The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
The process of obtaining a driving permit in Poland is a vital step to explore the stunning landscapes of the country and historic cities as well as charming villages. Before planning your next road trip through Poland it is important to know the costs involved when obtaining a driving permit.
Fuehrerscheinn includes paying an application fee and undergoing a medical exam. There are also costs involved in enrolling in a driving school and taking the state tests (practical and the theory).
1. Medical exam
In the process of acquiring a license it is required to undergo a medical exam or orzeczenie lekarskie in Polish. The examination is conducted by occupational medicine doctors who will test your hearing, eyesight, and motor skills and assess your mental state. It is essential to inform your doctor of any medical conditions that could affect your driving ability. The cost of an examination can vary between 100 and 200 PLS, based on the clinic you choose. On the website of the Ministry of Health, you can find a doctor that offers these services.
A driver's license in Poland comprises two parts of theory and practice. Both are governed by regulations of the province road traffic center (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). A new driver is able to take the exam at any WORD in Poland regardless of their place of residence. For the practical portion they need to first sign up for a driving class.
There are a variety of driving schools in Poland, and a few offer courses in other languages, like English, Ukrainian, or Russian. The driving course is for 2-3 months and costs a total of approximately PLN 1000 (depending on the city). After you've completed the course, you will be required to enrol for the state test at the same place where you completed your training course.
If you're a resident of an EU member state your driving license will work in Poland. There is no have to alter it. However, if you are from a non-EU state that is not a signatory of the international conventions on road traffic then you'll need to exchange your license for one that is a Polish one after passing the theory exam in Poland.
To do this, you will need to provide the following documents:
2. Theory test
The process of getting a driving license In Poland requires passing both a theoretical and practical test. The cost of these tests is depending on the category of vehicle you want to drive. Category A is for motorcycles Category B is for cars and category C is for trucks and huge vehicles.
The cost of a theoretical course can vary from 500 PLN up to 2500. However, road-based instruction and practical courses are much more expensive than what you'd imagine. In this scenario you'll need have enough funds to cover the cost of these lessons as well as exam fees.
If you already have a valid driving license from an EU country or a country that has signed the 1968 Vienna Convention, you will not be required to pass a test of theory or pass the test. However, you will still need to sign up to get a Polish driving license. You can sign up at your local provincial road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In the majority of instances you will be required to bring the following documents:
The completed application form. This form can be downloaded on the internet, but you'll need to fill it in with Polish. It is important to know that the requirements for Polish to obtain the Polish driver's license are very high. Therefore, it is recommended that you always carry a translator.
Proof of your identity - this can be in the form of an ID card, passport or other document that contains information about your name and date of birth. If you are a foreign national, you will also need to show 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 confirming that you have successfully passed both the theory and the practice exams.
You might be asked to present a medical certificate also. This is usually the situation for foreigners. However, if you hold an international driving permit and you are staying in Poland longer than the period of six months it is valid for, you won't be required to undergo an examination for medical conditions.
3. Practical test
If you plan to drive in Poland particularly if your visa/residence permit does not require a Polish license, be aware that bribing your exam is not an option. Even a tiny attempt to bribe an instructor could lead to arrest. If you're a non-Polish resident, you'll need to pass a test of theory and a practical course before obtaining a driver's license in Poland.
Theoretical test:
It is a test written on traffic rules, road signs, and safety regulations. The test is offered in several languages and is required for foreigners who want to obtain their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
If you've passed the test on paper and passed the practical test, you'll have to sign up for practical driving lessons at a driving school within the city where you reside. This will require a certain number of driving lessons with a driving instructor, which are tailored to your prior experience and the license category that you're pursuing.
State driving test:
The state exams are held in Province Road Traffic Centers (WORD in Polish). The theory and examination's practice portion will be held at the same times, so you must attend both. Drivers who do not speak Polish can be accompanied by a sworn interpreter for the theory part of the state driving exam.
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. Once you've filled in the necessary information, you will need to submit it to your starost (starostwo powiatowe), town hall or district authority (urzad dzielnicy) in Warsaw. The next step is to purchase an International Driving Permit if necessary to allow you to drive while in Poland. The process can be lengthy and frustrating however don't let that discourage you it is possible to get a Polish driving license from abroad provided that you meet the required requirements. The costs of this procedure vary from country to country and can be costly, so it's best to begin early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is among 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 also available in many languages and you can use it even if you don't speak Polish. After passing the test, you'll need to enroll in a driving school and finish some practical lessons with an instructor. These lessons will prepare you for the state examination and help you practice your driving skills. They'll also help you understand Polish maintenance for your car (level of oil, antifreeze, workability of lights, adjusting the seat and mirrors, etc).
The cost of driving lessons varies on the class of driver. It is about 100 z. To obtain a Cat. B license. Some schools also offer a bundle which includes the theory and practical test for a lower cost.
Before you can take the driving test for state license you'll need some documentation with you. If you're under 18 years old, you'll need an official written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you're a non-native, you'll need a valid visa or a document that proves you are legally in Poland. Also, you'll need an official medical certificate that states that you do not have any health-related contraindications to driving. This is available at a cost from a doctor who has been selected by the driving school you're studying at.
After you've completed the course and passed the state examination and passed the state exam, you'll receive a Driving Candidate Profile. This will permit you to legally drive a vehicle in Poland for a period of two years. You'll have to renew your license following this. To do this, you must provide an evidence of your legal residence in Poland and also have an official medical certificate. If you have a car you'll need an official registration certificate for your vehicle and proof of insurance. If you don't have insurance, you'll need to purchase an insurance policy from an insurance company that is private. It's about 350 PLN for a year.