How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone hopes to have a driving license that will never expire. However, listen to this podcast is very different.
The process of getting an Polish driver's license can be a bit complicated. The most important are medical examinations and theory as well as practical lessons. It is also necessary to meet the age requirements for the category of driving license.
1. Medical examination
To obtain your driver's license, first obtain an official doctor's (orzeczenie lkarskie) confirmation that you're qualified to drive. It might sound odd but this is the way it operates in Poland. The doctor will ask you a series of silly questions about your health and wellbeing, for instance if you are having problems with your vision, or other medical issue. They won't examine you physically. The cost of this exam is approximately 200 PLN.
If you're coming from a country which is part of the EU, EEA, or a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic you do not need to take this extra step since your driving license will be accepted as valid in Poland. If you're from a non-member nation you must pass both a theory and a practice test, and also a medical exam to obtain an official Polish driving licence.
Both of these exams can be taken in English however it is somewhat of a hit or miss depending on the center. Call ahead to check on availability before making an appointment. You'll also have to book an interpreter if the level of Polish isn't sufficient to pass 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 to submit an image of your passport, proof of your residency in Poland and one current photo in colour.
Then you go into an office that is specially designed to make your personal file scan your documents and give them to you. At this point you can begin preparing for the tests and enroll in a driving school. WORD is available in most 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 abroad, it is valid in Poland in the event that you have an International Driving Permit ('IDP') in addition to it. You'll need an IDP for each vehicle driven in Poland for more than six months. It is necessary to exchange the IDP in exchange for a Polish licence in the event that you do not have one. The process requires that you satisfy four requirements: you must be a Polish resident and you must have passed medical tests and pass the state driving exam, and you must take driving lessons in an approved by the government.
To take the state-issued driving test you must have a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. These include your ID, health certificate, a certified driving instructor's report and a photocopy of your visa or residency permit. The driving test is split into two parts, the theoretical and the practical. The theoretical part comprises 32 multiple-choice tests and covers issues as road signs traffic laws, emergency protocol and safe driving techniques. You must correctly answer at least 26 questions to pass.
The practical portion of the driving test consists of driving a car on a public roadway under the supervision of a trained instructor. During the time, an instructor will evaluate your ability to follow the rules of driving particularly in difficult conditions like roads or city streets. The practical test lasts approximately 40 minutes.
Before you can sit for the driving test of the state, it is necessary to apply for a PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego - WORD). You'll need to present your identity document as well as proof that you've paid the fee required, and a photo of yourself. If you don't speak Polish, you can be accompanied by a professional interpreter during the test.
3. Practical test
You'll need to pass the practical test if driving on a foreign license. This is a harder test than the one for theory and the rate of passing is lower. It is only possible to take the test in practice in the event that you are legally living in Poland. If not, your driving licence will be valid for a long time. You could also be fined if you are stopped by police for driving without a valid driving licence.
To take the practical test, you must complete an application form in Polish. Google Translate can assist. You'll also require an official medical certificate proving that you are competent to drive.
You will need to bring a photo ID, the proof of your health care coverage and one current photograph in colour (size 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm). You must sign up as a driver candidate with the Department of Civil Affairs. This requires that you fill out a Driver Profile of the candidate (RKK) to receive a code to use within the system.
The process can be difficult and time-consuming, particularly in the event that you're unfamiliar with Polish language. It is best to find an English-speaking driving instructor and book your lessons in advance. There are also driving schools that provide English lessons in some regions.
The person who is applying for the Polish driver's license has to submit an original copy of their residence permit or visa if not EU citizens. This is necessary to prove that you've been living in Poland for 185 days or more.
The office will also require a evidence of payment for the practical and theory tests. The total cost for the entire process should be around 1500 PLN. You can pay in cash but it doesn't guarantee speedier processing of your documents. The entire process takes between two and four weeks. In certain areas, it could be even longer. Contact the local office if are not sure of the deadlines.
4. Documents
It is essential for foreigners who wish to drive in Poland to obtain the Polish driving license in order to avoid issues with their insurance coverage for cars. However, before they can obtain that they must pass the exam in theory and this will cost them. This process will be easier for foreigners who are citizens of countries which have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
The first thing they must do is ensure that they have lived in Poland for a minimum of six months. This must be documented through either a local address registration or a residence permit or the issuance of a visa. They should submit a completed application form. You can find the form online or at the local office. A recent 35 x45 millimeter photograph and identification proof, such as an authentic passport, must be submitted. They must also submit an official health certificate to prove they are qualified to drive.
The voivodship office will then prepare the driving license documents for issuance. This usually takes up to 9 working days. The waiting time can extend to one month in cases which require a thorough examination.
In addition to the document that demonstrates their right to live in Poland A foreign national will need to submit a copy of their medical certificate. This is essential because if they do not have a valid health certificate, they will be required to take the exam again, which can increase the waiting time by up to two months.
Once your driving license is completed after the driving licence is issued, you are required to pay an office fee. The fee is 100 PLN (for EU citizens) and 250 PLN (for non-EU citizens). The fee can be paid via bank transfer, debit card or credit card. The driver's license will then be sent to the address at which the applicant lives. If the driver's license is not issued due to any reason the City Mayor may appeal to the Local Government Appeals Board of Rzeszow.