How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone wants to have an excellent driving license that will never expire. However, the reality is very different.
The process of getting a Polish driver's license is complicated. The most crucial are the medical exam and theory as well as practical classes. You must also meet the requirements for age of the category in which you are applying for a driving licence.
1. Medical examination
To obtain a driving license, you first need to get a doctor's (orzeczenie lkarskie) confirmation that you are fit to drive. It might sound weird but that's how it works in Poland. The doctor will ask you a bunch of silly questions about your health, for instance, the possibility of problems with your eyesight, or any other medical issues, never actually physically examining you in any way. The fee for this exam is about 200 PLN.
If you're from one of the countries that is a member of the EU or EEA or a country that is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you don't need to do this since your driving license is valid in Poland. However, if you're coming from a country which does not belong to one of these groups you'll have to take a medical exam and a theory and practice driving exam in order to obtain an official Polish licence.
It is possible to pass both of these tests in English. However it's dependent on the centre. click for source is a good idea to call ahead and confirm availability before booking your appointment. It is also worth mentioning that If you don't have sufficient amount of Polish to pass the test, you'll need to book an interpreter for the entire day.
Once you have your medical certificate you must visit the district authority to fill out an individual driver profile (PKK Profile Kandydata na Kierowce). You'll need a scan photocopy of your passport and evidence of your residence in Poland and a colour photo.
Then you go into an office specifically designed for you where they create your personal file scan your documents and give them to you. Then you can begin preparation for your driving test and sign up for an instructor. WORD is readily available in all major towns, and even in smaller ones. However, some schools require payment to run their courses.
2. Theory test
If you hold a driving license issued in another country, it is valid in Poland as long as you carry an International Driving Permit ('IDP') along with it. You must have an IDP for any car used in Poland for more than six months. Otherwise, it is necessary to exchange it in exchange for an official Polish driving license. You must meet four requirements to be able to complete the process: you must be a Polish citizen, you must have passed a medical exam, you must pass a state driving exam and you must have completed driving lessons in a school approved by the government.
You'll need to fill out the Driving Candidate Profile, as well as other documents in order to take the state driving test. Those include your ID and medical certificate, a certified driving instructor's report, and an image of your visa or residency permit. The driving test is split into two parts, the theoretical portion and the practical. The theoretical part comprises 32 multiple-choice questions that cover subjects as road signs, traffic laws, emergency protocol and safe driving methods. To pass, you must correctly answer 26 questions.
The practical part of your driving test is driving on a public highway under the supervision of a trained instructor. During this period, a driver will observe your ability to adhere to the rules of driving on the road, especially in difficult situations like highways or city streets. The duration of the practical test is around 40 minutes.
Before you can take your state driving test, you must apply for a PKK at the Province Road Traffic Centers. You'll need to present your identity document, proof that you have paid the fee that is required as well as a photograph of yourself. If you do not speak Polish, a professional translator can accompany you on the test.
3. Practical test
If you're driving a car that has a foreign license, you'll also need to pass the practical test. This test is more difficult than the one for theory, and the passing rate is low. You can only take the test in practice only if you're legally resident of Poland. If not, your driving license is indefinite. You could also be fined if you are stopped by the police for driving without a valid driver's license.
In order to take the test, you need to provide a completed application form - available online and to be completed in Polish (Google Translate can help). Also, you must have medical evidence that shows you're fit to drive.
You have to bring an ID photo, evidence of your health insurance coverage and one current photograph in colour (size 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm). You will need to join the department of civil affairs as a candidate for driving which will require you to complete a driving profile of the candidate (RKK) and then receive a code number that you can use in the system.
The process can be complicated and time-consuming, particularly in the event that you're unfamiliar with Polish language. It is advisable to find an English-speaking instructor and to book your lessons in advance. In certain areas, there are driving schools that offer lessons in English.
A person who's seeking a Polish driving license is required to submit a copy of the residence permit or visa for non-EU citizens. This is required to prove that you've been in Poland for at least 185 days.
The office will also require a proof of payment for the practical and theory tests. The total cost should be around 1500 PLN. There is the option of paying in cash, but this doesn't guarantee you faster processing of documents. The entire process can take between two and four weeks. In certain areas, it could be even longer. If you're not sure about the deadlines, be sure to contact the local office.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have moved to Poland and would like to drive, getting a Polish driver's license is vital for avoiding problems with car insurance. Before they can get this, they need to pass the test in theory, which will cost them. This is easier for foreigners who are citizens of countries who have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
The first thing they must do is to ensure that they have been in Poland for at least 6 months. This should be confirmed by either local address registration, a residence permit, or an entry visa. The applicant should also submit the application form in its entirety. The form can be found on the internet or at an office in your area. They should also provide an up-to-date photo that measures 35 x 45 mm and evidence of identity like a passport. They must also include an official health certificate to prove they are fit to drive.
The voivodship office will prepare the driving license documents for issuance. This usually takes up to 9 working days. Waiting times could be as long as 1 month in cases that require a thorough examination.
In addition to the document that proves their right to reside in Poland A foreign national will need to provide a copy or a copy of their medical certificate. It is essential to possess a valid medical certificate because without it, the person who is not able to obtain it will have to take a new theory test, which can extend the waiting time by up to two months.
After the driving licence is prepared and issued, you will need to pay a fee at the office. The fee is 100 PLN for EU citizens and 250 PLN for non-EU citizens. This cost can be paid by bank transfer, debit card or credit card. The driver's licence will be sent to the address at which the applicant lives. If the driver's license is not issued due to any reason the City Mayor may appeal to the Local Government Appeals Board of Rzeszow.