The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
A driver's license is a great option to see the breathtaking landscapes, historic towns, and charming villages of Poland. Before you plan your next road trip through Poland, it's important to know the costs involved in obtaining a driver's license.
The procedure includes paying a fee to apply and taking a medical test. There are also costs involved when you enroll in a driving school and taking the state exams (practical and the theory).
1. Medical exam
You'll be required to undergo an examination orzeczenie lkarskie (in Polish) during the process of getting an authorization. The test is conducted by an occupational medicine doctor, who will examine your eyesight, hearing and motor skills, and also assess your mental state. If you suffer from chronic health conditions it is essential to tell the doctor about them beforehand, as this may affect your ability to drive safely. The cost for this examination varies from 100 to 200 PLN, depending on the 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 governed by regulations of the provincial road traffic center (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). A new driver can take the exam in any WORD within Poland regardless of their place of residence. However in order to take the practical portion of the test, they have to sign up for the driving school first.
There are many driving schools in the country, and some of them offer courses in foreign languages like English, Ukrainian or Russian. The driving course is for 2-3 months and costs about PLN1000 (depending on the city). After you have completed the course, you will be required to take the state test at the same location you completed your training course.
If you're a citizen of a European Union member state, you are able to use your driving license in Poland without having to change it to one that is a Polish one. If, however, you are from a non-EU country that is not a signatory to the international road traffic conventions and traffic, you must exchange your license for a Polish one after passing the theory exam in Poland.
To do so, you will need to submit the following documents:
2. Theory test
Getting a driving license in Poland requires passing both a theory and a practical test. The cost of these tests varies 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 large and heavy vehicles.
The cost of the theoretical course can range between 500 PLN and 2,500. However, road-based training and practical classes are much more expensive than what you would imagine. You'll need money to pay for the cost of these lessons and exam fees.
If you already have an active license issued by an EU country or a country that has ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention, you will not have to pass a test of theory or pass the test. You must register to get a 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 asked to bring these documents:
The completed application form. This can be downloaded online but you will need to fill it in completely in Polish. It is important to remember that the language requirements for obtaining a driver's license in Poland are very high, and it is advised to have a translator with you at all times.
Proof of your identity - this can 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 non-native and you are a foreign national, you must to present the visa or residence permit or a written permission from a parent or legal guardian (in case you are younger than 18 years old) and a certificate from your driving school that confirms that you have successfully passed both theory and practice exams.
You might be required to provide a medical certification as well. This is usually the case when you are an outsider. If in polen führerschein machen have 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're planning to drive in Poland (especially in the event that your residence permit or visa does not require a Polish driving license), you should be aware that taking bribes to pass the test isn't a possibility. Even a tiny attempt at bribing an instructor could result in an arrest. You'll have to pass an exam in theory and practice even if you're not an Polish resident.
Theoretical test:
This is a written test on road signs, traffic rules and safety regulations. This test is available in several languages and is required for foreigners to obtain their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
If you've passed the theoretical test and passed the practical test, you'll have to sign up for practical driving lessons at an instructor in your city of residence. This will require a certain amount of lessons with a driving instructor, which will be tailored to your previous experience and category of license you're seeking.
State driving test:
The state exams are conducted in Province Road Traffic Centers (WORD in Polish). The theory and the practice sections of the exam are given simultaneously and you'll have to be present at both. Drivers who don't speak Polish can have a certified translator accompany them for the theory portion of the state driving test.
In order to take the driving test for state you'll need a completed driver's profile (PKK - profil kandydata na kierowce), a valid passport and proof of your Polish residency, as well as medical certificates. After you've completed the necessary details, you'll have to provide it to your starost (starostwo powiatowe), town hall or district authority (urzad dzielnicy) in Warsaw. The final step is to purchase an International Driving Permit if necessary to allow you to drive while 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. This procedure can be expensive and varies by country. It is recommended to start early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is one of the most difficult aspects of obtaining your driving license in Poland. The theory test covers everything from road signs, traffic rules and safety rules. It's available in multiple languages which means that even if don't speak Polish it is possible to take the exam. Once you've passed the test then you'll need to sign up in an instructor-led driving school and take a certain amount of practical driving lessons with an instructor. These lessons will prepare you for the state exam and will allow you to practice driving. They'll also help you understand Polish maintenance for your car (level of oil, antifreeze, workability of lights, adjusting seat and mirrors, etc).
The cost of driving lessons depends on the class of driver. It costs about 100 z. for a course of Cat. B license. Some schools also offer a package that includes the theory and practical test at a cheaper price.
Before you take the state driving exam you'll need some documentation with you. If you are under 18, you will need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. If you are a foreigner you'll need a valid visa or a document to prove that you're legally in Poland. You'll also require a medical certificate stating that you don't have any health-related contraindications to driving. This can be obtained for a small fee from a doctor chosen by the driving school you're attending.
After you've completed your course and passed the state exam you'll be issued the Driving Candidate Profile. This will permit you to legally drive a car in Poland for two years. After this, you'll need to renew your driving license. To complete this process, you'll need to present a document proving your legal residence in Poland and an official medical certificate. If you own a car, you'll need to present the vehicle's registration certificate as well as proof of insurance. If you don't have insurance, you'll have to purchase an insurance policy from a private insurer. It will cost you around 350 PLN a year.