Watch Out: How Driving License In Poland Costs Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
A driving license is a fantastic way to explore the stunning landscapes, historic towns and charming villages of Poland. Before you plan your next road trip through Poland, it's important to understand the costs associated in obtaining a driver's license.
The procedure includes paying a fee to apply and undergoing a medical exam. There are additional costs when you enroll in driving school and passing the state exams (practical and theory).
1. Medical exam
You'll need to undergo an examination orzeczenie lkarskie (in Polish) during the process of obtaining the license. The examination is conducted by a doctor in occupational medicine who will assess your hearing, vision motor skills, and mental state. It is crucial to inform the doctor of any chronic conditions that may hinder your driving abilities. The cost of an examination could range between 100-200 PLS, depending on which clinic you select. You can locate a doctor who provides these services on the website of the Ministry of Health.
A driver's license in Poland comprises two parts that are theory and practice. Both are governed by the rules of the province road traffic center (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego). A new driver is eligible to take the test in any WORD within Poland regardless of where they have their residence. However in order to take the practical portion of the test, they have to be enrolled in the driving school first.
There are plenty of 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 around PLN 1,000 (depending the location you live in). After completing the course, you have to take the state test at the same location where you completed your training course.
If you're a citizen of an EU member state, your driving license is valid in Poland. You don't have to alter it. If you're a citizen of a non EU state that hasn't signed the international conventions on road traffic, you will need to change your driving license after passing the theory test in Poland.
You will need the required documents:
2. Theory test
To obtain a driving licence in Poland, you must pass both an exam that is theoretical and an actual test. The cost of these tests is depending on the category of vehicle you wish to drive. Category A is for motorcycles Category B is for cars and category C is for large and heavy vehicles.
The cost for the theory course is typically low, ranging from 500 PLN to 2,500 pounds. The cost of road training and practical lessons is much higher than you'd think. You'll need enough funds to pay for the cost of these classes and exam fees.
If you already hold a valid license from an EU country or a country that has signed the 1968 Vienna Convention, you will not have to sit for a theory test or pass the practical test. However, you will still have to register in order to obtain an Polish driving license. You can register by visiting your local provincial road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In the majority of cases, you will be required to bring the following documentation:
A completed application form. It is available online but you will need to fill it out completely in Polish. Be aware that the requirements for Polish language to obtain the Polish driver's license are very high. Therefore, it is recommended that you always have a translator.
Identification proof could be an ID card, a passport or any other document that includes your name and date of birth. If you are a foreigner you will also have to show an identity card or visa and a signed consent from your parent or legal guardian (in the case that you are not yet 18 years old) and a certification from your driving school that confirms that you have successfully completed both the theory and examinations for practice.
You might be asked to have a medical certificate as well. This is usually the situation for foreigners. If you have an international driver's license and you are staying in Poland for more than six months, you won't be required to undergo a medical exam.
3. Practical test
If you plan to drive in Poland, especially when your visa/residence permits do not require a Polish license, you must be aware that bribing the test is not an option. The process is controlled and controlled and even a slight attempt to bribe an instructor can be a cause for arrest. If you're a non-Polish resident, you'll need to pass a test of theory and a practical course before obtaining an driver's license in Poland.
Theoretical test:
This is a written test on traffic rules such as road signs and safety regulations. The test is offered in a variety of languages and is required for foreigners who want to get their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
After passing the theoretical test, you'll need to enrol for driving lessons in an instructor in the city where you reside. This will require a certain number of driving lessons with a driving instructor, which are tailored to your prior experiences and the type of license that you're pursuing.
State driving exam:
The state exams are held in Province Road Traffic Centers (WORD in Polish). Both the theory and the part of the test that is practice will be conducted at the same times, so you must attend both. Drivers who do not speak Polish can have a certified translator accompany them on the part of the state driving test.
In order to take the driving test for state you'll need to fill out a driver's profile (PKK profile kandydata, also known as profil kandydata the kierowce), an original passport, proof of your Polish residency, as well as a medical certificate. After you've completed the necessary information, you will need submit it to your starost (starostwo powiatowe), town hall or district authority (urzad dzielnicy) in Warsaw. The final step is to buy an International Driving Permit if necessary, which will allow you to drive while you're in Poland. It can be a long and frustrating process, but when you meet the requirements, it's possible to get an official Polish driving license from a foreign country. The costs for this procedure differ by country and can be costly, so it's best to begin early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory exam is one of the most difficult aspects of getting a driver's license in Poland. It covers everything from road signs to safety rules and traffic rules. It's also available in several languages and you can use it even if you don't speak Polish. If you pass the test you must enroll in a driving school and take a certain number of lessons in the hands of an instructor. These lessons will prepare you for the state test and will allow you to practice driving. They will also teach you about Polish maintenance for your car (level of oil, antifreeze, the working of lights, adjusting the seat and mirrors, etc.).
The cost of driving lessons is contingent on the class of driver. Typically, it costs about 100 z. for the course of Cat. B license. was kostet ein führerschein in polen offer a package which includes both the theory and practical tests for a lower price.
You'll need some documents with you before you take the state driving test. If you're under 18 years old, you'll need a written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you're a foreigner you'll need a visa or another document that proves your legal stay in Poland. Also, you'll need the signature of a doctor stating that there are no contraindications to driving. The driving school will provide this certificate at a fee.
After you've completed the course and passed the state examination and passed the state exam, you'll receive an Driving Candidate Profile. This profile will allow you to legally drive in Poland for two years. After that, you'll have to renew your driving license. To do this you'll need to provide proof of your legal residency in Poland and also a valid medical certificate. If you own a vehicle, you'll need to present a vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance. If you don't have a car, you will need to buy a policy through an insurance company privately. This will cost you about 350 PLN a year.