How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone hopes to have a driving license that will never expire. However, the reality is very different.
Getting the Polish driving license requires several steps. The most important are: medical examination, theory and practical lessons. You must also meet the requirements for age of the category for which you're applying for a driver's license.
1. Medical exam
The first thing to be completed to obtain your driving license is to get a doctor's approval (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 bunch of questions that aren't really relevant to your health, for instance, the possibility of problems with your eyesight, or any other medical issues but they will not actually examine you in any way. 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 member of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you don't need to do this because your driving licence will be recognised as valid in Poland. However, if you're coming from a nation that doesn't belong to either of these groups and you're not a member, then you'll need pass a medical test and a theory and practice driving test to be able to obtain a Polish licence.
Both of these tests can be conducted in English however it is an occasional hit or miss depending on the centre. It is recommended to call ahead and check availability prior to booking your appointment. You'll also have to arrange for a translator if your level of Polish isn't sufficient to pass the exam.
Once you have your medical certificate, you must visit the district authority to fill out a driver profile (PKK - Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need a scan copy of your passport and evidence of your residence in Poland, as well as a colour photo.
You then visit a special office in which they create your personal file and scan your documents. They then hand them to you. You can then start preparing for your driving tests and enroll in an instructor. You can find WORD facilities in all major towns and most smaller ones too but most schools require a payment in order to keep their classes.
2. Theory test
If you have a driving license issued abroad, it is valid in Poland as long as you have an International Driving Permit ('IDP') along with it. If you intend to drive a car in Poland for more than six months, then you'll need an IDP. It is mandatory to exchange the IDP for an official Polish licence in the event that you do not have one. lkw führerschein in polen requires that you meet four criteria that include: you must be a Polish resident, you must pass medical tests, you must pass the state driving exam and then complete driving lessons at a government-approved school.
To pass the state driving exam you will require a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. These include your ID, your health certificate, a letter from a certified driving instructor, and a copy of your residence permit or visa. The driving test itself is comprised of two parts: the theoretical part and the practical. The theory portion consists of 32 multiple-choice tests that cover subjects like road signs, traffic rules, emergency protocol, and safe driving techniques. You must answer correctly at least 26 of the questions to pass.
The practical part of the driving exam involves driving a vehicle on a road that is public and under supervised supervision. During this period, a driver will be observing your ability to adhere to the rules of driving on the road particularly in challenging situations like highways or city streets. The test is about 40 minutes.
Before you can pass your state driving test, you have to apply for a PKK at the Province Road Traffic Centers. To apply for this you'll need your identity document as well as proof of paying the fee required and a photograph of you. If you don't speak Polish it is possible to be accompanied by a professional interpreter during the exam.
3. Practical test
You'll have to pass the practical test if driving with a foreign driver's license. This is a more difficult test than the one for theory and the success rate is low. Additionally, you can take the test on the spot only if you're legally residing in Poland. If you are not, your driving license is indefinite. You may also be fined if are stopped by the police for driving without a valid driving license.
In order to take the practical test, you'll need to provide a completed application form - available on the internet and must be filled out in Polish (Google Translate can help). Also, you must have a medical certificate stating that you're fit to drive.
You will need to 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 will need to join the department of civil affairs as a candidate for driving - this will require you to fill in an online profile of the driving candidate (RKK) and get a code number to enter into the system.
It's a lengthy and difficult process, especially in the event that your language abilities aren't up to par. It is best to find an English-speaking driving instructor and book your lessons in advance. In some regions there are driving schools that offer lessons in English.
The person who applies for the Polish driver's license must submit a copy either of their residence permit or visa if they are not EU citizens. This is required 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 of the test is approximately 1500 PLN. You can pay in cash but it won't guarantee a faster processing of your documents. The entire process takes between two and four weeks. In some locations, it can take even longer. If you're uncertain about the deadlines, be sure to contact the office in your area.
4. Documents
It is essential for foreigners who want to drive in Poland to obtain the Polish driving license to avoid issues with their car insurance. Before they can do this, they have to pass the theoretical test and pay. This is 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 to ensure that they've lived in Poland for a minimum of six months. This must be documented through either a local address registration or a residence permit or an entry visa. They should submit a completed application form. The form can be found on the internet or at a local office. A recent 35x45 millimeter photo and evidence of identity like a valid passport, should be submitted. In addition, they should include an official certificate from the health care system which states that they do not have any health contraindications to driving.
After they have submitted these documents, the voivodship office will draft their driving licence document for issue. It usually takes between 5 and 9 working days. In cases that require an extensive examination, the waiting time can be as long as one month.
In addition to the document that proves their right to reside in Poland A foreign national must also provide a copy of their medical certificate. This is important because if they do not have an authentic health certificate, they will be required to sit for the test and again, which could increase the waiting time by up to 2 months.
After the driving licence is completed and issued, you will need to pay a fee at the office. The fee is 100 PLN (for EU citizens) and 250 PLN (for non-EU citizens). The fee is payable via bank transfer, debit or credit card. The driver's license will then be sent to the address of the applicant's home. If the driving license is not issued for any reason the City Mayor may appeal to the Local Government Appeals Board of Rzeszow.