The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
Getting a driving license in Poland is a vital step towards exploring the stunning landscapes of the country historical cities, picturesque towns, and charming villages. But, before you start planning your journey, you need to know the expenses for obtaining a driving license in Poland.
A medical exam and application fee are required. The cost of enrolling in a driving school and taking the state exams are also expensive.
1. Medical exam
You will be required to pass an examination called orzeczenie Lkarskie (in Polish) during the process of obtaining the license. The test is conducted by a doctor in occupational medicine, who will evaluate your vision, hearing motor skills, and mental health. It is essential to inform the doctor if you suffer from any chronic illnesses that may impact your driving ability. The cost of the examination can vary from 100 to 200 PLS, based on which clinic you choose. On the official website of the Ministry of Health, you will find a doctor who offers these services.
The Polish driver's license is divided into two parts: theory, and practice. Both are governed under the regulations of the provincial road traffic center. The theoretical test can be taken at any WORD in Poland by a new driver, regardless of where they live. For the practical portion the driver must first enroll in a driving school.
There are many driving schools in the country and some offer classes in foreign languages like English, Ukrainian or Russian. The driving school lasts for about 3 months and costs about PLN1000 (depending on the city). After completing the course, you must take the state test at the same location you completed your course.
If you're a resident of an European Union member state, you are able to use your driving license in Poland without changing it for an Polish one. If you're a citizen of a non EU state which has not signed the international conventions on road traffic, then you will have to exchange your driving license after passing the theory test in Poland.
To do this 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 differs according to the type of vehicle you want to drive. The categories are A for motorbikes, B for cars, C for trucks and large vehicles.
The cost for the theoretical course is usually low, ranging from 500 PLN to 2500 PLN. The cost of road training and practical lessons is higher than you'd think. You'll need enough money to cover the costs of these classes as well as exam fees.
If you have an active driving license issued by an EU member state or a country that has ratified the Vienna Convention 1968, you are not required to pass a test of theory or the test in practice. However, you'll be required to register to get a Polish driving license. You can do this by going to your local provincial road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In the majority of cases, you will be required to bring the following documentation:
A completed application form. This form can be downloaded on the internet, but you'll need to fill it out in Polish. You should be aware that the requirements for Polish for obtaining a Polish driver's licence are very high. It is recommended to always have a translator.
Identification proof could be an ID card, passport or other document that has your name and date of birth. If you are a non-resident you'll also require the visa or residence permit, the written permission of your parent or legal guardian for those who are under 18 years older, and a certification from a driving school confirming you've passed both the theory and practice tests.
You might also be asked to submit an official medical certificate. This is typically the case for foreigners. However, if you have an international driving permit and you are staying in Poland longer than the six months it is valid for, you won't be required to have an examination for medical conditions.
3. Practical test
If you're planning to drive in Poland (especially if your residence permit or visa does not require an Polish driving license) It is important to be aware that bribing your way through the exam isn't an option. Even a tiny attempt at bribing an instructor could result in your the arrest. If you're a non-Polish resident you'll have to pass a theoretical test and practical lesson before getting a driver's license in Poland.
Theoretical test
This is a written exam on traffic rules, road signs, and safety rules. The test is offered in a variety of languages and is required for foreigners to get their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons:
Once you've successfully passed the theoretical test and passed the practical test, you'll have to sign up for driving lessons in a driving school in the city where you reside. This will require a specific amount of lessons with a driving instructor, which will be tailored to your previous experience and the class of license you're interested in.
State driving test:
State exams are conducted in Province Road Traffic Centers, which are known as WORD in Polish. The theory and the practice sections of the exam are given simultaneously and you'll need to attend both. Drivers who do not speak Polish can have a certified translator accompany them on the part of the state driving test.
To take the state-issued driving test, you'll require a completed driver's profile (PKK-profile kandydatana kierowce) along with a valid passport, proof of your Polish residence and a health certificate. After you've completed all of these information and submitted them to the office - it could be your starost's office (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 that will permit you to drive while in Poland. It's a long and tedious process, however when you meet the requirements, it's possible to get a Polish driving licence from another country. The cost of this process differ by country and can be costly It is therefore recommended to start early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is among the most difficult parts of getting your driving license in Poland. It covers everything from road signs to safety rules and traffic rules. It's available in a variety of languages, so even if you don't speak Polish, you can still take the exam. Once you've passed the exam, you'll need to enroll in a driving school and complete some practical driving lessons with an instructor. These lessons will prepare you for the state exam and provide you with practice driving. You'll learn about Polish car maintenance, including how to check the level of oil, antifreeze and lights, adjust your mirrors and seat.
The cost of driving lesson depends on the category of driver. Typically, it costs approximately 100 z. for the course of Cat. B license. Some schools offer a package which includes both the theory and the practical tests for a lower price.
Before you take the state driving exam, you'll need to bring certain documents with you. If you're not yet 18 years old, you'll need to have an official written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you're a non-native, you'll need a visa, or other document that proves your legal residence in Poland. You'll also need an official medical document proving that you don't have any health-related contraindications to driving. This is available 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 and passed the state exam, you'll receive an Driving Candidate Profile. This will permit you to legally drive in Poland for a period of two years. You'll have to renew your license following this. To get Führerschein done, you'll need to provide a document showing your legal residency in Poland along with a valid medical certificate. You will need to provide a vehicle registration and proof of insurance when you own a car. If not, you'll have to purchase a policy from an insurance company that is private. This will cost around 350 PLN per year.