How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone dreams of having an driving license that will never expire. But the reality is different.
Getting an Polish driving license is several steps. The most important include medical examination and theory as well as practical lessons. You must also meet the requirements for age of the category in which you're applying for a driving licence.
1. Medical exam
The first thing that needs to be done in order to get your driving license is to get a doctor's approval (orzeczenie lekarskie) that you are able to drive. lkw führerschein kosten in polen may sound odd however this is how it is done in Poland. The doctor will ask you a bunch silly questions about your health and wellbeing, for instance if you are having problems with your vision or other medical issue. They won't even examine you physically. The cost of this test is around 200 PLN.
If you are coming from a nation that is part of the EU, EEA, or an EEA member under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic there is no have to take this additional step since your driving license will be accepted as valid in Poland. If you're coming from a non-member country, you will need to pass both a theoretical and a practical test, and also a medical exam to obtain the Polish driving license.
It is possible to take both of these tests in English. However it's dependent on the centre. Make sure to call ahead to check availability before making an appointment. You will also need to book a translator if your level of Polish is not high enough to pass the test.
Once you have your medical certificate, you need to go to the district authority to get an updated driver's profile (PKK Profile Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need an image of your passport as well as proof of your residency in Poland and one current photo in colour.
Then you go into a special office where they create your personal file scan your documents and give them to you. From there you can begin to prepare for the test and enroll in 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're a driver with an international driving permit, it's valid in Poland when you also have an International Driving Permit ("IDP"). If you plan to operate in a vehicle in Poland for a longer period than six months, then you'll require an IDP. If not, you will need to exchange it in exchange for a Polish driving license. You must meet four conditions to complete the process: you must be a Polish citizen You must also have passed a medical test, you must pass a driving test administered by the state and you must have completed your driving lessons at a school that is that is approved by the government.
To take the state driving exam you will require a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. This includes your ID, your health certificate, a letter from an approved driving instructor and a copy your visa or residence permit. The driving test is split into two parts, the theoretical part and the practical. The theoretical part includes thirty-two multiple-choice tests and covers topics as road signs and traffic laws, emergency protocol and safe driving methods. To pass you must be able to answer 26 questions.
The practical portion of the driving test consists of driving a car on a public roadway under controlled supervision. During this time the instructor will be observing your ability to adhere to the rules of the road, particularly in difficult situations such as highways or city streets. The duration of the practice test is around 40 minutes.
Before you can take the driving test for state, it is necessary to apply for an PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchudrogowego - WORD). You'll need to present your identity document and proof that you have paid the fee that is required as well as a photograph of yourself. If you don't know Polish, a professional translator can accompany you during the exam.
3. Practical test
If you're driving a car on a foreign licence you'll also need to pass an actual test. This is a harder test than the one for theory, and the rate of passing is lower. Moreover, you can take the practical test only if you're legally living in Poland. If you are not, your driving licence is indefinite. You could also be fined if are stopped by police for driving without a valid driver's licence.
To take the test, you must fill out an application form in Polish. Google Translate can help. You also need to have medical evidence that shows you're fit to drive.
Bring a photo ID and proof of health insurance coverage and a recent colour photograph (size 3,5cm x 3,5cm). You must register 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 long and complicated process, especially if your language skills are not up to par. It is best to find an English-speaking driving instructor and schedule your lessons in advance. You can also find driving schools that offer English lessons in specific regions.
The person applying for a Polish driver's license has to submit the original copy of their residence permit or visa if they are not EU citizens. This is required to prove that you have resided in Poland for at least one 185-day period.
The office will also require proof of payment for practical and theory tests. The total cost of the process is approximately 1,500 PLN. There is the option to pay in cash but this doesn't guarantee you a quicker processing of the documents. The entire process takes between two and four weeks. In some areas it can be even longer. Consult your local office if 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 issues with car insurance. However, before they can do that they must pass the theory test, and this process 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 have to prove that they have been living in Poland for at least six months. This should be verified by either local address registration or a residence permit or the issuance of a visa. The applicant must also fill out the entire application form. The form is available online or in a local office. They must also submit an image of recent date that is 35 x 45 millimeters and evidence of identity like a passport. Finally, they must include a certificate from the health system that states that they do not have any health contraindications to driving.
Once they have submitted these documents The voivodship office will prepare their driving licence document to issue. It can take up to nine working days. If you require an extensive examination the wait time can be up to 1 month.
A foreign national is also required to submit a copy the medical certificate of their doctor. It is important to possess a valid medical certificate as without it, the foreigner may have to take a new theory test, which could extend their waiting period by two months.
Once the driving licence has been issued the fee has to be paid at the office. This fee is 100 PLN to EU citizens and 250 PLN for citizens who are not EU citizens. The fee can be paid by bank transfer, debit card or credit card. The applicant will receive their driver's license at their residence 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.