The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
A driver's license in Poland is a vital step to explore the stunning landscapes of Poland historical cities, picturesque towns, and charming villages. Before you begin planning your next road trip through Poland, it's important to know the costs involved in obtaining a driver's license.
The procedure involves paying a fee to apply and taking a medical test. There are additional costs when you enroll in driving schools and taking the state examinations (practical and theory).
1. Medical examination
You will be required to pass an examination called orzeczenie Lkarskie (in Polish) during the process of obtaining an authorization. The test is administered by a doctor of occupational medicine who will test your vision, hearing motor skills, and mental state. If you suffer from chronic health conditions it is essential to inform your doctor about the conditions prior to your visit, as it can affect your ability drive safely. The cost for this examination ranges between 100 and 200 PLN based on the clinic you choose. On the official 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 governed by rules of the province road traffic center (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). The theory test can be taken at any WORD in Poland by a new driver regardless of where they reside. For the practical portion, they must first enroll in a driving school.
There are plenty of driving schools in the country, and some of them offer courses in foreign languages such as 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 completing the course, you must take the state test at the same place where you completed your course.
If you are a citizen of a European Union member state, you can use your own driving license in Poland without having to change it to an Polish one. If you are a citizen of an non EU state which has not signed the international conventions on road traffic, then you will need to change your driving license after passing the theory test in Poland.
You will require the required documents:
2. Theory test
To get an driving license in Poland you must pass both an exam that is theoretical and a practical test. The cost of these tests differs according to the type of vehicle you'd like to drive. Category A is for motorcycles, category B is for cars and category C is for trucks and huge vehicles.
The cost of the theory course can range from 500 PLN up to 2500. However, road instruction and practical courses are more expensive than you would imagine. In this instance you'll need have enough money to cover the costs of these lessons and fees for exams.
If you already have a valid driving license from an EU country or a country that has accepted the 1968 Vienna Convention, you will not need to take a theory test or pass the test. You must register to get a Polish driving licence. You can register at your local provincial road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In most cases, you will be asked to bring these documents:
A completed application form. This form can be downloaded on the internet, but you'll have to fill it out in Polish. It is important to know that the requirements for Polish language to obtain the Polish driver's license are very high. It is recommended to always carry a translator.
Proof of identity can be an ID card, a passport or other document that includes your name and date of birth. If you are a foreign national, you will also need to present a residence permit or visa or a written permission from the legal guardian or parent (in the case that you are not yet the age of 18) and a certificate from your driving school which confirms that you have completed both the theory and practice exams.
You might be asked to provide a medical certification in addition. This is usually the case if you are an international. If you hold an international driver's license, and you are staying in Poland for more than six months, you will not be required to take an exam for medical purposes.
3. Practical test
If you intend to drive in Poland particularly when your visa/residence permits do not require a Polish license, you should be aware that bribing your exam is not an option. Even a modest attempt at bribing an instructor could lead to the arrest. You'll need to pass both a theory and practical test even if you're not an Polish resident.
Theoretical test
This is a written test on road signs, traffic rules, and safety regulations. It is offered in many languages and is a requirement for foreigners to obtain the Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
Once you've passed the theory test, you'll have to sign up for practical driving lessons at a driving school near your home. This will require a specific number of lessons with an instructor, that will be based on your previous experience as well as the category of license you're seeking.
State driving test:
State exams are held in Province Road Traffic Centers, which are referred to as WORD in Polish. Both the theory and the practice portions of the exam will be conducted at the same time and you must be present for both. Drivers who do not speak Polish can be accompanied by an interpreter who is sworn to the theory part of the driving test for state drivers.
In order to pass the state-issued driving test you'll need to fill out a driver's profile (PKK - profil kandydata na the kierowce), a valid passport and proof of your Polish residence, as well as medical certificates. Once you've filled out all the required information and submitted them to the office - this can be your starost's office (starostwo powiatowe), city or town hall or the district authority in Warsaw (urzad dzielnicy). If you're in need of it buy an International Driving Permit to allow you to drive in Poland. The process can be lengthy and frustrating however don't let that discourage you - it is possible to get an Polish driving license from abroad provided that you meet the required requirements. The costs of this procedure vary by country and can be costly and therefore it is recommended to begin early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is among the hardest parts of getting your driving license in Poland. The theory test covers everything from road signs to traffic rules and safety regulations. It's a good thing that it's available in many languages which means you can use it even if you don't speak Polish. After lkw führerschein in polen pass the exam then you'll need to enroll in a driving school and take a certain number practical lessons with an instructor. These lessons will help you prepare for the state exam and give you practice in driving. lkw führerschein in polen will also teach you about Polish maintenance for your car (level of oil, antifreeze, workability of lights, adjusting the seat and mirrors, etc.).
The cost of driving lessons depends on the class of driver. It's about 100 Z. For a Cat. B license. Some schools also offer a package that includes the theory and practical test for a lower cost.
You'll need certain documents before you take the state driving test. If you're under the age of 18, you will require written permission from a parent or legal guardian. If you're a foreigner, you'll require a visa or other document that proves your legal stay in Poland. You will also need an official 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 studying at.
After you have completed the course and successfully passed the state examination after which you will receive an Driving Candidates Profile. This will permit you to legally drive a car in Poland for a period of two years. After that, you'll need to renew your driving license. To do this, you must provide proof of your legal residency in Poland and also an authentic medical certificate. You'll need to provide an official registration for your vehicle and proof of insurance if you own a car. If you don't own a car, you will have to purchase a policy through a private insurance company. It's about 350 PLN a year.