How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone dreams of having a driving license that will never expire. The reality is a bit different.
To get the Polish driving license is a lot of procedures. The most crucial are the medical exam as well as theory and practical classes. It is also important to meet the requirements of age for the category of the driving license.
1. Medical exam
To obtain your driver's license, you must first obtain the doctor's (orzeczenie Lkarskie) confirmation that you are qualified to drive. It might sound odd but this is the way it works in Poland. The doctor will ask you a bunch of questions that aren't really relevant to your health, like if you have issues with your eyesight or any other medical issue and will never physically examine you in any way. The fee for this exam is around 200 PLN.
If you are coming from a nation that is part of the EU, EEA, or a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic there is no have to take this additional step since your driving licence will be accepted as valid in Poland. If, however, you're from a nation that doesn't belong to either of these groups, then you'll need to pass a medical test and a theory and practice driving test to be able to obtain a Polish license.
It is possible to pass both of these tests in English. However it's dependent on the center. Call ahead to check on availability prior to scheduling an appointment. It is also worth mentioning that If you don't have sufficient amount of Polish to easily ace the test, you'll have to book an interpreter for the entire day.
Once you have your medical certificate, you'll have to visit the district authority and get an official driver's profile completed (PKK - Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You will need to take an image of your passport and proof of your residence in Poland and one current photo in colour.
You then visit a special office where they will create your personal file and scan your documents. They then distribute them to your. At this point you can begin preparing for the tests and enroll in a driving school. There are WORD facilities in all major towns and a lot of smaller ones as well however, most schools require a fee to hold their courses.
2. Theory test
If you're a driver with an international driving permit, it's valid in Poland if you also carry an International Driving Permit ("IDP"). You will need to have an IDP for each vehicle used in Poland for longer than six months. If not, you will need to exchange it for a Polish driving license. You must meet four requirements for the process to be completed: you must be a Polish citizen and you must have passed a medical test and you must pass a state-approved driving test and you must have completed driving lessons at a school that is recognized by the government.
To take the driving test in the state you will require a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. They include your ID, a health certificate, an approved 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. The theoretical part comprises 32 multiple-choice questions and covers such subjects as road signs, traffic laws, emergency protocols and safe driving techniques. To pass you must answer correctly 26 questions.
The practical part of the driving test consists of driving a vehicle on a public road under supervised supervision. During this time the instructor will be observing your ability to adhere to the rules of the road, especially in difficult situations like city streets or highways. The duration of the practical test is approximately 40 minutes.
Before you can take your state driving test, you have to apply for a PKK at the Province Road Traffic Centers. You'll need to present your identity document and proof that you have paid the fee that is required, and a photo of yourself. If you don't know Polish it is possible to be accompanied by a professional interpreter during the test.
3. Practical test
If you're driving on a foreign licence you'll also need to pass a practical test. This is a harder test than the one for theory and the rate of passing is lower. Furthermore, you are able to take the test in a practical manner only if you're legally residing in Poland. If you are not, your driving licence will be indefinite. You may be fined if are stopped by the police for driving without a valid driving license.
To take the test, you have to fill out an application form in Polish. Google Translate can help. Also, you must have a medical certificate stating that you're qualified to drive.
You must bring an ID photo, evidence of your health insurance coverage, and a current photo in color (size 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm). You must be registered as a driver with the Department of Civil Affairs. This will require that you fill out a Driving Profile of the Candidate (RKK) to receive a number to use within the system.
The process can be complicated and time-consuming, particularly if you're not familiar with Polish language. It's a good idea to hire an English-speaking instructor, and to book your lessons in advance. You can also find driving school that offer English lessons in specific regions.
Anyone seeking a Polish driving license is obliged to provide a copy the residence permit or visa for non-EU citizens. This is required to show that you've lived in Poland for at least 185 days.
The office will also require evidence of payment for the practical and theory tests. The total cost should be around 1500 PLN. There is the option of paying in cash, however, this does not guarantee faster processing of documents. The entire process takes between two and four weeks. In some places, it can be even longer. Contact your local office if are unsure of the deadlines.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have emigrated to Poland and wish to drive, getting a Polish driver's license is vital to avoid issues with car insurance. However, before they can do that, they must pass the theoretical exam and this costs them. motorradführerschein polen is easier for foreigners who are citizens of countries which have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
First they must prove that they've lived in Poland for at minimum six months. This is verified by the registration of their local address or residence permit, or visa. The applicant must also fill out the application form in its entirety. The form is available on the internet or at an office in your area. A recent 35x45 millimeter photo and proof of identity, such as a valid passport, should be submitted. They must also include a health care certificate that proves they are fit to drive.
After they have submitted these documents, the voivodship office will prepare the driving licence to issue. This could take up to nine working days. If you require extensive testing the wait time could be as long as one month.
A foreign national will also need to submit a copy of the medical certificate of their doctor. It is essential to have a valid medical certification as without it, the person who is not able to obtain it will be required to retake the theory test, which can extend the waiting time by two months.
Once the driving licence is issued, a fee will need to be paid at the office. The fee is 100 PLN (for EU citizens) and 250 PLN (for non-EU citizens). This fee can be paid by bank transfer or credit or debit card. The applicant will receive the driver's licence at their home address. If for any reason, the driving licence is not issued, an appeal could be filed to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow by contacting the City Mayor.