Medical examinations for a driver's license β what do they look like and how much do they cost?
π©Ί Medical examinations are mandatory for every driving license candidate. Check how the examination proceeds, what is tested, and how much you'll pay in 2025.
Before you start a driving license course, you must obtain a positive medical certificate. This is a key stage that confirms your health condition allows you to drive safely. We explain what a medical examination looks like, how long it takes, what exactly the doctor checks, and how much it costs in 2025.
What does a medical examination for a driving license look like?
- Medical interview β the doctor asks about past illnesses, current complaints, medications taken, lifestyle, and any addictions.
- Vision test β assessment of visual acuity, color vision, twilight vision and spatial vision (stereopsis). If you wear glasses or contact lenses, the test is performed with and without them.
- Hearing test β basic assessment, sometimes an audiometric test.
- Assessment of the nervous and motor system β checking the range of motion of arms and legs, balance.
- Circulatory and respiratory system examination β listening to the heart and lungs, blood pressure and pulse measurement.
- Assessment of mental state β orientation in time and space, reactions, exclusion of mental disorders or addictions.
The entire examination usually takes 15β30 minutes. If the doctor has doubts, they may refer you for additional consultations (e.g., ophthalmological, neurological, psychological), which are paid separately.
Who must undergo a medical examination?
- Every candidate for a driving license of any category (AM, A, B, C, D, T, etc.).
- Professional drivers β mandatory every 5 years (up to age 60), after age 60 every 30 months.
- People renewing the validity of a driving license issued for a limited time (e.g., due to a vision defect or after age 65).
- People referred by police or court (e.g., after losing a driving license for points, driving under the influence).
How much does a medical examination for a driving license cost in 2025?
- Driving license category AM, A, B, B+E, T candidates: 200 PLN β this is the maximum statutory rate, applicable throughout Poland.
- Professional drivers (cat. C, D, E): 200 PLN for medical examination + 150β300 PLN for psychotechnical tests.
- Driving license replacement: Tests required only in specific cases (e.g., health restrictions), cost also 200 PLN.
- Additional specialist consultations: paid separately if the doctor refers you for further tests.
Medical examination is not covered by the National Health Fund β the cost is borne by the driving license candidate.
| Type of examination | Who must perform it? | Cost (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical examination for driving license cat. AM, A, B, B+E, T | Driving license candidates | 200 PLN |
| Medical examination for professional drivers (cat. C, D, E) | Professional drivers, license renewal | 200 PLN + 150β300 PLN psychotechnical |
| Additional specialist consultations | By doctor's referral | Individually (usually 100β300 PLN) |
Can you fail to get a medical certificate?
Yes β if the doctor finds health contraindications (e.g., serious vision or hearing disorders, neurological diseases, addictions), they will not issue a positive certificate. You can then appeal to the provincial occupational medicine center and undergo re-examination.
π‘ Expert perspective:
Medical examinations for a driving license are quick and painless, but it's worth preparing for health-related questions and bringing your glasses or contact lenses if you use them daily. If in doubt, the doctor may refer you for additional consultations β this is for your safety and that of other road users.
