How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone dreams of having a driving licence that will never expire. But the reality is different.
The process of getting an Polish driver's license is complicated. The most important 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
To obtain your driver's license, you must first obtain the doctor's (orzeczenie lkarskie) approval that you are fit to drive. It may sound odd however this is how it is done in Poland. The doctor will ask a series of silly questions about your health, such as when you have problems with your vision or any other medical issue. They won't examine you physically. The cost of this exam is around 200 PLN.
If you're from one of the countries that is a member 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 do this because your driving licence is valid in Poland. However, if you're coming from a country which doesn't belong to either of these groups, then you'll need to pass a medical test and a theory and practice driving test to obtain an official Polish license.
Both exams can be completed in English However, it can be a bit of a hit or miss depending on the centre. Make sure to call ahead to check availability prior to scheduling an appointment. You'll also have to hire a translator if your level of Polish is not high enough to pass the exam.
Once you have your medical certificate, you'll need to go to the district authority to fill out an individual driver profile (PKK - Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need a scanned photocopy of your passport and proof of your residence in Poland and an image in color.
You then go to a special office where they will create your personal file and scan your documents. They then give them to your. From this point, you can start preparing for the tests and enrol at a driving school. WORD is offered in many major towns, and even in smaller ones. However, some schools require payment to run their courses.
2. Theory test
If you have a foreign driving license that is valid in Poland if you also carry an International Driving Permit ("IDP"). If you plan to drive a car in Poland for a period longer than six months, then you'll need an IDP. It is required to exchange your IDP for an official Polish license in the event that you do not have one. The process requires that you meet four criteria that include: 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 by the government.
You'll need to submit an Driving Candidate Profile, as well as other documents to take the state driving test. Those include your ID and a health certificate, an approved driving instructor's report, and an image of your visa or residency permit. The driving test itself consists of two parts: the theory part and the practical. The theoretical portion includes 32 multiple-choice tests and covers issues as road signs and traffic laws, emergency procedures and safe driving techniques. To pass you must answer correctly 26 questions.
The practical portion of the driving exam involves driving a car on a public road under the supervision of a trained instructor. During this period, a driver will observe your ability to adhere to the rules of driving particularly in difficult conditions like city streets or highways. The practical test lasts approximately 40 minutes.
Before you can pass your state driving test, you need to apply for a PKK at the Province Road Traffic Centers. For this purpose, you will need: your identity document and proof of payment of the fee required and a photograph of you. If you don't know Polish, you can be accompanied by a professional interpreter during the test.
3. Practical test
If you're driving on a foreign licence you'll also have to pass a practical test. This is a more difficult test than the theory and the success rate is very low. It is only possible to take the practical test in the event that you are legally resident in Poland. If not, your driving license will be valid for a long time and if you're stopped by the police, you could be fined for driving with a valid driver's licence.
To take the test, you have to fill out an application form in Polish. Google Translate will help. Additionally, you'll need a medical certificate stating that you're fit to drive.
Bring a photo ID and evidence of health insurance coverage and a recent colour photograph (size 3,5cm x 4,5cm). You must sign up as a driver candidate with the Department of Civil Affairs. This requires that you fill out a Driving Profile of the candidate (RKK) in order to be issued a code to use within the system.
It's a long and difficult process, especially if your language abilities aren't up to par. It's a good idea to find an English-speaking instructor and to make reservations for your lessons well in advance. In some regions there are driving schools that provide lessons in English.
The person who applies for the Polish driver's license must provide an original copy of their residence permit or visa if they are not EU citizens. This is required to prove that you have lived in Poland for at least the period of 185 days.
The office will need proof of payment for the theory test and the practical test. The total cost of the process should be about 1,500 PLN. There is an option of paying in cash, however, this does not guarantee speedier processing of documents. The entire process can take two to four weeks. In some locations it could take longer. If you're uncertain about the deadlines, it's best to inquire with the local office.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have emigrated to Poland and want to drive, getting the Polish driver's license is vital to avoid issues with car insurance. However before they can do that they must pass the exam in theory and this costs them. This is easier for foreigners who are citizens of countries that 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 can be proved through an address registration for local addresses or a residence permit or visa. The applicant should also submit the entire application form. The form can be found on the internet or at a local office. You must also provide an image of recent date that is 35 x 45 mm and documents of identification, such as a passport. In addition, they should include an official health care system which confirms that they do not have any medical contraindications to driving.
The voivodship office then prepare the driving license documents for issuance. It can take up to nine working days. The waiting time can extend to one month in cases that require a thorough examination.
In addition to the document proving their right to reside in Poland, a person who is a foreign national must submit a copy of their medical certificate. This is crucial since if they don't have an authentic health certificate, they'll be required to sit for the exam in a second time, which can extend the waiting time by up to two months.
After fahrschule in polen 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 non-EU citizens). This fee is payable via bank transfer or credit card, debit card or. The applicant will receive their driver's license at their residence address. If the driver's license is not issued due to any reason, the City Mayor can appeal to the Local Government Appeals Board of Rzeszow.