The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
A driver's license in Poland is a crucial step in exploring the stunning landscapes of the country, historic cities, and charming villages. But, prior to planning your journey, you need to know the costs associated with obtaining a license in Poland.
A medical exam and application fee are required. There are also expenses involved in enrolling in driving school and passing the state tests (practical and theory).
1. Medical exam
You'll need to undergo an examination orzeczenie Lkarskie (in Polish) during the process of obtaining a license. The exam is carried out by occupational medicine doctors, who will examine your hearing, eyesight and motor skills, and also assess your mental health. If you have any chronic health issues it is crucial to inform the doctor of these prior to the exam, as this could affect your ability to drive safely. The cost for this examination varies between 100 and 200 PLN, based on the clinic you select. 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 governed by rules of the province road traffic center (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). A new driver is eligible to take the exam at any WORD in Poland regardless of their place of residence. However for the practical portion of the test, they will need to enroll in a driving school first.
There are a lot of driving schools across the country, and some offer courses in foreign languages, such as English, Ukrainian or Russian. The course lasts between 2-3 months and is priced at around PLN 1,000 (depending the location you live in). After completing the course, you have to take the state test at the same location you completed your training course.
If you're a citizen of a European Union member state, you can use your own driving license in Poland without having to exchange it for one that is a Polish one. If you're a citizen of a non EU state that has not signed the international conventions for road traffic, you will need to exchange your driving licence after passing the theory test in Poland.
To do this you will need to submit the following documents:
2. Theory test
To obtain a driver's license in Poland requires passing both a theoretical and practical test. The cost for these tests differ depending on the size of the category of vehicle you want to operate. The categories are A for motorbikes B for cars, and C for large trucks and trucks.
The cost of the theory course can range from 500 PLN to 2,500. The cost of road-based training and practical classes is higher than you'd think. You'll need enough money in this case to cover the costs of these lessons as well as exam fees.
If you hold an active driving license issued by an EU member state or country that has ratified the Vienna Convention 1968, you are not required to pass a theory exam or the test in practice. You must register to get an Polish driving license. You can do this by going to your local provincial road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In the majority of cases, you will be required to bring the following documentation:
A completed application form. You can download it online, but you'll need to fill out the application in Polish. It is important to know that the requirements for Polish to obtain the Polish driver's license are very high. It is recommended to always have an interpreter.
Identity proof can be an ID card, a passport or any other document that includes your name and date-of-birth. If you are a foreign national you will also have to show a residence permit or visa and a signed consent from a parent or legal guardian (in case you are under the age of 18) and a certification from your driving school confirming that you've completed both the theory and practice exams.
You may also be asked to submit an official medical certificate. This is often the situation for foreigners. If you have an international driver's license and are in Poland for more than six months, you will not be required to pass an exam for medical purposes.
3. Practical test
If you're planning to drive in Poland (especially when your visa or residence permit doesn't require an Polish driving license) You should be aware that using bribes to pass the test isn't a possibility. The process is regulated and monitored and even a slight attempt to bribe a teacher could lead to arrest. If was kostet führerschein in polen Fuehrerscheinn '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 exam on traffic rules such as road signs and safety rules. This test is available in a variety of languages and is required for foreigners who want to get their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons:
Once you've passed the theory test, you will be required to take practical driving lessons with an instructor near your home. This will require a certain number of lessons with a driving instructor, which are specifically tailored to your previous experiences and the type of license that you're pursuing.
State driving test:
State exams are conducted in Province Road Traffic Centers, which are called WORD in Polish. Both the theory and part of the test that is practice will be held at the same time which means you have to attend both. Drivers who do not speak Polish are able to have a sworn translator accompany them on the part of the driving test for state drivers.
To pass the state driving test, you'll require a completed driver's profile (PKK-profile kandydatana kierowce) along with an authentic passport, proof of Polish residence, and a health certificate. After you have filled out the necessary details, you'll need submit it to your starost (starostwo powiatowe), town hall or district authority (urzad dzielnicy) in Warsaw. The final step is to buy an International Driving Permit if necessary to allow you to drive while in Poland. The process can be lengthy and stressful, but don't be discouraged it is possible to obtain an Polish driving license from abroad provided that you meet the required requirements. The process can be costly and differs by country. It is best 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 available in multiple languages which means that even if don't speak Polish it is possible to take the test. After passing the test, you'll need to enroll in an instructor-led driving school and take a certain amount of practical driving lessons with an instructor. These lessons will prepare you for the state exam and give you practice in driving. They will also teach you about Polish maintenance for your car (level of oil, antifreeze, the working of lights, adjusting the seat and mirrors, etc.).
The cost of driving lessons is contingent on the class of driver. Typically, it costs around 100 z for a course of Cat. B license. Some schools also offer a package that includes the theory and practical test for a much lower price.
You'll need certain documents before you take the driving test for state. If you're younger than 18 years old, you'll need a written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you're a non-native, you'll need a visa, or other document that confirms your legal status in Poland. You'll also require the signature of the doctor stating that there are no contraindications to driving. Driving schools can provide this certificate at a fee.
After you've completed the course and successfully passed the state examination after which you will receive an Driving Candidates Profile. This will allow you to legally drive in Poland for two years. After that, you'll have to renew your license. In order to do so you'll need to provide a document that proves your legal residency in Poland and also have a valid medical certificate. If you have a car you'll need the vehicle's registration certificate as well as proof of insurance. If not, you'll need to purchase a policy from a private insurer. It's about 350 PLN per year.