The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
A driver's license is a fantastic option to see the breathtaking landscapes, historic towns, and charming villages of Poland. But, before you start planning your trip, it is essential to know the expenses associated with obtaining a license in Poland.
A medical exam and an application fee are required. There are additional costs when you enroll in driving school and passing the state examinations (practical and theoretical).
1. Medical examination
You'll be required to pass an examination called orzeczenie lkarskie (in Polish) during the process of obtaining a license. The examination is conducted by an occupational medicine doctor, who will examine your hearing, eyesight, and motor skills and assess your mental state. If you have any chronic health issues it is essential to tell the doctor about the conditions prior to your visit, as it may affect your ability to drive safely. The cost for this examination varies from 100 to 200 PLN, depending 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 is composed of two parts: theory and practice. Both are governed under the regulations of the provincial road traffic center. The test can be passed in any language in Poland by a new driver, regardless of where they live. However, for the practical part of the test, they have to be enrolled in a driving school first.
There are many driving schools in the country and some offer courses in foreign languages like English, Ukrainian or Russian. The driving course lasts 2-3 months and costs a total of approximately PLN 1000 (depending on the city). After you have completed the course, you will be required to enrol for the state exam at the same place where you completed your training.
If you are a resident of an EU member state the driving license you have will be valid in Poland. You don't have to alter it. If, however, you are from a non-EU state that is not a signatory to the international conventions on road traffic and traffic, you must exchange your license for one that is a Polish one after passing the theory test in Poland.
To do so, you will need to provide the following documents:
2. Theory test
To obtain a driver's license to drive in Poland requires passing both a practical and a theoretical test. The charges for these tests vary according to the size of the category of vehicle you'd like to operate. The categories are A for motorcycles B for cars, C for large trucks and trucks.
The cost of the theoretical course is usually low, ranging from 500 PLN to 2500 pounds. However, road training and practical classes are much more expensive than you would think. In this instance you'll need to have enough funds to cover the cost of these lessons and exam fees.
If visit the following page have a valid license from an EU country or a nation that has accepted the 1968 Vienna Convention, you will not need to take a theory test or pass the practical test. You must sign up to obtain an Polish driving license. You can do this by going to your local provincial road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In most cases you will be required to bring the following documentation:
The completed application form. This can be downloaded online, however you'll have to fill it out in Polish. You should be aware that the requirements for Polish language to get the Polish driver's license are high. It is advised to have a translator.
Identification proof could be an ID card, a passport or any other document that has your name and date-of-birth. If you're a non-resident you'll also require an entry visa or a residence permit, the written permission of your legal guardian or parent if you're under 18 years older, and a certification from a driving school confirming you've passed both the theory and practice tests.
You may be required to provide an official medical certificate. This is often the case for foreigners. If you have an international driver's license and are staying in Poland for more than six months, you won't be required to undergo a medical exam.
3. Practical test
If you intend to drive in Poland, especially if your visa/residence permit does not require an Polish license, you should be aware that bribing the test is not an option. Even a tiny attempt at bribing a teacher could lead to the arrest. If you're not a Polish citizen you'll have to pass a test of theory and a practical course before obtaining the driver's license in Poland.
Theoretical test
This is a written test on traffic rules, road signs, and safety regulations. It is offered in a variety of languages and is a prerequisite for foreigners who want to obtain a Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
After passing the test on paper and passed the practical test, you'll have to sign up in driving lessons for practice at a driving school in your city of residence. This will require a specific amount of driving lessons with a driver instructor, that are adapted to your previous experience and the category of license that you're pursuing.
State driving exam:
State exams are conducted in Province Road Traffic Centers, which are referred to as WORD in Polish. Both the theory and the part of the test that is practice will be held at the same times, so you must attend both. Drivers who don't speak Polish are able to have a sworn translator accompany them for the theory portion of the state driving test.
To take the state driving test, you'll require a completed driver profile (PKK-profile kandydatana kierowce) and an original passport, proof of Polish residence and a health certification. Once you've filled out all the required information and submitted your application to the office. it could be your starost's office (starostwo powiatowe), city or town hall, or district authority in Warsaw (urzad dzielnicy). If you need to purchase an International Driving Permit to allow you to drive in Poland. It's a lengthy and difficult process, but If you meet all the requirements, it's possible to get an official Polish driving licence from abroad. This procedure can be expensive and varies by country. It is recommended to begin the process early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is one of the hardest parts of getting your driving license in Poland. The theory exam covers everything from road signs, traffic rules and safety regulations. It's available in a variety of languages and, therefore, even if you don't speak Polish you are able to take the test. If you pass the test then you'll need to join a driving school and take a specific number of lessons in the hands of an instructor. These lessons will help you prepare for the state test and will allow you to practice driving. They'll also teach you about Polish maintenance of your car (level of oil, antifreeze, workability of lights, adjusting seat and mirrors, etc).
The cost of driving lessons varies on the class of driver. It's about 100 Z. To obtain a Cat. B license. Some schools offer a package that includes both the theory and practical tests at a lower cost.
You'll need some documents with you before you take the driving test for state. If you are under 18, you will require written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you're a foreigner, you'll require an official visa or another document that proves you are legally in Poland. You will also need a certificate from a doctor stating that there are no contraindications to driving. This is available for a small fee from a doctor chosen by the driving school you're studying at.
Once you've completed the course and passed the state exam, you'll receive a Driving Candidate Profile. This will allow you to legally drive in Poland for a period of two years. You'll need to renew your license following this. In order to do so you'll need to provide a document that proves your legal residency in Poland and also have an official medical certificate. You'll need an official registration for your vehicle and proof of insurance when you own a car. If you don't, you'll have to purchase a policy from an insurance company that is private. It will cost around 350 PLN a year.