogowego - WORD). For this purpose you'll need your identification document and proof of payment of the required fee and a photo of you. If you don't know Polish, you can be assisted by an experienced interpreter during the exam.
3. Practical test
If you're driving with a foreign license, you'll also need to pass a practical test. This is a much harder test than the one for theory and the pass rate is very low. It is only possible to take the practical test if you are legally resident of Poland. If not, your driving licence will remain indefinitely and when you're stopped by police you may be fined for driving without a valid driver's licence.
In order to pass the practical test, you'll need to provide a completed application form that is available online and needing to be filled out in Polish (Google Translate can help). Additionally, you'll need medical evidence that shows you're fit to drive.
Bring a photo ID and proof of health insurance coverage, and an up-to-date colour photo (size 3,5cm x 3,5cm). You will be required to register as a driver candidate with the Department of Civil Affairs. This will require that you fill out a Driver Profile of the Candidate (RKK) to be issued a code to use within the system.
It's a lengthy and complex process, particularly in the event that your language skills aren't adequate. It's a good idea to find an English-speaking instructor and to make reservations for your lessons well in advance. There are also driving schools that provide English lessons in some regions.
A person who's seeking a Polish driving license has 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 one 185-day period.
The office will need proof of payment for the theory and practical test. The total cost should be around 1,500 PLN. There is an option of paying cash, however, this does not guarantee faster processing of documents. The entire process can take two to four weeks. In some locations it can take longer. Consult your local office if are unsure of the deadlines.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have relocated to Poland and want to drive, getting an Polish driver's license is essential to avoid problems with insurance for cars. However before they can obtain that they must pass the theoretical exam, and this process will cost them. The good part is that if they are citizens of countries that have signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, this process will be much easier than for other foreigners.
The first thing they have to do is verify that they have been in Poland for a minimum of six months. This should be verified through either a local address registration, a residence permit, or the issuance of a visa. You must submit a completed application form. The form can be found online or at an office in your area. A recent 35 x45 millimeter photograph and identification proof like valid passports, should be submitted. They must also submit an official health certificate that proves they are fit to drive.
The voivodship office will then prepare the driving license documents to issue. It can take up to nine working days. In cases that require an extensive examination the wait time can be as long as a month.
A foreign national will also need to submit a copy of the medical certificate of their doctor. It is important to possess a valid medical certificate since without it, the foreigner may be required to retake the theory test, which can extend the time they wait by as much as two months.
After the driving license has been prepared, 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 cost is payable via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. The applicant will be issued the driver's license at their home address. If for any reason the driving licence is not issued, an appeal could be made to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow through the City Mayor.