The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
A driving license is a great method to experience the breathtaking landscapes, historic towns and charming villages of Poland. But, prior to planning your journey, you need to know the costs for obtaining a driving license in Poland.
A medical exam and application fee are required. Enrolling in a driving course and taking the state tests are also costly.
1. Medical examination
When you apply for a license it is required to undergo a medical exam or orzeczenie lekarskie in Polish. The test is conducted by occupational medicine specialists who will test your hearing, eyesight, and motor abilities and evaluate your mental state. It is essential to inform the doctor if you suffer from any chronic conditions that may affect your driving ability. The cost of an examination could range from 100 to 200 PLS, based on which clinic you select. On the official website of the Ministry of Health, you will find a doctor who provides these services.
The Polish driver's license is divided into two parts: the theory, and practice. Both are subject to the regulations of the province's road traffic center. The theory test can be passed in any language in Poland by a driver who is new regardless of where they reside. For the practical portion the driver must first enroll in a driving school.
There are numerous driving schools in Poland, and a few offer classes in other languages, such as English, Ukrainian, or Russian. The driving course is for 2-3 months and costs about PLN1000 (depending on the city). After passing the course, you have to be able to take the state exam at the same location where you completed your training course.
If you're a citizen of a European Union member state, you can use your own driving license in Poland without changing it to one that is a Polish one. If, however, you are from a state outside the EU that is not a signatory to the international road traffic agreements and traffic, you must exchange your license for one that is a Polish one after passing the theory examination in Poland.
To accomplish this, you will need to submit the following documents:
2. Theory test
In order to obtain an driving license in Poland you must pass the theoretical test as well as the practical test. The cost of these tests is according to the type 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 theory course is typically minimal, ranging between 500 and 2500 dollars. The cost of road-based training and practical lessons is much higher than you'd think. In this scenario you'll need to have enough money to cover the costs of these lessons and exam fees.
If you have a valid driving license from an EU member state or a country which has ratified Vienna Convention 1968, you are not required to pass a theory test or the test in practice. However, you'll need to sign up to obtain a Polish driving license. You can register by visiting your local provincial road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In most cases, you will be required to bring the following documentation:
The completed application form. It is available online but you will need to fill it out completely in Polish. It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a driver's licence in Poland are very high, so it is advised to have a translator with you at all times.
Identity proof can be an ID card, a passport or other document that includes your name and date-of-birth. If you are a non-resident you'll also require the visa or residence permit, the written consent of your parent or legal guardian for those who are under 18 years old, and a certificate from a driving school that proves you've passed both theory and practice tests.
You might also be asked to provide a medical certification. This is usually the case if you're a foreigner. However, if you have an international driving permit and 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're planning to drive in Poland (especially in the event that your visa or residence permit doesn't require the issuance of a Polish driving license), you should be aware that using bribes to pass the test isn't a possibility. Even a tiny attempt at bribing an instructor could result in an being arrested. You'll have to pass the theory and the practical test even if you're not an Polish resident.
Theoretical test
It is a written test on road signs, traffic rules, and safety regulations. The test is offered in a variety of languages and is required for foreigners to obtain their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons:
If you've passed the test in theory and passed the practical test, you'll have to sign up for driving lessons in a driving school in your city of residence. This will involve a specific number of lessons with an instructor, that will be based on your previous experience as well as the category of license you're seeking.
State driving test:
The state exams are held in Province Road Traffic Centers (WORD in Polish). The theory and practice parts of the exam are given at the same time, so you'll need to attend both. Drivers who don't speak Polish are able to be assisted by a sworn interpreter for the theory portion of the driving test for state drivers.
To take the state-issued driving test, you will need a completed driver profile (PKK-profile kandydatana kierowce), as well as an original passport, proof of Polish residence and a health certificate. After you've completed the necessary information, you will need to provide it to your starost (starostwo powiatowe), town hall or district authority (urzad dzielnicy) in Warsaw. If you're required to, you can purchase an International Driving Permit to allow you to drive in Poland. It's a lengthy and difficult process, but when you meet the requirements, it is possible to get an official Polish driving licence from another country. The costs for this procedure vary by country and can be very expensive and therefore it is recommended to begin early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is among the most difficult aspects of obtaining your driving license in Poland. It covers everything from road signs to traffic rules and safety regulations. It's also available in several languages and you can use it even in the absence of Polish. After you pass the exam, you will need to join a driving school and take a specific number practical lessons with an instructor. These lessons will prepare you for the state exam and will allow you to practice driving. You'll learn about Polish maintenance of your car, including how to check the level of oil and antifreeze level, as well as how to adjust your mirrors and seat.
The cost of a driving lesson depends on the class of the driver. Typically, it costs about 100 z. for the course of Cat. B license. Some schools offer a package that includes both the theory and practical tests for a lower price.
Before you can take the state driving test you'll need certain documents with you. If you're under the age of 18 years old, you'll require written permission from a parent or legal guardian. If you're a non-native, you'll need a visa, or another document that confirms your legal status in Poland. You'll also require an official medical certificate that states that you don't have any medical contraindications to driving. This is available for a small fee from a doctor selected by the driving school you're attending.
After you've completed the course and passed the state exam, you'll receive the Driving Candidate Profile. fahrschule in polen will allow you to legally drive a vehicle in Poland for two years. After this, you'll need to renew your driving permit. In order to do so you'll need to provide proof of your legal residence in Poland and also have a valid medical certificate. You'll need the registration of your vehicle as well as proof of insurance if you own a car. If you don't have insurance, you'll need to buy a policy from an insurer that is private. It's about 350 PLN a year.