How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone dreams of having a driving license that will never expire. However, the reality is quite different.
To get an Polish driving license is a lot of procedures. The most crucial 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 examination
The first thing that needs to be done to get your driving licence is getting the approval of a doctor (orzeczenie lekarskie) to drive. It might sound strange, but it's the way things work in Poland. The doctor will ask you a plethora of naive questions about your health, like if you have problems with your eyesight, or any other medical issue but they will not actually examine you at all. The cost for this exam is about 200 PLN.
If you're a country which is part of the EU or EEA or a country which is a participant in the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you do not need to take this step since your driving license will be recognized as valid in Poland. If, however, you're from a country that doesn't belong to either of these groups and you're not a member, then you'll need pass a medical examination and a practical and theoretical driving exam in order to get a Polish licence.
Both of these tests can be conducted in English, however it is an occasional chance to fail or succeed based on the centre. It is a good idea to call ahead and verify availability before booking your appointment. You'll also need to hire an interpreter if your level of Polish isn't sufficient to pass the test.
Once you have your medical certificate you'll need to go to the district authority to complete a driver profile (PKK – Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need a scan copy of your passport and proof of your residence in Poland, as well as an image in color.
You then go to a special office where they will create your personal file and scan your documents. They then distribute them to your. You can then begin getting ready for your driving test and then enroll in an instructor. WORD is readily available in all major cities, and even in smaller ones. However Fuehrerscheinn require payment to run their courses.
2. Theory test
If you hold 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 require an IDP. It is required to exchange the IDP for the Polish license in the event that you do not have one. You must meet four requirements for the process to be completed that include: you must be a Polish citizen, you must have passed a medical exam and pass a driving test administered by the state and you must have completed driving lessons at a driving school that has been that is 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 as well as medical certificate, an approved driving instructor's report, and the photocopy of your passport or residency permit. The driving test itself is comprised of two parts: the theory part and the practical. The theory portion consists of 32 multiple-choice questions that cover topics like road signs, traffic rules emergency protocols, safe driving practices. You must answer correctly at least 26 questions in order to pass.
The practical portion of the driving test consists of driving a vehicle on a road that is public and under controlled supervision. During this period the instructor will be monitoring your ability to follow the rules of the road, especially 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 you must apply for a PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchudrogowego - WORD). To do this you'll need your identification document as well as proof of paying the fee required and a picture of yourself. If you don't speak Polish or Polish, you will be assisted by an experienced interpreter during the test.
3. Practical test
If you're driving a car that has a foreign license, you'll also have to pass an actual test. It's a more difficult test than the one for theory and the pass rate is low. Additionally, you can take the test in a practical manner only if you're legally living in Poland. If you are not, your driving license is indefinite. You could be fined if are stopped by the police for driving without a valid driver's license.
To take the test, you must fill out an application form in Polish. Google Translate can assist. You will also need an official medical certificate proving that you are fit to drive.
Bring an ID photo and evidence of health insurance coverage, along with a recent colour photo (size 3,5cm x 4,5cm). You must sign up as a driver candidate with the Department of Civil Affairs. This will require that you fill out a Driving Profile of the Candidate (RKK) to receive a code to use within the system.
It's a lengthy and difficult process, especially if your language skills aren't up to par. It is advisable to hire an English-speaking instructor and to make reservations for your lessons well in advance. There are also driving schools that offer English lessons in certain regions.
The person who applies for an Polish driver's license must submit the original copy of their residence permit or visa if not EU citizens. This is necessary to prove that you've been living in Poland for at least 185 days.
The office will require proof of payment for the theory and practical test. The total cost for the entire process should be around 1,500 PLN. Cash payments are accepted however it doesn't guarantee faster processing of your documents. The whole process takes around two to four weeks. In some areas it can be longer. Ask your local office if you are not sure of the deadlines.
4. Documents
It is important for foreigners wanting to drive in Poland to obtain a Polish driving license in order to be able to avoid problems with their car insurance. However, before they can get that license, they must pass the exam in theory and this will cost them. The good part 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 other foreigners.
First they must be able to prove that they have been living in Poland for at minimum six months. This can be proved by a local address registration, residence permit or visa. The applicant should also submit the application form in its entirety. The form is available online or at a local office. You must also provide an image of recent date that is 35 x 45 mm as well as documents of identification, such as a passport. They must also submit an official health certificate to prove they are qualified to drive.
Once they have submitted these documents after which the voivodship office will draft their driving license document for issue. It usually takes between 5 and 9 working days. If the case requires extensive testing the wait time could be as long as one month.
A foreign national is also required to submit a copy the medical certificate of their doctor. It is important to have a valid medical certificate because without it, the foreigner will be required to retake the theory test, which could extend the waiting time by up to two months.
After the driving license has been prepared the fee has to be paid at the office. This fee is 100 PLN to EU citizens and 250 PLN for non-EU citizens. This cost is payable via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. The applicant will receive their driver's license at their home address. If for any reason, the driving license is not issued, an appeal may be made to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow by contacting the City Mayor.