The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
A driver's license in Poland is a crucial step in exploring the stunning landscapes of the country and historic cities as well as charming villages. Before you plan your road trip in Poland it is essential to know the cost associated with obtaining a driving license.
The procedure involves paying a fee to apply and taking a medical examination. There are also costs involved when you sign up for driving school and passing the state examinations (practical and theoretical).
1. Medical exam
You will be required to undergo an examination orzeczenie Lkarskie (in Polish) during the process of obtaining an authorization. The test is conducted by occupational medicine doctors who will check your hearing, eyesight, and motor abilities and evaluate your mental health. If you suffer from any chronic health conditions it is essential to tell the doctor about the conditions prior to your visit, as it can affect your ability drive safely. The cost of the examination can vary between 100 and 200 PLS, depending on which clinic you choose. On the official website of the Ministry of Health, you can find a doctor that provides these services.
The Polish driver's licence is divided into two parts: theory, and practice. Both are subject to the regulations of the province's road traffic center. The test can be passed in any WORD within Poland by a driver who is new, regardless of where they live. For the practical part the driver must first enroll in a driving school.
There are a variety of driving schools in Poland, and a few of them offer courses in other languages, including English, Ukrainian, or Russian. The driving course is for 2-3 months and costs a total of about PLN1000 (depending on the city). After you have completed the course, you must take the state test at the same place where you completed your course.
If you're a citizen of a European Union member state, you are able to use your driving license in Poland without changing it for one that is a Polish one. If you are a resident of a non EU state that has not signed the international conventions on road traffic, then you will need to change your driving license after passing the theory test in Poland.
You will require the following documents to do so:
2. Theory test
To get an driving license in Poland you must pass both the theoretical test as well as a practical test. The cost of these tests is depending on the category of vehicle you wish to drive. Category A is for motorcycles and category B is for cars, and category C is for large trucks and vehicles.
The charge for the theoretical course is generally affordable, and can range from 500 PLN to 2,500 dollars. The cost of road-based training and practical classes is more expensive than you would expect. You will need enough funds to cover the cost of these lessons as well as exam fees.
If you already have an active license issued by an EU country or one that has accepted the 1968 Vienna Convention, you will not need to sit for a theory test or pass the practical exam. However, you'll have to register in order to get an Polish driving license. Read This method can do this by going to 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 on the internet, however you'll have to fill out the application in Polish. You should be aware that the requirements for Polish language to get a Polish driver's licence are very high. It is recommended that you always carry a translator.
Identification proof This could be in the form of an ID card, passport or other document that reveals information about your name and birth date. If you are a foreign national, you will also need to show the visa or residence permit or a written permission from the legal guardian or parent (in case you are younger than 18 years old) and a certificate from your driving school confirming that you have passed both the theory and the practice tests.
You may be asked to provide a medical certification also. This is typically the case if you are an international. If you have an international driver's license and are in Poland for more than six months, you will not be required to take an exam for medical purposes.
3. Practical test
If you plan to drive in Poland, especially when your visa/residence permits do not require a Polish license, you should know that bribing the exam is not an option. The process is controlled and monitored, and even a small attempt to bribe an instructor could lead to arrest. If you're not a resident of Poland you'll have to pass a test of theory and practical lesson before getting a driver's license in Poland.
Theoretical test:
This is a written test on road signs, traffic rules and safety rules. This test is available in various languages and is required for foreigners who want to obtain their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons:
After passing the test in theory, you'll need to enrol for practical driving lessons at a driving school within the city where you reside. This will require a certain amount of driving lessons with a driver instructor, which are tailored to your previous experience and the license category that you're looking to pursue.
State driving test:
The state exams are conducted in Province Road Traffic Centers (WORD in Polish). Both the theory and the examination's practice portion will be conducted at the same time which means you have to attend both. Drivers who do not speak Polish can have a certified translator accompany them on the theory portion of the driving test for state drivers.
To pass the state driving test, you'll require a completed driver's profile (PKK-profile kandydatana kierowce) along with an authentic passport, proof of your Polish residence and a health certification. After you've completed the required details, you'll need to provide 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. It's a long and tedious process, however If you meet all the requirements, it is possible to obtain a Polish driving licence from another country. The costs for this procedure differ by country and can be quite expensive It is therefore 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 test covers everything from road signs, traffic rules and safety rules. Fortunately, it's available in a variety of languages which means you can use it even in the absence of Polish. If you pass the test you must join a driving school and complete a certain number practical lessons with an instructor. These lessons will help you prepare for the state test and help you practice your driving skills. You'll learn about Polish maintenance of your car, including how to check the level of oil, antifreeze and lights, adjust your mirrors and seat.
The cost of driving lessons is contingent on the driver's class. It's about 100 Z. To obtain an Cat. B license. However, some schools offer a bundle that includes the theory and practical test for a cheaper price.
Before you take the state driving test you'll need some documentation with you. If you're not yet 18, you'll need a written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you're a non-native, you'll require a visa or another document that confirms your legal status in Poland. You will also need a certificate from an expert doctor that states there are no contraindications to driving. The driving school will offer this certificate for an amount.
After you've completed the course and passed the state test you'll be issued a Driving Candidate Profile. This profile will allow you to legally drive in Poland for two years. You will need to renew your license following this. To get this done, you'll require a proof proving your legal residence in Poland and a valid medical certification. You'll need to provide an official registration for your vehicle and proof of insurance if you own a car. If you don't have a vehicle, you'll require insurance through an insurance company that is private. This will cost about 350 PLN per year.