How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone hopes to have an excellent driving license that will never expire. The reality is quite different.
To get an Polish driving license involves several steps. The most important ones are medical examinations and theory as well as practical lessons. It is also essential to meet the requirements of age for the category of driving license.
1. Medical examination
The first thing to be done to get your driving license is obtaining the approval of a doctor (orzeczenie lekarskie) to drive. It might sound weird but it's the way things work in Poland. The doctor will ask you a bunch of questions that aren't really relevant to your health, like whether you suffer from problems with your eyesight, or any other medical issue and will never physically examine you at all. The cost of this test is around 200 PLN.
If you're from one of the countries that is a member of the EU or EEA or one that is a participant in the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you do not need to take this step because your driving licence will be recognized as valid in Poland. However, if you're coming from a country that isn't part of any of these groups, then you'll need to take a medical exam and a practical and theoretical driving exam in order to obtain an official Polish licence.
It is possible to pass both of these exams in English. However, it depends on the center. Call ahead to check on availability prior to making an appointment. It's also worth mentioning that in the event that you don't have a sufficient level of Polish to be able to pass the test, you'll have to book an interpreter for the entire day.
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 a scanned photocopy of your passport and evidence of your residence in Poland and an image in color.
Then, you enter an office that is specially designed to create your personal file scan your documents and give them to you. From there, you can start preparing for the test and enroll at a driving academy. You can find WORD facilities in all major cities and most smaller ones as well however, most schools require a payment in order to hold their classes.
2. Theory test
If you have a driving license issued abroad it is valid in Poland in the event that you have an International Driving Permit ('IDP') in addition to it. You'll need an IDP for every vehicle that you drive in Poland for longer than six months. If not, you will need to exchange it to obtain an official Polish driving licence. You must satisfy four requirements to be able to complete the process that include: you must be a Polish citizen You must also pass a medical examination, you must pass a state-approved driving test and you must have completed driving lessons at a school that is approved by the government.
To take the state-issued driving test you will require a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. These include your ID and health certificate, a letter from a driving instructor who is approved and a copy your visa or residence permit. The driving test is divided into two parts: the theoretical part and the practical. The theoretical part comprises 32 multiple-choice questions that cover subjects as road signs and traffic laws, emergency protocols and safe driving practices. lkw führerschein in polen must be able to answer at least 26 questions to pass.
The practical part of your driving test entails driving on a highway that is public under the supervision of a trained instructor. During this period, an instructor will be watching your ability to adhere to the rules of the road, especially in challenging situations such as highways 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. You will need your identity document as well as proof that you've paid the fee required and a picture of yourself. If you don't know Polish, you can be accompanied by a professional 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 tougher test than the theory one and the success rate is very low. Additionally, you can take the practical test only if you're legally living in Poland. If you're not, your driving license is indefinite. You could also be fined if you are stopped by the police for driving without a valid driving licence.
To take the test, you must complete an application form in Polish. Google Translate can help. Additionally, you'll need a medical certificate stating that you're qualified to drive.
Bring a photo ID and proof of health insurance coverage, and an up-to-date colour photo (size 3,5cm x 4,5cm). You must register as a driver candidate with the Department of Civil Affairs. This requires that you fill out a Driving Profile of the candidate (RKK) to be issued a code to use within the system.
The process is often complicated and time-consuming, especially in the event that you're unfamiliar with Polish language. It's best to hire an English-speaking driving instructor and book your lessons well in advance. There are also driving schools that offer English lessons in specific regions.
The person who applies for the Polish driver's license has to submit a copy either of their residence permit or visa if they are not EU citizens. This is necessary to prove that you've been in Poland for 185 days or more.
The office will also require a proof of payment for the practical and theory tests. The total cost of the test should be about 1500 PLN. There is an option of paying in cash, but this doesn't guarantee you a quicker processing of the documents. The whole process takes around two to four weeks. In some locations it can take longer. Ask your local office if you are not sure of the deadlines.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have moved to Poland and want to drive, obtaining the Polish driver's license is essential to avoid problems with insurance for cars. Before they can obtain this, they need to pass the theoretical test, which will cost them. This process will be easier for foreigners who are citizens of countries which have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
First they have to prove that they have been living in Poland for at minimum six months. This must be proven through the registration of their local address or residence permit, or visa. They must submit a completed application form. You can find the form on the internet or at a local office. You must also provide a recent photograph that measures 35 x 45 millimeters and evidence of identity like a passport. In addition, they should include a certificate from the health care system which confirms that they do not have any health contraindications to driving.
The voivodship office will prepare the driving license documents for issuance. This can take up to nine working days. The waiting time can be as long as 1 month in cases which require a thorough examination.
A foreign national is also required to provide a copy of their medical certificate. It is crucial to have a valid medical certification because without it, the foreigner will be required to retake the theory test, which could extend their waiting period by two months.
Once the driving license has been issued it will be required to be paid at the office. The cost is 100 PLN (for EU citizens) and 250 PLN (for non-EU citizens). This cost can be paid by bank transfer, debit card or credit card. The applicant will be issued the driver's license at their residence address. If for any reason, the driving license is not issued, an appeal can be made to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow via the City Mayor.