How Much Does an EU Driving License Cost?
Everyone hopes to have an driving license that will never expire. But the reality is quite different.
The process of obtaining an Polish driver's license is a thorny process. The most important are: medical examination and theory as well as practical lessons. It is also important to meet the age requirements for the category of driving license.
1. Medical exam
To obtain your driver's license, first obtain a doctor's (orzeczenie lkarskie) confirmation that you're fit to drive. It might sound strange, but this is the way it works in Poland. The doctor will ask a number of questions that aren't really relevant to your health and wellbeing, for instance the case if you're having issues with your vision or any other medical problems. They won't examine you physically. 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 need to complete this process because your driving licence is valid in Poland. If you're coming from a non-member nation you must pass both a practical and theoretical test, and also a medical exam to obtain a Polish driving license.
It is possible to take both of these tests in English. However it is contingent on the centre. It's a good idea to call ahead and verify availability prior to booking your appointment. It's also worth noting that If you don't have sufficient amount of Polish to easily ace the exam, then you'll need to book an interpreter for the entire day.
Once you have your medical certification, you will need to visit the district authority to complete an individual driver profile (PKK - Profil Kandydata na Kierowce). You will need to take a scan of your passport as well as proof of your residency in Poland and a recent photograph in color.
Then you go into an office that is specially designed to make your personal file and scan your documents to give them to you. From there you can begin preparing for the tests and enroll at a driving school. You can find WORD facilities in all major cities and most smaller ones however, most schools require a fee to hold their classes.
2. Theory test
If you're a driver with a foreign driving license, it's valid in Poland provided you have an International Driving Permit ("IDP"). If you plan to drive a car in Poland for a longer period than six months, you will require an IDP. It is mandatory to exchange your IDP for a Polish license if you do not have one. The process requires you to meet four criteria that include: you must be a Polish resident, you must pass medical tests and you must pass the state driving exam, and you must take driving lessons in an approved by the government.
To take the state-issued driving test, you need a Driving Candidate Profile (PKK) and other documents. Those include your ID and medical certificate, an approved driving instructor's report and a photocopy of your visa or residency permit. The driving test is divided into two parts: the theoretical portion and the practical. The theoretical part includes thirty-two multiple-choice questions that cover subjects as road signs traffic laws, emergency protocols and safe driving practices. You must correctly answer at least 26 questions in order to pass.
The practical portion of the driving test consists of driving a vehicle on a road that is public and under controlled supervision. During this time, an instructor will be observing your ability to adhere to the rules of driving on the road, especially in difficult situations like highways or city streets. führerschein polen kaufen Fuehrerscheinn is about 40 minutes.
Before you can take the state driving exam you must apply for PKK (Driving Candidate Profile) at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzkie Osrodki Ruchudrogowego - WORD). You'll need your identification document as well as proof that you've paid the fee that is required as well as a photograph of yourself. If you do not speak Polish, a professional translator can accompany you on the test.
3. Practical test
If you're driving a car that has a foreign license, you'll also have to pass a practical test. It's a tougher test than the one for theory and the success rate is low. Furthermore, you are able to take the test on the spot only if you're legally resident in Poland. If you're not, the driving licence will remain indefinitely and if you're stopped by the police, you could be fined for driving without a valid driver's license.
To take the practical test, you need to fill out an application form in Polish. Google Translate will help. Also, you must have a medical certificate stating that you're qualified to drive.
Bring an ID photo and proof of health insurance coverage as well as a recent colour photograph (size 3,5cm x 4,5cm). You will have to join the department of civil affairs as a candidate for driving and this will require you to complete a driving profile of the candidate (RKK) and receive a code number to use in the system.
It's a long and complex process, particularly if your language abilities aren't adequate. It's a good idea to hire an English-speaking instructor and book your lessons in advance. There are also driving school that offer English lessons in certain regions.
A person who's seeking a Polish driving license is obliged to provide a copy of the residence permit or visa for non-EU citizens. This is required to prove that you've resided in Poland for at least 185 days.
The office will also require proof of payment for practical and theory tests. The total cost should be about 1500 PLN. Cash payments are accepted however it doesn't guarantee faster processing of your documents. The entire process can take between two and four weeks. In some areas it can be longer. If you're unsure about the deadlines, you'll need to contact your local office.
4. Documents
For foreigners who have relocated to Poland and wish to drive, obtaining a Polish driver's license is vital to avoid issues with insurance for cars. Before they can do this, they need to pass the theoretical test, which will cost them. This process 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 must do is ensure that they have been in Poland for at least 6 months. This must be proven through the registration of their local address, residence permit or visa. The applicant should also submit the complete application form. The form can be found on the internet or at the local office. A recent 35 x45 mm photograph and evidence of identity like an authentic passport, must be submitted. They must also submit an official health certificate that proves they are competent to drive.
The voivodship office will then make the driving licence documents for issuance. This can take up to nine working days. The waiting time can be as long as 1 month in cases that require a thorough examination.
A foreign national also needs to submit a copy their medical certificate. It is crucial to possess a valid medical certificate since without it, the foreigner may need to retake the theory test, which can extend their waiting period by two months.
Once your driving license is completed and issued, you will need to pay a fee at the office. The fee is 100 PLN for EU citizens and 250 PLN for those who are not EU citizens. This fee is payable via bank transfer, debit or credit card. The driver's license will be sent to the address at which the applicant lives. If for any reason the driver's license isn't issued, an appeal may be made to the Local Government Appeals Board in Rzeszow via the City Mayor.