How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone wants to have an ideal driving license, that will never expire. But the reality is different.
To get the Polish driving license involves many steps. The most important ones include medical examination as well as theory and practical instruction. It is also essential to meet the requirements of age for the category of driving license.
1. Medical exam
The first thing to be done in order to get your driving licence is getting an approval from a doctor (orzeczenie lekarskie) that you are able to drive. It might sound strange, but that's how it works in Poland. The doctor will ask you a series of silly questions about your health like the case if you're having issues with your vision or other medical issues. They will not examine you physically. The cost for this exam is about 200 PLN.
If you're coming from one of the countries that is a member of the EU or EEA or one that is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you do not need to complete this process, as your driving licence will be recognised as valid in Poland. If you are coming from a non-member nation, you will need to pass both a theoretical and a practical test, as well as an examination for medical reasons to get an official Polish driving license.
Both exams can be taken in English However, it can be a bit of a hit or miss based on the centre. It is a good idea to call ahead and check availability before booking your appointment. It's also worth mentioning that in the event that you don't have a sufficient level of Polish to be able to pass the test, you'll need to book an interpreter for the entire day.
Once you have your medical certificate, you have to visit the district authority and get a driver's profile filled in (PKK Profile Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need a scan of your passport and proof of your residence in Poland and a current photograph in color.
You then go to an office with a specific purpose where they will create your personal file and scan your documents. They then give them to your. You can then begin preparation for your driving test and then enroll in an instructor. You will find WORD facilities in all major cities and a lot of smaller ones, although schools often require a deposit to hold their classes.
2. Theory test
If you're a driver with a foreign driving license that is valid in Poland provided you have an International Driving Permit ("IDP"). You must have an IDP for any car used in Poland for more than six months. In other cases, it is required to exchange it to obtain an official Polish driving license. You must meet four requirements for the process to be completed: you must be a Polish citizen You must also pass a medical examination, you must pass a state driving exam and you must have completed your driving lessons in a school recognized by the government.
You'll need to fill out the Driving Candidate Profile, as well as other documents to pass the state driving test. These include your ID as well as your health certificate, a letter from an approved driving instructor and a copy of your residence permit or visa. The driving test is divided into two parts: the theoretical and the practical. The theoretical part comprises 32 multiple-choice tests and covers topics as road signs, traffic laws, emergency protocol and safe driving techniques. You must answer correctly at least 26 questions to pass.
The practical portion of your driving test is driving on a public highway under the supervision of a trained instructor. During this time the instructor will be monitoring your ability to observe the rules of the road, especially in difficult situations like highways or city streets. The duration of the practical test is approximately 40 minutes.
Before you can take your state driving test, you need to apply for a PKK at the Province Road Traffic Centers. To do this you'll need your identification document as well as proof of paying the fee, and a picture of yourself. If you don't know Polish or Polish, you will be accompanied by a professional interpreter during the examination.
3. führerschein in polen machen 'll have to pass the practical test if driving on a foreign license. It's a more difficult test than the one for theory and the pass rate is low. You can only take the test on the spot only if you're legally resident of Poland. If you're not, the 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 license.
To take the test, you have to fill out an application form in Polish. Google Translate can help. Also, you must have an official medical certificate that proves you're qualified to drive.
Bring an ID photo and evidence of health insurance coverage, as well as an up-to-date colour photo (size 3,5cm x 4,5cm). You must register as a driver candidate with the Department of Civil Affairs. This requires that you fill out a Driving Profile of the Candidate (RKK) in order to receive a code to use within the system.
The process can be complicated and time-consuming, especially if you're not familiar with Polish language. It's recommended to hire an English-speaking instructor, and to make reservations for your lessons well in advance. You can also find a driving school that offer English lessons in specific regions.
The person applying for the Polish driver's license has to submit the original copy of their residence permit or visa if they're 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 the practical and theory tests. The total cost should be around 1500 PLN. There is a possibility to pay in cash but this doesn't guarantee you faster processing of documents. The entire process can take between two and four weeks. In some locations it could take longer. If you're uncertain about the deadlines, you'll need to inquire with the local office.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have relocated to Poland and wish to drive, getting an Polish driver's license is essential to avoid problems with insurance for cars. Before they can obtain this, they need to pass the test in theory and pay. This will be less difficult for foreigners who are citizens of countries who have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
First they must demonstrate that they have been living in Poland for at least six months. This can be proved through the registration of their local address, residence permit or visa. The applicant should also submit the entire application form. The form can be found on the internet or at the local office. You must also provide a recent photograph that measures 35 x 45 mm and evidence of identity like a passport. Finally, they must include an official health system that confirms that they do not have any health contraindications to driving.
The voivodship office will then prepare the driving licence documents to issue. It usually takes between 5 and 9 working days. If the case requires extensive testing, the waiting time can be as long as a month.
In addition to the document that demonstrates their right to reside in Poland, a person who is a foreign national must also submit a copy of their medical certificate. It is crucial to possess 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 license has been issued it will be required to be paid at the office. The fee is 100 PLN for EU citizens and 250 PLN for citizens who are not EU citizens. The fee is payable via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. The driver's license will be sent to the applicant's home address. If for any reason the driving license is not issued, an appeal can be filed to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow by contacting the City Mayor.