What examinations do driver candidates have to undergo?

The decision on no health-related objections concerning driving motor vehicles is issued by a physician authorised to conduct examinations for driver candidates. Such specialists are available at almost every public and non-public clinic.

Without this decision, not only will we not obtain a driving licence, but we will not even be able to start the training course.

A driver candidate goes to the doctor...

During the examination, a physician must exclude vision, hearing, circulatory-system, respiratory-system, nervous-system, motor-system, and balance disorders, which could make it unsafe to drive e.g. a car.

Diseases included in the regulations and particularly focused on by the examination include diabetes, epilepsy, and kidney failure.

Furthermore, the physician evaluates the driver candidate for symptoms of addiction to or abuse of alcohol, drug addiction, or use of any drugs, which could potentially affect the ability to drive a motor vehicle. The candidate’s mental health is also evaluated for potential disorders.

If the examining physician has any doubts as to the health of the candidate, he or she can order appropriate specialist consultations or additional tests. For example, if the physician suspects the driver of being addicted to alcohol, he or she orders a psychiatric or psychological examination.

A decision with remarks

Pursuant to the resolution of the Minister of Health, a partial or complete hearing loss does not have to be a health-related contraindication to obtaining a driving licence in categories A, A1, B, B1, B+E, T (motorcycle, passenger vehicle, tractor). However, in the case of individuals with a complete or partial loss of hearing, the physician must enter a remark on the requirement of using a hearing aid.

The case is similar with visual impairments. Should the physician diagnose problems such as nearsightedness or night vision disorders, the candidate will receive a medical decision with adequate additional regulations such as the requirement of wearing glasses while driving or driving in daylight only.

What is more, individuals applying for a driving licence in categories C, C1, D, D1, C+E, C1+E, D+E, D1+E, or a streetcar driving permit have to undergo mandatory specialist ophthalmological consultations combined with an examination evaluating dusk vision and the so-called glare phenomenon.

Only certain drivers are obliged to undergo mandatory psychological examinations. These include driving instructors, driving licence examiners, and individuals applying for a streetcar driving permit.

The examined driver or candidate must fill in a questionnaire, which includes a self-evaluation of their health.

What is the cost of medical examinations for drivers?

The regulation of the Minister of Health establishes the maximum fees for the medical examinations needed to obtain a driving licence. And so, the maximum fee is PLN 200 for people applying for a driving licence in categories A, A1, B, B1, T, and B+E. The maximum fee for people applying for a driving licence in categories C, C1, D, D1, C+E, C1+E, D+E, D1+E, a streetcar driving permit, and also for candidates for driving instructors, driving licence examiners, and drivers subject to medical inspections equals PLN 250. The maximum fee for drivers, whose licenses have been suspended for e.g. drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs is PLN 300.