The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
The process of obtaining a driving permit in Poland is a crucial step in exploring the stunning landscapes of the country, historic cities, and charming villages. Before planning your road trip in Poland it is essential to know the cost associated when obtaining a driving permit.
A medical examination and an application fee are required. There are also costs involved in enrolling in driving school and passing the state tests (practical and theory).
1. Medical examination
You will be required to pass an examination called orzeczenie Lkarskie (in Polish) during the process of getting an authorization. The exam is administered by a doctor of occupational medicine who will assess your hearing, vision motor skills, as well as your mental health. It is important to inform the doctor of any medical conditions that could impact your driving ability. The cost of the examination can vary between 100-200 PLS, depending on which clinic you choose. On the 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 subject to the rules of the provincial road traffic center. The theoretical test can be passed in any language in Poland by a driver who is new regardless of where they live. However for the practical portion of the test, they will need to be enrolled in an instructor for driving.
There are many driving schools in the country, and some offer classes in foreign languages, such as English, Ukrainian or Russian. The driving course lasts 2-3 months and costs a total of about PLN1000 (depending on the city). After completing the course, you must take the state test at the same place where you completed your course.
If you're a resident of a European Union member state, you are able to use your existing driving license in Poland without changing it for a Polish one. If, however, you are from a non-EU state that is not a signatory of the international road traffic agreements then you'll need to change your license to one that is a Polish one after passing the theory exam in Poland.
To accomplish this, you will need to submit the following documents:
2. Theory test
To get an driving license in Poland, you must pass an exam that is theoretical and an actual test. The cost of these tests differs depending on the category 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 a theory course can range between 500 PLN and 2500. However, road instruction and practical courses are much more expensive than you would expect. In this case you'll need have enough money to cover the costs of these lessons and fees for exams.
If you have a valid driving license from an EU member state or a country that has ratified Vienna Convention 1968, you are not required to pass a theory exam or the test in practice. However, you'll need to sign up to obtain an Polish driving license. You can sign up at your local provincial road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In most instances, you will be required to bring the following documents:
The completed application form. You can download it on the internet, but you'll need to fill out the form in Polish. mouse click the next page is important to remember that the requirements for Polish as a language to obtain a driver's license in Poland are extremely high, so it is recommended that you have a translator with you at all times.
Identification proof could be an ID card, passport or any other document that includes 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 legal guardian or parent for those who are under 18 years of age, and a certificate from a driving academy confirming that you've passed both the theory and practice tests.
You might be required to provide a medical certification. This is often the situation for foreigners. However, if you hold 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 undergo an examination for medical reasons.
3. Practical test
If you intend to drive in Poland, especially if your visa/residence permit does not require a Polish license, you should be aware that bribing the test is not an option. The process is regulated and monitored and even a minor attempt to bribe an instructor can lead to arrest. You'll have to pass an exam in theory and practice if you are not a Polish resident.
Theoretical test
This is a test written on road signs, traffic rules and safety regulations. It is available in a variety of languages and is a prerequisite for foreigners to obtain the Polish driving license.
Practical lessons:
After passing the test in theory, you'll need to enrol in driving lessons for practice at an instructor in your city of residence. This will require a certain number of lessons with a driving instructor, that will be based on your previous experience as well as the license category you're pursuing.
State driving test:
The state exams are held in Province Road Traffic Centers (WORD in Polish). The theory and the practice sections of the test are conducted simultaneously and you'll have to be present at both. Drivers who do not speak Polish are able to have a sworn translator accompany them during the theory portion of the driving test for state drivers.
In order to take the state-issued driving test you'll need a completed driver's profile (PKK - profil kandydata na kierowce), a valid passport and evidence of your Polish residency, and a medical certificate. Once you've filled out all the required information, you'll need to submit the documents to the office - it could be the office of your starost (starostwo powiatowe), city or town hall, or the district authority in Warsaw (urzad dzielnicy). If you're required to buy an International Driving Permit to allow you to drive in Poland. It can be a long and difficult process, but if you meet all the requirements, it's possible to obtain a Polish driving licence from abroad. The costs of this procedure vary from country to country and can be costly It is therefore recommended to start early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is among the most difficult aspects of getting a 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 have passed the test then you'll need to join a driving school and take a certain number practical lessons with an instructor. These lessons will help you prepare for the state examination and help you practice your driving skills. They'll also help you understand Polish maintenance of your car (level of antifreeze, oil, working of lights, the ability to adjust seat and mirrors, etc).
The cost of driving lessons is contingent on the driver's category. It's about 100 Z. for an instruction course under a Cat. B license. Some schools offer a package that includes both the theory and practical tests at a lower cost.
Before you can take the driving test for state license you'll need to bring certain documents with you. If you're not yet 18, you will need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. If you're a foreigner, you'll need a visa or other document that proves your legal stay in Poland. You will also need a certificate from the doctor stating that there are no contraindications to driving. This can be obtained at a cost from a doctor chosen by the driving school you're attending.
After you've completed the course and passed the state exam, you'll receive the Driving Candidate Profile. This profile allows you to drive legally in Poland for two years. You will need to renew your license following this. To complete this process, you'll need to present a document showing your legal residency in Poland as well as a valid medical certificate. You will need to provide an official registration for your vehicle and proof of insurance if you own a car. If you don't have insurance, you'll need to buy an insurance policy through a private insurer. This will cost about 350 PLN for a year.