The One EU Driving License Poland Costs Mistake That Every Beginner Makes
How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone wants to have a perfect driving licence, which will never expire. But the reality is different.
The process of getting a Polish driver's license is a thorny process. The most crucial are the medical exam and theory as well as practical classes. You must also meet the age requirements of the category for which you are applying for a driving license.
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 may sound odd however this is how it works in Poland. The doctor will ask you a lot of questions that aren't really relevant to your health, for instance, whether you suffer from problems with your eyesight or any other medical issues but they will not actually examine you at all. The cost for this exam is about 200 PLN.
If you're from a country which is part of the EU, EEA, or an EEA member under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic you do not need to take this extra step since 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 and you're not a member, then you'll need pass a medical test as well as a theoretical and practical driving test in order to be able to obtain a Polish license.
It is possible to take both of these exams in English. However it is contingent on the centre. It's a good idea to call ahead and verify availability prior to making an appointment. It's also worth noting that if you don't have a sufficient amount of Polish to pass the exam, then you'll have to book an interpreter for the duration of the exam.
Once you have your medical certificate, you must visit the district authority and get an official driver's profile completed (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.
Then, you visit an office specifically designed for you where they create your personal file, scan your documents and give them to you. From this point you can begin preparing for the tests and enrol at a driving school. You will find WORD facilities in all major towns and most smaller ones as well, although schools often require a deposit to be able to run their classes.
2. Theory test
If you have a driving license issued abroad it is valid in Poland as long as you have an International Driving Permit ('IDP') in addition to it. If you plan to drive in a vehicle in Poland for more than six months, you'll need an IDP. In other cases, it is required to exchange it in exchange for the Polish driving license. You must satisfy four requirements to be able to complete the process that include: you must be a Polish citizen, you must pass a medical examination and pass a state-approved driving test and you must have completed driving lessons in a school approved by the government.
To pass the driving test in the state you will require a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. Those include your ID and health certificate, a valid driving instructor's certificate and a photocopy of your visa or residency permit. The driving test is split into two parts, the theoretical portion and the practical. The theory part consists of 32 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as traffic signs, road signs emergency protocols, safe driving techniques. To pass, you must correctly answer 26 questions.
The practical part of your driving test is driving on a highway that is public under controlled supervision. During this time, an instructor will be monitoring your ability to follow the rules of the road, especially in challenging situations such as roads or city streets. The test is about 40 minutes.
Before you can take the driving test for state it is required to apply for PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego WORD). You'll need your identification document, proof that you have 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 exam.
3. Practical test
You'll need to pass the practical test if driving with a foreign license. This is a harder test than the one for theory, and the passing rate is low. You can only take the test on the spot only if you're legally living in Poland. If not, your driving license will be valid for a long time and should you be stopped by police you may be fined for driving with a valid driver's licence.
In order to take the practical test, you'll need to submit a completed application form - available online and to be completed in Polish (Google Translate can help). Also, you must have a medical certificate stating that you're qualified to drive.
You must bring a photo ID, the proof of your health care coverage, and a recent photo in colour (size 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm). You must sign up with the department of civil affairs as a driving candidate which will require you to complete an online profile of the driving candidate (RKK) and then receive an ID number that you can use in the system.
It can be a long and difficult process, especially if your language skills aren't adequate. It's recommended to find an English-speaking instructor, and to book your lessons in advance. In some regions there are driving schools that provide lessons in English.
A person who's seeking an Polish driving license has to provide a copy the residence permit or visa for non-EU citizens. This is required to prove that you've lived in Poland for at least 185 days.
The office will require proof of payment for the theory test and the practical test. The total cost should be approximately 1,500 PLN. There is a possibility of paying cash, however, this does not guarantee speedier processing of documents. The entire process can take between two and four weeks. In some places, it can be even longer. Consult your local office if are not sure of the deadlines.
4. Documents
It is essential for foreigners who wish to drive in Poland to get an Polish driving license to avoid issues with their insurance coverage for cars. Before they can do this, they need to pass the theoretical test, which will cost them. This is easier for foreigners who are citizens of countries who have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
The first thing they need to do is to ensure that they have been in Poland for at least 6 months. This should be confirmed through either a local address registration or a residence permit or an entry visa. Fuehrerscheinn should also submit the complete application form. The form can be found online or at the local office. A recent 35 x45 millimeter photograph and evidence of identity like an authentic passport, must be submitted. They should also provide a medical certificate that proves they are fit to drive.
The voivodship office will then prepare the driving license documents to issue. This can take up to nine working days. The waiting time can extend to 1 month in cases which require a thorough examination.
In addition to the document proving their right to reside in Poland, a person who is a foreign national must also provide a copy or a copy of their medical certificate. It is essential to possess a valid medical certificate as without it, the foreigner will have to take a new theory test, which could increase the waiting time by as much as two months.
Once the driving license is issued the fee has to be paid at the office. The fee is 100 PLN (for EU citizens) and 250 PLN (for non-EU citizens). This cost is payable via bank transfer or credit card, debit card or. The driver's licence will be mailed to the address at which the applicant lives. If the driver's license is not issued for any reason the City Mayor may appeal to the Local Government Appeals Board of Rzeszow.