How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone wants a driving licence that will never expire. However, the reality is very different.
The process of getting the Polish driver's license is a thorny process. The most crucial are the medical exam, theory and practical classes. It is also essential to meet the age requirements for the category of the driving license.
1. Medical examination
The first thing that needs to be done in order to get your driving license is to get the approval of a doctor (orzeczenie lekarskie) that you are able to drive. It might sound odd but this is the way it operates in Poland. The doctor will ask you a plethora of questions that aren't really relevant to your health, like the possibility of problems with your eyesight or any other medical issue, never actually physically examining you in any way. The cost for this exam is about 200 PLN.
If you are coming from a country which is a part of the EU, EEA, or an EEA member under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic there is no need to take this extra step since your driving licence will be recognized as valid in Poland. If you're coming from a non-member nation, you will need to pass both a practical and theoretical test as well as an examination for medical reasons to get a Polish driving license.
Both of these tests can be completed in English however it is somewhat of a hit or miss depending on the center. It's a good idea to call ahead and confirm availability before booking your appointment. You'll also have to hire an interpreter if the level of Polish isn't sufficient to pass the exam.
Once you have your medical certificate, you will need to visit the district authority to fill in the driver profile (PKK - Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need to submit the passport scan as well as proof of your residency in Poland and one current photo in color.
Then, you visit a special office where they create your personal file scan your documents and give them to you. From there you can begin preparing for the tests and enroll at a driving academy. There are WORD facilities in all major cities, and most smaller ones too, although schools often require a fee to hold their courses.
2. Theory test
If you have an international driving license, it's valid in Poland when you also have an International Driving Permit ("IDP"). If you plan to drive in a vehicle in Poland for a period longer than six months, you will require an IDP. In motorrad führerschein polen kosten , it is required to exchange it for an official Polish driving license. You must meet four requirements for the process to be completed: you must be a Polish citizen, you must have passed a medical exam, you must pass a state-approved driving test and you must have completed driving lessons in a school approved by the government.
To pass the state-issued driving test you will require a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. They include your ID, a health certificate, a certified driving instructor's report, and a photocopy of your visa or residency permit. The driving test itself is comprised of two parts: the theory part and the practical part. The theory part consists of 32 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as traffic signs, road signs emergency protocols, safe driving techniques. You must be able to answer at least 26 questions in order to pass.
The practical part of the driving exam involves driving a vehicle on a public road under the supervision of a trained instructor. During this time the instructor will be monitoring your ability to adhere to the rules of the road, especially in difficult situations like highways or city streets. The test will last about 40 minutes.
Before you can sit for the driving test for state, it is necessary to apply for PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego - WORD). To apply for this, you will need: your identification document, proof of payment of the fee, and a photograph of you. If you don't know Polish A professional translator can accompany you during the test.
3. Practical test
You'll have to pass the practical test if you're driving with a foreign license. It's a tougher test than the one for theory and the pass rate is quite low. It is only possible to take the test in practice only if you're legally resident of Poland. If you're not, your driving licence will be indefinite and should you be stopped by police, you could be fined for driving with a valid driver's license.
To take the practical test, you have to complete an application form in Polish. Google Translate will help. You will also need a medical certificate that states you are competent to drive.
Bring a photo ID and proof of health insurance coverage as well as a recent colour photo (size 3,5cm x 4,5cm). You will be required to register as a driver candidate with the Department of Civil Affairs. This requires that you fill out a Driver Profile of the Candidate (RKK) to be issued a code to use within the system.
It can be a long and difficult process, especially when your English abilities aren't up to par. It is advisable to hire an English-speaking instructor and to book your lessons in advance. You can also find driving schools that provide English lessons in certain regions.
The person applying for an Polish driver's license must submit a copy either of their residence permit or visa if they are not EU citizens. This is required to prove that you've resided in Poland for at least 185 days.
The office will require proof of payment both for the theory and practical test. The total cost should be approximately 1,500 PLN. There is the option of paying in cash, but this doesn't guarantee you a quicker processing of the documents. The entire process can take two to four weeks. In some places, it can take even longer. If you're not sure about the deadlines, be sure to ask the local office.
4. Documents
It is crucial for foreigners wanting to drive in Poland to get the Polish driving license in order to be able to avoid problems with their insurance coverage for cars. Before they can obtain this, they must first pass the test in theory, which will cost them. This is easier for foreigners who are citizens of countries that have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
First they have to be able to prove that they've lived in Poland for at least six months. This can be proved by the registration of their local address, residence permit or visa. The applicant should also submit the entire application form. The form is available online or at the local office. You must also provide an image of recent date that is 35 x 45 mm as well as proof of identification such as a passport. They must also include an official health certificate to prove they are qualified to drive.
The voivodship office then prepare the driving licence documents to issue. It can take up to nine working days. If the case requires extensive testing the wait time can be as long as one month.
A foreign national also needs to submit a copy their medical certificate. This is important since if they don't have a valid health certificate, they will be required to sit for the exam in a second time, which can extend the waiting time by as much as 2 months.
Once your driving license is issued, you will be required to pay an office fee. The fee is 100 PLN for EU citizens and 250 PLN for non-EU citizens. This fee is payable via bank transfer, debit card or credit card. The driver's license will then be mailed to the address of the applicant's home. If the driver's license is not issued for any reason the City Mayor may appeal to the Local Government Appeals Board of Rzeszow.