How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone hopes to have a perfect driving licence, that will never expire. The reality is a bit different.
The process of getting the Polish driving license involves many steps. The most important ones include medical examination and theory as well as practical lessons. It is also essential to meet the age requirements for the category of the driving license.
1. Medical examination
The first thing to be done to get your driving license is to get the approval of a doctor (orzeczenie lekarskie) that you are able to drive. It might sound strange, but this is the way it works in Poland. The doctor will ask a series of silly questions about your health like when you have problems with your vision, or other medical problems. They won't examine you physically. The cost of this test is around 200 PLN.
If you're coming from a country which is part of the EU or EEA or a country which is a member of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you don't have to take this step, as your driving licence will be recognised as valid in Poland. If you're coming from a country that is not a member, you will need to pass both a practical and theoretical test, and also a medical exam to obtain an official Polish driving licence.
Read More On this page is possible to take both of these exams in English. However more.. is contingent on the center. Call ahead to check on availability prior to making an appointment. It is also worth mentioning that in the event that you don't have a sufficient level of Polish to pass the test, you'll have to book an interpreter for the duration of the exam.
Once you have your medical certification, you will need to visit the district authority to fill in a driver profile (PKK – Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need a scanned photocopy of your passport and evidence of your residence in Poland as well as a colour photo.
Then, you visit an office that is specially designed to make your personal file scan your documents and give them to you. You can then start getting ready for your driving test and enroll in an instructor. You can find WORD facilities in all major cities, and a lot of smaller ones too, although schools often require a payment in order to keep their courses.
2. Theory test
If you hold a driving license from another country, it is valid in Poland as long as you carry an International Driving Permit ('IDP') along with it. If you plan to operate a car in Poland for a longer period than six months, you will need an IDP. It is mandatory to exchange your IDP for the Polish license in the event that you do not have one. The process requires that you satisfy four requirements: you must be a Polish resident, you must pass medical tests, you must pass the state driving exam and then take driving lessons in a government-approved school.
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 report from a driving instructor who is approved and a copy your visa or residence permit. The driving test is divided into two parts, the theoretical part and the practical. The theoretical portion includes 32 multiple-choice questions that cover issues as road signs and traffic laws, emergency procedures and safe driving techniques. To pass, you must correctly answer 26 questions.
The practical part of your driving test entails driving on a public highway under the supervision of a trained instructor. During this time, an instructor will observe your ability to follow the rules of driving particularly in challenging situations such as highways or city streets. The duration of the practice test is about 40 minutes.
Before you can take your state driving test, you need to apply for a PKK at the Province Road Traffic Centers. You will need 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 A professional translator will accompany you during the exam.
3. Practical test
You'll need to pass the practical test if you're driving with a foreign license. This is a much harder test than the theory and the pass rate is quite low. You are only able to take the test on the spot only if you're legally resident of Poland. If you're not, the driving licence will remain indefinitely and should you be stopped by police you may be fined for driving with an official driver's license.
To pass the test, you need to submit a completed application form - available online and to be completed in Polish (Google Translate can help). Additionally, you'll need medical evidence that shows you're fit to drive.
Bring a photo ID and evidence of health insurance coverage as well as a recent colour photograph (size 3,5cm x 3,5cm). You will be required to be registered as a driver with the Department of Civil Affairs. This will require that you complete a Driving Profile of the candidate (RKK) to receive a number to use within the system.
The process is often complicated and time-consuming, particularly in the event that you're unfamiliar with Polish language. It's recommended to hire an English-speaking instructor and to book your lessons in advance. In certain areas, you can also find driving schools that provide lessons in English.
The person who applies for an Polish driver's license must submit an original copy of their residence permit or visa if they're not EU citizens. This is necessary to prove that you've been living in Poland for more than 185 days.
The office will also require a proof of payment for practical and theory tests. The total cost should be about 1,500 PLN. There is a possibility of paying in cash, however this doesn't guarantee a quicker processing of the documents. The whole process takes around two to four weeks. In some areas it could take longer. If you're not sure about the deadlines, you'll need to inquire with your local office.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have moved to Poland and wish to drive, obtaining the Polish driver's license is essential to avoid issues with insurance for cars. However, before they can do that they must pass the theory test, and this process will cost them. This will be less difficult for foreigners who are citizens of countries which have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
First they must be able to prove that they have been living in Poland for at minimum six months. This can be proved by an address registration for local addresses or a residence permit or visa. The applicant must also fill out the complete application form. The form is available online or in an office in your area. A recent 35x45 mm photograph and proof of identity, such as an authentic passport, must be submitted. They must also include a health care certificate to prove they are qualified to drive.
Once they have submitted these documents after which the voivodship office will prepare the driving licence document for issue. This can take up to 9 working days. Waiting times can extend to one month in cases which require a thorough examination.
A foreign national will also need to submit a copy their medical certificate. It is crucial to possess a valid medical certificate as without it, the foreigner may be required to retake the theory test, which can extend their waiting period by two months.
After 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 those who are not EU citizens. This cost is payable via bank transfer, debit or credit card. The applicant will receive their driver's license at their residence address. If for any reason the driving licence is not issued, an appeal may be made to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow through the City Mayor.