How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone hopes to have a perfect driving licence, that will never expire. However, the reality is very different.
The process of getting an Polish driving license involves many steps. The most important include medical examination and theory as well as practical lessons. It is also important to meet the requirements of age for the category of the driving license.
1. Medical exam
To get your driving license, you first need to get the doctor's (orzeczenie Lkarskie) confirmation that you're competent to drive. It may sound odd, but it's the way things work in Poland. The doctor will ask you a lot of naive questions about your health, for instance, if you have issues with your eyesight or any other medical problems and will never physically examine you in any way. The cost for this exam is about 200 PLN.
If you're from one of the countries that is a member of the EU or EEA or a country which is a member of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic then you don't have to take this step, as your driving licence will be recognized as valid in Poland. If you are coming from a non-member country, you will need to pass both a theory and a practice test, as well as a medical exam to obtain an official Polish driving licence.
Both exams can be completed in English however it is a bit of a chance to fail or succeed based on the centre. It's a good idea to call ahead and verify availability prior to booking your appointment. You'll also need to arrange for an interpreter if your level of Polish isn't high enough to pass the test.
After you've received your medical certificate, you have to visit the district authorities and have an updated driver's profile (PKK Profile Kandydata na Kierowce). You will need a scanned copy of your passport and proof of your residence in Poland, as well as an image in color.
Then you go into an office specifically designed for you where they create your personal file scan your documents and give them to you. You can then begin preparing for your driving tests and sign up for an instructor. WORD is available in most major cities, and in smaller ones. However, some schools require payment for their courses.
2. Theory test
If you have a driving license issued in another country, it is valid in Poland in the event that you carry an International Driving Permit ('IDP') along with it. You'll need an IDP for every vehicle used in Poland for more than six months. It is required to exchange your IDP for an official Polish licence in the event that you do not have one. The process requires you to satisfy four requirements: you must be a Polish resident, you must have passed medical tests and you must pass the state-approved driving test and take driving lessons in an approved by the government.
To take the state-issued driving test you will require a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. This includes your ID, your health certificate, a letter from a driving instructor who is approved, and a copy of your visa or residence permit. The driving test itself consists of two parts: the theoretical portion and the practical. The theoretical part includes thirty-two multiple-choice questions and covers such subjects as road signs, traffic laws, emergency protocols and safe driving methods. To pass, you must correctly answer 26 questions.
The practical part of your driving test entails driving on a highway that is public under supervised supervision. During this time, an instructor will observe your ability to follow the rules of driving on the road particularly in difficult conditions such as city streets or highways. The duration of the practice test is about 40 minutes.
Before you can pass your state driving test, you need to apply for a PKK at the Province Road Traffic Centers. To do this you'll need your identity document as well as proof of paying the fee required and a photograph of you. If you don't know Polish, a professional translator can accompany you during the test.
3. Practical test
You'll have to pass the practical test if driving with a foreign driver's license. This is a much harder test than the one for theory and the success rate is quite low. Moreover, you can take the test on the spot only if you're legally living in Poland. If not, your driving permit will be indefinite. You could also be fined if are stopped by the police for driving without a valid driver's license.
In order to take the practical test, you'll need to fill out an application form, which is online and needing to be completed in Polish (Google Translate can help). You will also need an official medical certificate that proves you are fit to drive.
Bring your photo ID and evidence of health insurance coverage, along with an up-to-date colour photo (size 3,5cm x 4,5cm). You must register as a driver candidate with the Department of Civil Affairs. This requires that you complete a Driving Profile of the candidate (RKK) to be issued a code to use within the system.
It's a long and complex process, particularly when your English abilities aren't adequate. It's best to hire an instructor who speaks English and schedule your lessons in advance. In certain regions, you will also find driving schools that provide lessons in English.
Anyone who is seeking a Polish driving license has to provide a copy the residence permit or visa for non-EU citizens. This is necessary to prove that you've been in Poland for at least 185 days.
The office will also require evidence of payment for the practical and theory tests. The total cost for the entire process should be about 1,500 PLN. There is the option of paying cash, however, this does not guarantee faster processing of documents. The whole process takes around two to four weeks. In some areas it can be even longer. If you're not sure about the deadlines, it's best to ask the office in your area.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have emigrated to Poland and would like to drive, obtaining an Polish driver's license is crucial for avoiding problems with car insurance. However, before they can obtain that, they must pass the exam in theory, and this process will cost them. lkw führerschein in polen will be easier for foreigners who are citizens of countries who have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
The first thing they have to do is to ensure that they have been in Poland for a minimum of six months. This can be proved by an address registration for local addresses, residence permit or visa. The applicant must also fill out the application form in its entirety. The form is available on the internet or at an office in your area. A recent 35x45 millimeter photo and proof of identity like an authentic passport, must be submitted. They must also submit a health care certificate that proves they are qualified to drive.
The voivodship office then prepare the driving licence documents for issuance. This can take up to 9 working days. The waiting time can extend to 1 month in situations that require a thorough exam.
A foreign national will also need to submit a copy his or her medical certificate. It is important to have a valid medical certificate since without it, the foreigner will be required to retake the theory test, which could increase the time they wait by up to two months.
After the driving licence is prepared and issued, you will need to pay an office fee. This fee is 100 PLN to EU citizens and 250 PLN for citizens who are not EU citizens. This cost is payable via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. The driver's license will then be mailed to the address at which the applicant lives. If for any reason the driving license is not issued, an appeal may be made to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow via the City Mayor.