The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
A driver's license is a great way to explore the stunning landscapes, historic towns and charming villages of Poland. Before you plan your trip to Poland it is important to know the costs involved in obtaining a driver's license.
A medical exam and an application fee are required. The cost of enrolling in a driving school and taking the state tests are also costly.
1. Medical examination
In the process of acquiring a license it is required to undergo a medical exam, or orzeczenie lekarskie, in Polish. The test is conducted by an occupational medicine doctor who will test your hearing, eyesight, and motor abilities and evaluate your mental health. If you suffer from any chronic health issues it is crucial to inform your doctor about these prior to the exam, as this can affect your ability drive safely. The cost of the examination can range between 100-200 PLS, depending on which clinic you select. You can find a doctor who provides these services at the website of the Ministry of Health.
The Polish driver's licence is divided into two parts: the theory and practice. Both are governed by the rules of the province road traffic center (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). A new driver is able to take the exam in any WORD in Poland regardless of where they have their residence. However, for the practical part of the test, they will need to be enrolled in an instructor for driving.
There are many driving schools in the country and some offer courses in foreign languages like English, Ukrainian or Russian. The course is between two and three months and costs about PLN 1,000 (depending on where you reside). After passing the course, you must be able to take the state exam at the same place where you completed your course.
If you're a citizen of an EU member state the driving license you have will be valid in Poland. You do not have to change it. If, however, you are from a non-EU state that is not a signatory of the international road traffic conventions then you'll need to change your license to one that is a Polish one after passing the theory exam in Poland.
To do so you will need to submit the following documents:
2. Theory test
To get a driving licence in Poland you must pass the theoretical test as well as a practical test. The costs for these tests differ according to the size of the category of vehicle you wish to operate. The categories are A for motorcycles B for cars, and C for trucks and large vehicles.
The cost of a theory course can range between 500 PLN and 2,500. However, road instruction and practical courses are much more expensive than you would imagine. In this scenario you'll need to have enough funds to cover the cost of these lessons and exam fees.
If you already hold a valid driving license from an EU country or a country that has accepted the 1968 Vienna Convention, you will not have to pass a test of theory or pass the test. However, you will still have to register in order to obtain an Polish driving license. You can do this by going to your local provincial road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In the majority of instances you will be asked to bring the following documents:
The completed application form. It is available on the internet, but you'll need to fill it in with Polish. It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a driver's licence in Poland are extremely high, so it is recommended to have a translator with you at all times.
Identity proof can be an ID card, passport or other document that includes your name and birth date. If you are a non-native you will also have to show the visa or residence permit, a written consent of your parent or legal guardian (in case you are under the age of 18) and a certification from your driving school that confirms that you have passed both theory and practice exams.
You might be required to provide an official medical certificate. This is usually the case when you are an outsider. However, if you hold an international driving permit and are staying in Poland longer than the six months it is valid for, you won't be required to have an examination for medical reasons.
3. Practical test
If you're planning to drive in Poland (especially in the event that your visa or residence permit doesn't require a Polish driving license) You should be aware that taking bribes to pass the test isn't an option. The process is strictly controlled and monitored and even a slight attempt to bribe an instructor could lead to the arrest. If you're a non-Polish resident you'll have to pass a test of theory and a practical course before obtaining the driver's license in Poland.
Theoretical test:
This is a written test on traffic rules such as road signs and safety rules. This test is available in several languages and is required for foreigners who want to get their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
Once you've successfully passed the theoretical test, you'll need to enrol for driving lessons in a driving school within the city where you reside. This will require a certain amount of driving lessons with a driver instructor, which are specifically tailored to your prior experiences and the type of license that you're pursuing.
State driving test:
State exams are held in Province Road Traffic Centers, which are called WORD in Polish. The theory and practice parts of the test are conducted at the same time and you'll need to be present at both. Drivers who don't speak Polish can be accompanied by a certified interpreter for the theory portion of the state driving exam.
To take the state-issued driving test, you will require a completed driver's profile (PKK-profile kandydatana kierowce) and a valid passport, proof of Polish residence and a health certificate. After you've completed the necessary details, you'll need submit it to your starost (starostwo powiatowe), town hall or district authority (urzad dzielnicy) in Warsaw. If you're in need of it, you can purchase an International Driving Permit to allow you to drive in Poland. The process can be lengthy and stressful, but don't be discouraged as it is possible to get an Polish driving license from abroad if you meet the requirements. The costs for this procedure differ by country and can be very expensive and therefore it is recommended to start early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is among the most difficult aspects of obtaining your driving license in Poland. The theory exam covers everything from road signs, traffic rules and safety regulations. Fortunately, it's available in many languages and you can use it even in the absence of Polish. After you pass the exam then you'll need to join a driving school and take a specific number practical lessons with an instructor. These lessons will help you prepare for the state test and provide you with practice driving. You'll be taught about Polish maintenance for your car, such as how to check the level of oil, antifreeze and lights, adjust your mirrors and seat.
The cost of driving lessons depends on the driver's class. In general, it is about 100 z. To obtain a Cat. B license. Some schools also offer a bundle that includes the theory and practical test at a lower cost.
Before you can take the state driving test you'll need certain documents. If you are under 18, you will need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. If you're a non-native, you'll need an official visa or another document to prove that you're legally in Poland. You'll also require the signature of a doctor stating that there are no contraindications to driving. The driving school will offer this certificate for a fee.
After polnische führerschein kaufen 've completed your course and passed the state examination, you'll receive an Driving Candidate Profile. This profile allows you to legally drive in Poland for 2 years. You'll need to renew your license following this. To do this you'll need to provide proof of your legal residency in Poland and also have a valid medical certificate. You will need to provide an official registration for your vehicle and proof of insurance in the event that you own a vehicle. If not, you'll have to purchase a policy from an insurer that is private. It will cost around 350 PLN for a year.