The Costs of Getting a Driving License in Poland
Getting a driving license in Poland is a vital step towards exploring the stunning landscapes of Poland, historic cities, and charming villages. But, prior to planning your road journey, it's important to know the expenses for obtaining a driving license in Poland.
A medical exam and an application fee are required. There are additional costs in enrolling in a driving school and taking the state tests (practical and theory).
1. Medical examination
During the license acquisition process it is required to undergo a medical exam, or orzeczenie Lekarskie in Polish. The examination is conducted by occupational medicine doctors who will test your hearing, eyesight, and motor skills, and also assess your mental state. It is essential to inform the doctor if you have any chronic conditions that may impact your driving ability. The cost of this exam can range from 100 to 200 PLN, based on the clinic you choose. You can locate a doctor who provides these services on the website of the Ministry of Health.
The Polish driver's licence is divided into two parts: the theory and practice. Both are governed by rules of the provincial road traffic center (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). The theory test can be passed in any WORD within Poland by a driver who is new regardless of where they reside. However, for the practical part of the test, they will need to enroll in the driving school first.
There are numerous driving schools in Poland, and some offer courses in other languages, like English, Ukrainian, or Russian. The driving course is for 2-3 months and costs around PLN 1000 (depending on the city). Once you pass the course, you will be required to enrol for the state test at the same location you completed the 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 to an Polish one. If, however, you are from a non-EU country that is not a signatory to the international road traffic agreements, you will need to exchange your license for a Polish one after passing the theory test in Poland.
You will require the required documents:
2. Theory test
In order to obtain an driving license in Poland you must pass the theoretical test as well as an actual test. The cost for these tests are according to the size of the vehicle category you want to operate. The categories are A for motorcycles B for cars, C for large vehicles and trucks.
The cost of the theoretical course can range from 500 PLN to 2500. The cost of road-based training and practical lessons is much higher than you'd expect. You'll need enough money to cover the costs of these classes and exam fees.
If you already have an active license issued by an EU country or one that has ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention, you will not be required to pass a test of theory or pass the test. However, you will still have to register in order to get an Polish driving license. You can register at 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 on the internet, but you'll need to fill out the form in Polish. It is important to note that the language requirements for obtaining a driver's licence in Poland are extremely high, and it is advised to have a translator with you at all times.
Identification proof could be an ID card, a passport or any other document that contains your name and birth date. If you're a non-resident you'll also require a visa or residence permit, the written permission of your parent or legal guardian if you're under 18 years older, and a certification from a driving academy confirming you've passed both the practical and theory tests.
You may also be asked to provide a medical certification. This is usually the situation for foreigners. However, if you have an international driving permit and are staying in Poland longer than the period of six months it is valid for, you will not be required to have a medical examination.
3. Practical test
If you're planning to drive in Poland (especially if your residence permit or visa doesn't require the issuance of a Polish driving license) You should be aware that using bribes to pass the exam isn't an option. Even a small attempt at bribing a teacher could lead to the arrest. If you're not a Polish citizen you'll have to pass a theoretical test and practical lesson before getting a driver's license in Poland.
Theoretical test:
It is a written test on road signs, traffic rules and safety regulations. The test is offered in various languages and is required for foreigners who want to get their Polish driving license.
Practical lessons
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to take practical driving lessons at a driving school near your home. This will require a certain amount of lessons with a driving instructor, which are specifically tailored to your prior experience and the category of license that you're trying to obtain.
State driving test:
The state exams are held in Province Road Traffic Centers (WORD in Polish). The theory and the practice sections of the exam are given simultaneously and you'll need to be present at both. Drivers who do not speak Polish are able to be assisted by a sworn interpreter for the theory part of the state driving test.
To take the state-issued driving test, you'll require a completed driver profile (PKK-profile kandydatana kierowce), as well as an original passport, proof of your Polish residence and a health certification. Once you've filled in the required details, you'll need submit it to your starost (starostwo powiatowe), town hall or district authority (urzad dzielnicy) in Warsaw. If you're required to buy an International Driving Permit to allow you to drive in Poland. The process can be long and frustrating, but don't be discouraged as it is possible to get a Polish driving license from abroad if you meet the requirements. This procedure can be expensive and varies by country. fahrschule in polen is recommended to begin the process early.
4. Practical lessons
The theory test is among the most difficult aspects of getting a driving license in Poland. It covers everything from road signs to safety regulations and traffic rules. It's available in a variety of languages, so even if you do not speak Polish, you can still take the test. After passing the test you'll have to enroll in an instructor-led driving school and take some sessions with an instructor. These lessons will help you prepare for the state exam and practice driving skills. You'll learn about Polish car maintenance, including how to check the oil level and antifreeze level, as well as how to adjust your mirrors and seat.
The cost of driving lesson depends on the class of driver. It is about 100 z. for an instruction course under a Cat. B license. However, some schools offer a bundle which includes the theory and practical test for a much lower cost.
You'll need a few documents to take the driving test for state. If you're not yet 18, you'll need an authorization letter from your parent or legal guardian. If you are a foreigner you'll require a valid visa or a document to prove that you're legally in Poland. You'll also require an official medical certificate that states that you do not have any health contraindications for driving. This can be obtained at a cost from a doctor who has been selected by the driving school you're studying at.
Once you've completed the course and passed the state test and passed the state exam, you'll receive the Driving Candidate Profile. This will permit you to legally drive a vehicle in Poland for a period of two years. You will need to renew your license after this. To do this you'll need to present an evidence of your legal residence in Poland and have an official medical certificate. If you own a car, you'll need to present the vehicle's registration certificate as well as proof of insurance. If you don't, you'll need to buy an insurance policy from an insurance company that is private. It will cost you around 350 PLN per year.