How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone dreams of having a driving licence that will never expire. However, the reality is very different.
The process for obtaining a Polish driver's license is a thorny process. The most important are the medical exam and theory as well as practical classes. It is also necessary to meet the age requirements for the category of driving license.
1. Medical examination
To obtain your driver's license, you first need to get a doctor's (orzeczenie Lkarskie) confirmation that you are qualified to drive. It may sound strange but this is the way it works in Poland. The doctor will ask you a bunch silly questions about your health and wellbeing, for instance when you have problems with your vision or any other medical issues. They will not examine you physically. The cost for this exam is approximately 200 PLN.
If you are coming from a country which is a 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 as your driving license will be recognized as valid in Poland. If, however, you're from a country which does not belong to one of these groups you'll have to take a medical exam as well as a theoretical and practical driving test to be able to obtain an official Polish licence.
It is possible to take both of these exams in English. However, it depends on the centre. It is a good idea to call ahead and verify availability before booking your appointment. It's also worth noting that in the event that you don't have a sufficient amount of Polish to easily ace the exam, then you'll need to book an interpreter for the entire day.
After you've received your medical certificate, you'll must visit the district authorities and have an official driver's profile completed (PKK - Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You will need to take the passport scan as well as proof of your residency in Poland and a recent photo in color.
Then, you enter an office that is specially designed to create your personal file, scan your documents and give them to you. You can then start preparing for your driving tests and then enroll in a driving school. WORD is readily available in all major cities, and even in smaller ones. However some schools require a fee for their courses.
2. Theory test
If you have a driver's license issued in another country, it is valid in Poland provided you carry an International Driving Permit ('IDP') along with it. If you intend to drive a car in Poland for a period longer than six months, you'll need an IDP. It is required to exchange the IDP in exchange for a Polish licence if you don't have one. The process requires you to meet four criteria: you must be a Polish resident and you must have passed medical tests and you must pass the state-issued driving test and then complete driving lessons at an approved by the government.
To pass the state-issued driving test you will require a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. Those include your ID as well as health certificate, a valid driving instructor's report, and the photocopy of your passport or residency permit. The driving test itself consists of two parts: the theoretical portion and the practical. The theory part consists of 32 multiple-choice tests that cover subjects such as traffic signs, road signs emergency protocols, safe driving techniques. To pass you must be able to answer 26 questions.
The practical portion of the driving exam involves driving a car on a public road under controlled supervision. During this period an instructor will be observing your ability to follow the rules of the road, especially in difficult situations such as highways or city streets. The test is approximately 40 minutes.
Before you can take the driving test for state, it is necessary to apply for a PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego WORD). To do this you'll need your identity document and proof of payment of the fee, and a picture of yourself. If you don't speak Polish an experienced translator will accompany you during the test.
3. Practical test
You'll have to pass the practical test if driving with a foreign license. This is a much harder test than the theory one and the rate of passing is quite low. Moreover, you can take the test on the spot only if you're legally living in Poland. If you're not, your driving license is indefinite. You may also be fined if you are stopped by the police for driving without a valid driver's license.
In order to take the practical test, you'll need to provide a completed application form, which is on the internet and must be completed in Polish (Google Translate can help). Additionally, you'll need an official medical certificate that proves you're fit to drive.
Bring your photo ID and proof of health insurance coverage as well as an up-to-date colour photo (size 3,5cm x 3,5cm). You will have to join the department of civil affairs as a driver candidate which will require you to complete a driving profile of the candidate (RKK) and then receive an ID number to enter into the system.
It can be a long and complex process, particularly when your English skills are not up to scratch. It's recommended to employ an English-speaking instructor and to schedule your lessons in advance. In certain areas, you can also find driving schools that offer lessons in English.
Anyone applying for a Polish driving license is required to submit a copy of the residence permit or visa for non-EU citizens. This is required to prove that you have lived in Poland for at least the period of 185 days.
The office will require proof of payment for the theory and practical test. was kostet ein führerschein in polen of the process is approximately 1,500 PLN. There is browse around this site of paying cash, but this doesn't guarantee you a quicker processing of the documents. The entire process takes two to four weeks. In some areas it could take longer. Ask the local office if are not sure of the deadlines.
4. Documents
It is essential for foreigners who want to drive in Poland to obtain an Polish driving license in order to be able to avoid problems with their car insurance. Before they can do this, they have to pass the theoretical test and pay. The good aspect is that if they are citizens of countries who have signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, this procedure will be much simpler than for non-natives.
The first thing they have to do is to ensure that they have lived in Poland for at least 6 months. This should be confirmed through either a local address registration, a residence permit, or a visa. They should submit a completed application form. You can find the form online or at an office in your area. They should also provide a recent photograph that measures 35 x 45 millimeters and evidence of identity, such as a passport. They should also provide a health care certificate that confirms they are fit to drive.
The voivodship office will prepare the driving license documents for issuance. This can take up to nine working days. The waiting time can extend to 1 month in cases which require a thorough examination.
A foreign national also needs to submit a copy their medical certificate. It is essential to have a valid medical certificate because without it, the foreigner will be required to retake the theory test, which can extend the waiting time by two months.
Once the driving licence has been prepared the fee has to be paid at the office. This is 100 PLN for EU citizens and 250 PLN for those who are not EU citizens. This fee can be paid via bank transfer or credit card, debit card or. The driver's licence will be mailed to the address of the applicant's home. If for any reason, the driving licence is not issued, an appeal may be made to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow by contacting the City Mayor.