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 trip to Poland, it's important to know the cost associated when obtaining a driving permit.
A medical examination and an application fee are required. The cost of enrolling in a driving school and taking the state tests are also expensive.
1. Medical exam
In the process of acquiring a license you must undergo a medical examination, or orzeczenie lekarskie, in Polish. The examination is conducted by an occupational medicine doctor who will test your hearing, eyesight and motor skills and assess your mental state. If you have any chronic health conditions, it is important to inform your doctor about the conditions prior to your visit, as it can affect your ability drive safely. The cost of an examination can range between 100 and 200 PLS, depending on which clinic you choose. On the official website of the Ministry of Health, you will find a physician who provides these services.
A driver's license in Poland comprises two parts: theory and practice. Both are governed by the rules of the province's road traffic center. A new driver is able to take the test in any WORD within Poland, regardless of where they have their residence. However in order to take the practical portion of the test, they will need to be enrolled in an instructor for driving.
There are plenty of driving schools in the country and some offer courses in foreign languages like English, Ukrainian or Russian. The driving school lasts for about 3 months and costs a total of about PLN1000 (depending on the city). After completing the course, you have to register for the state examination at the same location where you completed your training.
If you're a citizen of an EU member state, your driving license will be valid in Poland. You don't need to change it. If you are a resident of an non EU state that hasn't signed the international conventions on road traffic, you will need to exchange your driving license after passing the theory test in Poland.
To do this you must provide the following documents:
2. Theory test
The process of getting a driving license to drive in Poland requires passing both a theoretical and practical test. The cost of these tests varies depending on the category 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 for the theoretical course is generally low, ranging from 500 PLN to 2500 dollars. However, road instruction and practical courses are more expensive than what you would expect. In this scenario, you will need to have enough funds to cover the cost of these classes and exam fees.
If you have an active driving license issued by an EU member state or country which has ratified Vienna Convention 1968, you are not required to pass a theory exam or the test in practice. You must sign up to obtain a Polish driving license. You can sign up at your local provincial road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego).
In the majority of cases, you will be required to bring the following documentation:
The completed application form. This form can be downloaded online, however you'll need to fill it in in Polish. Be aware that the language requirements to get an Polish driver's license are high. Therefore, it is recommended to always have a translator.
Identification proof - this can be in the form of an ID card, passport or any other document that reveals information about your name and birth date. If you are a non-resident, you'll also need an entry visa or a residence permit, the written permission of your legal guardian or parent for those who are under 18 years older, and a certification from a driving academy confirming that you've passed both the theory and practice tests.
You may also be asked to provide a medical certification. This is usually the situation for foreigners. If you do have an international driving permit and you are staying in Poland longer than the time it is valid for, you will not be required to undergo an examination for medical conditions.
3. Practical test
If you intend to drive in Poland particularly when your visa/residence permits do not require a Polish license, be aware that bribing the test is not an option. Even wie viel kostet ein führerschein in polen to bribe an instructor could result in your being arrested. You'll have to pass an exam in theory and practice in the event that you are not an Polish resident.
Theoretical test
This is a written test on traffic rules such as road signs and safety rules. The test is offered in various languages and is required for foreigners to get their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
Once you've successfully passed the theoretical test, you'll need to enrol for driving lessons in a driving school in the city where you reside. This will require a certain amount of lessons with an instructor, that will be based on your previous experience as well as the class of license you're interested in.
State driving test:
State exams are conducted in Province Road Traffic Centers, which are known as WORD in Polish. The theory and practice portions of the test are conducted at the same time and you'll need 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-issued driving test you'll need to fill out a driver's profile (PKK Profil kandydata na kierowce) and an authentic passport and evidence of your Polish residency, as well as medical certificates. Once you've filled out all of these information and submitted the documents to the office - this can be your starost's office (starostwo powiatowe), city or town hall, or the district authority in Warsaw (urzad dzielnicy). The next step is to purchase an International Driving Permit if necessary to allow you to drive while you're in Poland. The process can be lengthy and frustrating however don't let that discourage you as it is possible to obtain an Polish driving license from abroad provided you meet the requirements. The costs for this procedure vary from country to country and can be costly It is therefore recommended to begin the process early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory exam is one of the most difficult parts of getting a driving license in Poland. The theory test covers everything from road signs to traffic rules and safety regulations. It's also available in many languages, so you can take it even if you don't speak Polish. After you pass the exam then you'll need to enroll in driving school and take a certain number of lessons in the hands of an instructor. These lessons will help you prepare for the state examination and practice driving skills. You'll learn about Polish maintenance for your car, such as how to check the level of oil and antifreeze level, as well as how to adjust your seat and mirrors.
The cost of driving lesson is dependent on the type of driver. Typically, it costs approximately 100 z. for an instruction course under a Cat. B license. Some schools also offer a package that includes the theory and practical test at a lower cost.
Before taking the state driving test you'll need to bring certain documents. If you're not yet 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 an official visa or another document that proves you are legally in Poland. You'll also need an official medical certificate that states that you do not have any health contraindications for driving. The driving school can offer this certificate for a fee.
Once you've completed the course and passed the state exam you'll be issued a Driving Candidate Profile. This will permit you to legally drive in Poland for a period of two years. You will need to renew your license following this. To do this, you will require a proof showing your legal residency in Poland and an official medical certificate. You'll need a vehicle registration and proof of insurance in the event that you own a vehicle. If you don't own a car, you will have to purchase a policy through an insurance company privately. It will cost you around 350 PLN per year.