The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
The process of obtaining a driving permit in Poland is a crucial step to explore the country's stunning landscapes historical cities, picturesque towns, and charming villages. But, prior to planning your next road journey, you need to know the costs that come with obtaining a license in Poland.
The process includes paying a fee to apply and undergoing a medical exam. There are also expenses involved in enrolling in driving schools and taking the state exams (practical and the theory).
1. Medical examination
During the license acquisition process you must undergo a medical exam, or orzeczenie Lekarskie in Polish. The exam is conducted by a doctor of occupational medicine, who will evaluate your hearing, vision motor skills, as well as your mental health. If you suffer from chronic health conditions it is essential to tell the doctor about these prior to the exam, as this could affect your ability to drive safely. The cost of this examination varies from 100 to 200 PLN, depending on the clinic you choose. You can find a doctor who provides these services at the website of the Ministry of Health.
A driver's license in Poland comprises two parts: theory and practice. Both are subject to the rules of the provincial road traffic center. A new driver can take the exam at any WORD in Poland regardless of their place of residence. However in order to take the practical portion of the test, they have to be enrolled in a driving school first.
There are plenty of driving schools in the country, and some offer classes in foreign languages, such as English, Ukrainian or Russian. The driving school lasts for about 3 months and costs a total of around PLN 1000 (depending on the city). Once lkw führerschein in polen machen Führerschein 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 EU member state your driving license will work in Poland. You do not have to alter it. If you're a citizen of a non EU state that hasn't signed the international conventions for road traffic, then you'll need to change your driving license after passing the theory test in Poland.
You will need the following documents to do so:
2. Theory test
To obtain an driving license in Poland, you must pass a theoretical test and the practical test. The cost of these tests varies 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 the theory course is typically low, ranging from 500 PLN to 2500 dollars. The cost of road training and practical lessons is higher than you'd expect. You'll need money to cover the cost of these classes and exam fees.
If you already hold an active license issued by an EU country or a nation that has ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention, you will not have to pass a test of theory or pass the practical exam. However, you will still 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 cases you will be required to carry the following documents:
The completed application form. You can download it online, but you'll need to fill out the form in Polish. Be aware that the requirements for Polish language for obtaining an Polish driver's license are extremely high. It is recommended that you always carry a translator.
Proof of identity can be an ID card, a passport or any other document that includes your name and date-of-birth. If you're a non-resident, you'll also need an entry visa or a residence permit, the written permission of your legal guardian or parent when you're less than 18 years old of age, and a certificate from a driving school that proves you've passed both test of theory and practice.
You may be asked to present a medical certificate as well. This is usually the case for foreigners. However, if you have an international driving permit and you are staying in Poland longer than the time 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 in the event that your visa or residence permit does not require a Polish driving license) You should be aware that using bribes to pass the test isn't a possibility. Even a modest attempt at bribing an instructor could result in an the arrest. You'll need to pass both a theory and practical test if you are not a Polish resident.
Theoretical test
It is a test written on traffic rules such as road signs and safety regulations. The test is offered in various 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 near your home. This will require a specific number of lessons with a driving instructor, that will be based on your previous experience and the class of license you're interested in.
State driving test:
The state exams are conducted in Province Road Traffic Centers (WORD in Polish). The theory and practice portions of the exam will be conducted at the same times and you must be present for both. Drivers who do not speak Polish can have a sworn translator accompany them during the part of the driving test for state drivers.
To pass the driving test for state, you'll need a completed driver's profile (PKK profile kandydata, also known as profil kandydata kierowce) along with an authentic passport and evidence of your Polish residence, as well as medical proof. After you've completed all of these information you'll need to send them 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 in need of it purchase an International Driving Permit to allow you to drive in Poland. The process can be long and frustrating, but don't be discouraged as it is possible to get an Polish driving license from abroad provided you meet the requirements. The costs for this procedure vary from country to country and can be very expensive and therefore it is recommended to start early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is among the hardest parts of getting your driving license in Poland. The theory exam covers everything from road signs, traffic rules, and safety regulations. Fortunately, it's available in several languages, so you can take it even if you don't speak Polish. After passing the test you'll have to enroll in a driving school and finish a certain number of sessions 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 car maintenance (level of antifreeze, oil, working of lights, adjusting the seat and mirrors, etc.).
The cost of driving lesson is dependent on the type of driver. It costs about 100 z. for a course of Cat. B license. Some schools offer a package which includes both the theory and the practical tests at a lower cost.
You'll need some documents before you take the test to pass the state driving test. If you're under the age of 18 years old, you'll require written permission from a parent or legal guardian. If you're a foreigner, you'll need a valid visa or another document that proves you are legally in Poland. You'll also require a certificate from a 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 studying at.
After you've completed your course and passed the state exam, you'll receive an Driving Candidate Profile. This will allow you to legally drive a vehicle in Poland for two years. You will need to renew your license after this. To complete this process, you'll require a proof proving your legal residence in Poland and an official medical certificate. If you own a vehicle, you'll need to present a vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance. If you don't have a car, you will have to purchase a policy through a private insurance company. This will cost about 350 PLN for a year.