How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone wants to have a perfect driving licence, which will never expire. The reality is a bit different.
To get a Polish driving license is a lot of procedures. The most important are medical examinations and theory as well as practical lessons. You must also meet the age requirements of the category in which you're applying for a driving licence.
1. Medical examination
To obtain your driver's license, first obtain a doctor's (orzeczenie lkarskie) approval that you are fit to drive. It may sound strange, but this is how it operates in Poland. The doctor will ask you a bunch of questions that aren't really relevant to your health, like the possibility of problems with your eyesight or any other medical issues, never actually physically examining you at all. The fee for this exam is about 200 PLN.
If you're from a country 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 since your driving licence will be recognized as valid in Poland. If however, you're from a nation that doesn't belong to either of these groups you'll have to pass a medical examination and a theory and practice driving exam in order to get an official Polish licence.
Both of these exams can be conducted in English, however it is a bit of a chance to fail or succeed based on the centre. It's a good idea to call ahead and verify availability prior to booking your appointment. You'll also have to arrange for a translator if your level of Polish isn't sufficient to pass the test.
Once you have your medical certification, you'll need to go to the district authority to complete the driver profile (PKK Profile Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need the passport scan and proof of your residence in Poland and one current photograph in color.
Then, you enter an office specifically designed for you where they create your personal file, scan your documents and give them to you. Then you can begin getting ready for your driving test and enroll in driving schools. WORD is offered in many major cities, and in smaller ones. However some schools require a fee to run their courses.
2. Theory test
If you're a driver with an international driving license that is valid in Poland if you also carry an International Driving Permit ("IDP"). You'll need an IDP for every vehicle driven in Poland for longer than six months. Otherwise, it is necessary to exchange it to obtain a Polish driving license. The process requires you to meet four conditions: you must be a Polish resident and you must pass medical tests, you must pass the state-approved driving test, and you must take driving lessons in an approved school by the government.
To pass the state-issued driving test you must have a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. These include your ID as well as health certificate, a certified driving instructor's certificate and the photocopy of your passport or residency permit. The driving test is split into two parts: the theoretical portion and the practical. The theoretical portion includes 32 multiple-choice tests and covers issues as road signs, traffic laws, emergency protocols and safe driving techniques. You must correctly answer at least 26 questions to pass.
The practical portion of the driving exam involves driving a vehicle on a public roadway under supervised supervision. During this time the instructor will be monitoring your ability to adhere to the rules of the road, especially in difficult situations such as roads or city streets. The duration of the practical test is approximately 40 minutes.
Before you can take your state driving test, you must apply for a PKK at the Province Road Traffic Centers. For this purpose you'll need your identity document and proof of payment of the required fee and a photograph of you. If you don't speak Polish, you can be assisted by an experienced interpreter during the test.
3. Practical test
You'll have to pass the practical test if driving with a foreign driver's license. It's a more difficult test than the one for theory, and the rate of passing is lower. It is only possible to take the test on the spot only if you're legally living in Poland. If not, your driving licence will be indefinite and when you're stopped by police, you could be fined for driving without a valid driver's license.
To pass 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 qualified to drive.
You must present 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 will be required to register as a driver candidate with the Department of Civil Affairs. This will require you fill out a Driver Profile of the Candidate (RKK) to receive a code to use within the system.
It's a lengthy and complicated process, especially when your English abilities aren't up to scratch. It's a good idea to find an English-speaking instructor, and to make reservations for your lessons well in advance. You can also find a driving school that offer English lessons in specific regions.
Anyone who is seeking an Polish driving license has to submit a copy of the residence permit or visa for non-EU citizens. This is required to prove that you've been in Poland for 185 days or more.
The office will also require a evidence of payment for the theory and practical tests. Führerschein of the process should be around 1500 PLN. There is an option of paying in cash, however, this does not guarantee speedier processing of documents. The entire process takes two to four weeks. In some areas it can be longer. If you're not sure about the deadlines, you'll need to inquire with your local office.
4. Documents
It is crucial for foreigners who wish to drive in Poland to get a Polish driving license in order to be able to avoid problems with their insurance coverage for cars. However, before they can obtain that, they must pass the exam in theory, and this process costs them. The good news is that if they are citizens of countries that have signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic the process will be much less difficult than for non-natives.
First they must prove that they have lived in Poland for at least six months. This must be proven by the registration of their local address, residence permit or visa. The applicant must also fill out the entire application form. The form can be found on the internet or at an office in your area. They should also provide an up-to-date photo that measures 35 x 45 millimeters and evidence of identity like a passport. They must also include a health care certificate to prove they are qualified to drive.
The voivodship office will prepare the driving license documents for issuance. This can take up to nine working days. In cases that require an extensive examination the wait time can be as long as a month.
In addition to the document proving the right to reside in Poland A foreign national will need to provide a copy or a copy of their medical certificate. It is crucial to have a valid medical certification as without it, the foreigner may be required to retake the theory test, which could extend the waiting time by as much as two months.
After the driving licence is completed and issued, you will need to pay a fee at the office. This is 100 PLN for EU citizens and 250 PLN for citizens who are not EU citizens. This cost can be paid via bank transfer or credit card, debit card or. The applicant will receive their driver's license at their home address. If, for any reason, the driving licence is not issued, an appeal can be made to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow through the City Mayor.