The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
The process of obtaining a driving permit in Poland is an important step in exploring the stunning landscapes of Poland, historic cities, and charming villages. Before planning your road trip in Poland, it's important to know the costs involved with obtaining a driving license.
A medical examination and an application fee are required. There are additional costs when you enroll in a driving school and taking the state exams (practical and the theory).
1. Medical examination
You'll be required to take an exam orzeczenie lkarskie (in Polish) during the process of obtaining a license. The test is conducted by occupational medicine doctors, who will examine your hearing, eyesight, and motor skills, and also assess your mental health. If you suffer from chronic health issues it is crucial to inform your doctor about them beforehand, as this could affect your ability to drive safely. The cost for this examination can range from 100 to 200 PLN based on the clinic you choose. On the website of the Ministry of Health, you will find a physician who offers these services.
The Polish driver's license is divided into two parts: the theory and practice. Both are governed by the regulations of the province's road traffic center. A new driver is able to take the theoretical exam at any WORD in Poland regardless of where they have their residence. For the practical portion the driver must first enroll in a driving school.
There are kosten führerschein polen of driving schools in Poland, and a few of them offer courses in other languages, like English, Ukrainian, or Russian. The driving course lasts 2-3 months and costs around PLN 1000 (depending on the city). Once you pass the course, you are required to register for the state test at the same location you completed your training.
If you're a citizen of an European Union member state, you are able to use your driving license in Poland without changing it to one that is a Polish one. If you're a citizen of a non EU state that has not signed the international conventions for road traffic, then you will have to exchange your driving license after passing the theory test in Poland.
You will require the following documents:
2. Theory test
To get an operating license in Poland you must pass both a theoretical test and an actual test. The cost for these tests are in line with the magnitude of the vehicle category you'd like to operate. The categories are A for motorbikes, B for cars, and C for trucks and large vehicles.
The charge for the theoretical course is generally low, ranging between 500 and 2500 dollars. However, road training and practical classes are much more expensive than you might expect. In this scenario you'll need have enough funds to cover the expenses of these classes and exam fees.
If you have a valid driving license from an EU member state or a country that has ratified the Vienna Convention 1968, you don't have to pass a theory exam or the practical test. However, you will still need to sign up to get an Polish driving license. You can sign up at your local provincial road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In the majority of cases you will be required to bring the following documents:
A completed application form. You can download it online, but you'll need to fill out the application in Polish. Be aware that the language requirements to obtain a Polish driver's licence are high. Therefore, it is recommended that you always have an interpreter.
Proof of your identity This could be in the form of an ID card, passport or other document that contains information about your name and birth date. If you are a non-resident you'll also require a visa or residence permit, the written consent of your legal guardian or parent for those who are under 18 years older, and a certification from a driving school that proves that you've passed both the practical and theory tests.
You may be asked to present a medical certificate in addition. This is usually the case for foreigners. If you do have an international driving permit and are staying in Poland longer than the time it is valid for, you won't be required to have a medical examination.
3. Practical test
If you are planning to drive in Poland, especially when your visa/residence permits do not require a Polish license, be aware that bribing your exam is not an option. Even a small attempt to bribe an instructor could result in an arrest. You'll need to pass both an exam in theory and practice even if you're not an Polish resident.
Theoretical test:
This is a written test on traffic signs, road rules and safety rules. This exam is available in a variety of languages and is required for foreigners who want to obtain their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
After you have passed the theory test, you will be required to take driving classes in a driving school close to your home. This will involve a specific amount of lessons with a driving instructor, that will be based on your previous experience and the 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 practice portions of the test are conducted simultaneously and you'll need to attend both. Drivers who don't speak Polish are able to be assisted by a sworn interpreter for the theory part of the state driving test.
In order to pass the driving test for state you'll need to fill out a driver's profile (PKK Profil kandydata na kierowce), an original passport, evidence of your Polish residence, as well as a medical certificate. After you've completed the necessary details, you'll have submit it to your starost (starostwo powiatowe), town hall or district authority (urzad dzielnicy) in Warsaw. If you need to buy an International Driving Permit to allow you to drive in Poland. It's a lengthy and tedious process, however if you meet all the requirements, it is possible to obtain an official Polish driving licence from abroad. This process can be costly and is dependent on the country. It is recommended to begin early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory exam is one of the most difficult parts of getting a driver's license in Poland. It covers everything from road signs to traffic rules and safety regulations. It's available in a variety of languages, so even if you do not speak Polish it is possible to take the test. Once you have passed the test, you will need to enroll in driving school and take a certain number of practical lessons with an instructor. These lessons will help you prepare for the state test and will allow you to practice driving. You'll learn about Polish maintenance of your car, including how to check the level of oil as well as antifreeze levels and lights. adjust your mirrors and seat.
The cost of a driving lesson depends on the category of the driver. In general, it is around 100 z for a course of Cat. B license. Some schools offer a package that includes both the theory and practical tests for a lower price.
You'll need certain documents before you take the test to pass the state driving test. If you're not yet 18 years old, you'll need an authorization letter from your parent or legal guardian. If you are a foreigner you'll need an official visa or another document that proves that you are legally in Poland. You will also need an official certificate from a doctor stating that there are no contraindications to driving. Driving schools can provide this certificate at a fee.
After you've completed your course and passed the state exam you'll be issued a Driving Candidate Profile. This profile will allow you to legally drive in Poland for 2 years. After this, you'll need to renew your driving permit. To get this done, you'll require a proof that proves your legal residence in Poland and a valid medical certification. If you own a car you'll need a vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance. If you don't have an automobile, you'll have to purchase a policy through a private insurance company. This will cost around 350 PLN a year.