The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
A driver's license is a great option to see the breathtaking landscapes, historic towns and charming villages of Poland. Before you begin planning your next road trip through Poland it is essential to know the costs involved in obtaining a driver's license.
A medical exam and an application fee are required. There are also expenses involved when you enroll in driving schools and taking the state examinations (practical and theoretical).
1. Medical examination
When you apply for a license it is required to undergo a medical exam, or orzeczenie lekarskie, in Polish. The exam is administered by a doctor of occupational medicine who will assess your vision, hearing motor skills, as well as your mental state. It is essential to inform your doctor of any chronic conditions that may impact your driving ability. The cost of the exam can vary between 100-200 PLS, based on the clinic you select. On the official website of the Ministry of Health, you will find a physician who provides these services.
The Polish driver's licence is divided into two parts: theory and practice. Both are governed by the rules of the provincial road traffic center. The theoretical test can be passed in any language in Poland by a driver who is new regardless of where they reside. For the practical part the driver must first sign up for a driving class.
There are a variety of driving schools in Poland, and a few offer courses in other languages, like English, Ukrainian, or Russian. The course runs for between 2 and 3 months and costs about PLN 1,000 (depending the location you live in). After passing the course, you need to register for the state examination at the same location where you completed your training.
If you're a resident of an European Union member state, you are able to use your driving license in Poland without having to exchange it to an Polish one. If you're a citizen of a non EU state that hasn't signed the international conventions on road traffic, then you'll be required to exchange your driving licence after passing the theory test in Poland.
To do so, you will need to provide the following documents:
2. Theory test
In order to obtain an driving license in Poland you must pass both an exam that is theoretical and a practical test. The cost of these tests is depending on the category of vehicle you'd like to drive. Category A is for motorcycles, category B is for cars, and category C is for trucks and huge vehicles.
The cost of the theoretical course is usually minimal, ranging from 500 PLN to 2500 PLN. The cost of road-based training and practical classes is more expensive than you'd expect. You will need enough money in this case to pay for the cost of these lessons as well as exam fees.
If you have an official driving license from an EU member state or country which has ratified Vienna Convention 1968, you do not need to pass a theory test or the test in practice. führerschein polen kosten will still need to register to get an Polish driving license. You can do this by going to your local provincial road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In most cases, you will be required to carry the following documents:
The completed application form. This form can be downloaded online but you will have to fill it out completely in Polish. It is important to know that the requirements for obtaining a driver's license in Poland are extremely high, and it is advised to carry a translator at all times.
Identification proof - this can be in the form of an ID card, passport or any other document containing information regarding your name and date of birth. If you are a non-native and you are a foreign national, you must to present a residence permit or visa and a signed consent from a parent or legal guardian (in case you are under 18 years old) and a certificate from your driving school that confirms that you have completed both the theory and practice exams.
You may also be asked to provide an official medical certificate. This is usually the situation for foreigners. However, if you have an international driving permit and you are staying in Poland longer than the period of six months it is valid for, you won't be required to have an examination for medical conditions.
3. Practical test
If you are planning to drive in Poland, especially in the event that your visa/residence permit does not require the use of a Polish license, know that bribing the exam is not an option. The process is regulated and controlled, and even a small attempt to bribe an instructor can be a cause for being arrested. If you're not a Polish citizen you'll have to pass a test of theory and a practical class before obtaining an driver's license in Poland.
Theoretical test:
This is a written exam on traffic rules and road signs, as well as safety regulations. It is offered in a variety of languages and is a prerequisite for foreigners to obtain an Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
After passing the test in theory and passed the practical test, you'll have to sign up in driving lessons for practice at a driving school within the city where you reside. This will require a specific number of lessons with a driving instructor, which are specifically tailored to your prior experience and the category of license that you're looking to pursue.
State driving test:
State exams are held in Province Road Traffic Centers, which are known as WORD in Polish. The theory and the practice sections of the exam are given at the same time and you'll need to attend both. Drivers who don't speak Polish can have a sworn translator accompany them during the theory portion of the driving test for state drivers.
In order to take the state-issued driving test, you'll need a completed driver's profile (PKK - profil kandydata na the kierowce) and an original passport, evidence of your Polish residency, and medical certificates. Once you've filled out all the required information, you'll need to submit them to the office - this can be your starost's office (starostwo powiatowe), city or town hall or district authority in Warsaw (urzad dzielnicy). If you're in need of it, you can purchase an International Driving Permit to allow you to drive in Poland. It's a lengthy and frustrating process, but when you meet the requirements, it is possible to get a Polish driving licence from abroad. This procedure can be expensive and is dependent on the country. It is recommended to begin early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is one of the hardest parts of getting your driving license in Poland. The theory exam covers everything from road signs, traffic rules, and safety regulations. Fortunately, it's available in a variety of languages, so you can take it even if you don't speak Polish. Once you've passed the test, you'll need to enroll in an instructor-led driving school and take some practical driving lessons with an instructor. These lessons will prepare you for the state test and give you practice in driving. They will also teach you about Polish car maintenance (level of oil, antifreeze, workability of lights, the ability to adjust seat and mirrors, etc).
The cost of driving lessons depends on the driver's category. Typically, it costs around 100 z For an Cat. B license. However, some schools offer a bundle that includes the theory as well as practical test for a much cheaper price.
Before taking the state driving exam you'll need to bring certain documents with you. If you are under 18 years old, you'll need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. If you're a non-native, you'll require a visa or other document that proves your legal residence in Poland. Also, you'll need a certificate from the doctor stating that there are no contraindications to driving. This can be obtained for a small fee from a doctor chosen by the driving school you're attending.
After you have completed the course and successfully passed the state examination, you will receive an Driving Candidates Profile. This profile allows you to drive legally in Poland for two years. After that, you'll need to renew your driving permit. In order to do so you'll need to present proof of your legal residency in Poland and also an authentic medical certificate. If you own a vehicle you'll need an official registration certificate for your vehicle and proof of insurance. If you don't have a car, you will need to buy an insurance policy from a private insurance company. It will cost you around 350 PLN a year.