The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
Getting a driving license in Poland is an important step in exploring the country's stunning landscapes and historic cities as well as charming villages. However, before planning your next road journey, it's important to understand the costs associated with obtaining a license in Poland.
A medical exam and an application fee are required. Participating in a driving class and taking the state tests can be costly.
1. Medical examination
When you apply for a license it is required to undergo a medical examination, or orzeczenie lekarskie in Polish. The examination is conducted by occupational medicine specialists, who will examine your hearing, eyesight and motor skills, and also assess your mental state. If you have any chronic health issues, it is important to inform the doctor of these prior to the exam, as this could affect your ability to drive safely. The cost of an examination could range between 100 and 200 PLS, depending on which clinic you select. You can find the doctor who offers these services on the website of the Ministry of Health.
A driver's license in Poland consists of two parts of theory and practice. Both are governed by rules of the provincial road traffic center (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). A new driver is eligible to take the test in any WORD in Poland, regardless of their place of residence. For the practical portion the driver must first enroll in a driving course.
There are a lot of driving schools in the country, and some of them offer courses in foreign languages like English, Ukrainian or Russian. The course lasts between 2-3 months and is priced at around PLN 1,000 (depending the location you live in). After you've completed the course, you are required to take the state exam at the same location where you completed the training course.
If you are a resident of an EU member state your driving license is valid in Poland. You don't have to alter it. If, however, you are from a non-EU state that is not a signatory of the international conventions on road traffic then you'll need to exchange your license for one that is a Polish one after passing the theory exam in Poland.
You will require the required documents:
2. Theory test
To obtain an driving license in Poland, you must pass both an exam that is theoretical and the practical test. The cost of these tests is according to the type of vehicle you want to drive. The categories are A for motorcycles, B for cars, C for large vehicles and trucks.
The cost of a theoretical course can range from 500 PLN to 2500. The cost of road-based training and practical classes is higher than you would expect. You'll need funds to cover the costs of these lessons as well as exam fees.
If you already hold a valid driving license from an EU country or one that has signed the 1968 Vienna Convention, you will not have to sit for a theory test or pass the practical exam. You must sign up to obtain a Polish driving licence. You can register at your local provincial road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In the majority of cases, you will be required to bring the following documentation:
The completed application form. You can download it on the internet, however you'll have to fill out the application in Polish. It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a driver's licence in Poland are quite high, and it is recommended to have a translator with you at all times.
Proof of identity can be an ID card, passport or any other document that contains your name and birth date. If you are a non-native you will also have to show the visa or residence permit, a written consent of your parent or legal guardian (in the case that you are not yet 18 years old) and a certificate from your driving school that confirms that you've passed both the theory and the examinations for practice.
You may be asked to provide a medical certification as well. This is often the situation for foreigners. If you hold an international driver's license and you are staying in Poland for more than six months, you won't be required to pass a medical exam.
3. Practical test
If you intend to drive in Poland, especially in the event that your visa/residence permit does not require a Polish license, you should know that bribing the exam is not an option. Even a tiny attempt at bribing a teacher could result in your arrest. If you're a non-Polish resident, you'll need to pass a test of theory and a practical class before obtaining an driver's license in Poland.
Theoretical test:
This is a written test on traffic rules such as road signs and safety rules. It is offered in a variety of languages, and is a prerequisite for foreigners seeking an Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
After passing the theory test, you'll have to sign up for practical driving lessons at a driving school near your home. This will require a certain number of lessons with an instructor, that will be based on your previous experience and the class of license you're interested in.
State driving exam:
State exams are held in Province Road Traffic Centers, which are called WORD in Polish. Both the theory and practice portions of the exam will be conducted at the same time, so you must attend both. Drivers who do not speak Polish are able to have a sworn translator accompany them for the theory portion of the driving test for state drivers.
To pass the state driving test, you'll need a completed driver profile (PKK-profile kandydatana kierowce) along with an authentic passport, proof of your Polish residence and a health certificate. Once polen führerschein kaufen 've filled out all of these information you'll need to send the documents to the office - this can be the office of your starost (starostwo powiatowe), city or town hall or district authority in Warsaw (urzad dzielnicy). The final step is to purchase an International Driving Permit if necessary, which will allow you to drive while you're in Poland. It's a long and tedious process, however when you meet the requirements, it's possible to get an official Polish driving license from a foreign country. This procedure can be expensive and is dependent on the country. It is best to start 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 safety regulations and traffic rules. It's available in a variety of languages and, therefore, even if you don't speak Polish you are able to take the exam. After you pass the exam then you'll need to enroll in a driving school and take a certain number of practical lessons with an instructor. These lessons will prepare you for the state exam and provide you with practice driving. They'll also teach you about Polish maintenance of your car (level of oil, antifreeze, workability of lights, adjusting the seat and mirrors, etc.).
The cost of driving lessons is dependent on the type of driver. It costs about 100 z. For an Cat. B license. Some schools offer a package which includes both the theory and practical tests for a lower price.
Before you take the state driving test you'll need to bring certain documents. If you're not yet 18 years old, you'll need to have an authorization letter from your legal guardian or parent. If you're a foreigner, you'll require an official visa or another document to prove that you're legally in Poland. You will also need the signature of the doctor stating that there are no contraindications to driving. This is available for a small fee from a doctor who has been selected by the driving school you're studying at.
After you've completed the training and successfully passed the state examination after which you will receive the Driving Candidates Profile. This will permit you to legally drive a car in Poland for two years. You'll need to renew your license after this. To get this done, you'll require a proof that proves your legal residence in Poland as well as 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, you'll need to buy an insurance policy from a private insurer. This will cost about 350 PLN per year.