A medical examination is one of the very first steps in applying for a Category B driving licence. Its purpose is to verify whether the candidate’s state of health allows for the safe operation of motor vehicles.
The examination must be completed before obtaining a Driver Candidate Profile (PKK). Following the examination, the doctor issues a medical certificate, which is an indispensable document needed to initiate the driving licence application process. The official procedure outlined on gov.pl starts precisely with a visit to a doctor authorized to examine drivers.
Is a medical examination mandatory before a driving course?
Yes. Everyone applying for a Category B driving licence for the first time must undergo a medical examination to determine whether any health contraindications to driving exist.
A positive medical certificate is necessary to create a Driver Candidate Profile (PKK – Profil Kandydata na Kierowcę). Only after obtaining a PKK number can you start training at a Driving Training Centre (OSK) or register for the state theoretical examination if you intend to prepare for the theory self-reliantly.
Who can perform the Category B driving licence medical exam?
The examination cannot be performed by just any doctor.
It must be a certified doctor authorized to conduct medical examinations of driver candidates and drivers. Authorized doctors are registered in a special registry maintained by the Marshall of the Voivodeship (Marszałek Województwa). Legal provisions also specify required qualifications and additional professional training for doctors performing these examinations.
In practice, the examination can be carried out in medical clinics offering driver check-ups. Many driving schools also partner with certified doctors and can recommend a clinic where you can undergo the examination. This option is also noted by the official gov.pl portal.
How to prepare for the driving licence medical examination?
The examination does not require complicated preparations. However, it is essential to ensure that the doctor can reliably evaluate your health status.
Bring with you to the appointment:
- an identity card, passport, or other valid identity document — without an ID document, the doctor cannot perform the examination
- glasses or contact lenses, if you use vision correction
- a hearing aid, if you use one
- any relevant medical documentation regarding conditions that might impact your fitness to drive
- information about medications taken permanently, especially if they could affect concentration, reaction time, or psychomotor performance
- medical reports or specialist opinions if you are under permanent specialist care for conditions relevant to driving ability.
Regulations require identity verification before starting the examination. The candidate also fills out a health declaration questionnaire. This declaration is made under penalty of perjury for providing false information.
Do you need to arrive fasting (on an empty stomach)?
As a rule, there is no general requirement to arrive fasting for a standard Category B driving candidate examination.
However, the health assessment includes diabetes screening, including blood glucose evaluation where appropriate. If the doctor or medical clinic provides specific pre-visit instructions, be sure to follow them.
What does the Category B driving medical exam look like?
The examination begins with identity verification and medical history taking. The candidate completes a health questionnaire, and the doctor conducts an interview and diagnostic checks to determine if health conditions allow for safe driving.
The scope of the examination is much broader than just checking vision.
| Assessed Area | What does the doctor evaluate? |
|---|---|
| Vision | Visual acuity, field of vision, and parameters critical for driving |
| Hearing | Hearing capability required for safe operation |
| Locomotor system | Physical mobility allowing proper vehicle control |
| Cardiovascular and respiratory systems | Conditions that might cause sudden incapacitation while driving |
| Nervous system | Including epilepsy and other neurological conditions |
| Sleep apnoea | Risk of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome |
| Renal function | Severe kidney diseases that may impact driving fitness |
| Diabetes | Diabetes management and blood glucose regulation |
| Mental health | Psychological disorders that could impair safe driving |
| Alcohol and substances | Signs of substance abuse or chemical dependency |
| Prescribed medications | Drugs that might affect psychophysical driving capacity |
| Other conditions | Any serious medical conditions posing road safety hazards |
This comprehensive evaluation scope is set directly by the legal regulations governing driver medical fitness.
From June 3, 2026, an updated regulation regarding driver examinations also came into effect, modifying specific hearing assessment standards, among other details.
How is vision checked for a driving licence?
Vision is one of the most vital components of the driver candidate medical examination. The doctor verifies whether the candidate meets the standards required for safe driving.
Having a visual impairment does not automatically mean you cannot get a Category B driving licence.
If required visual acuity is achieved through corrective lenses, the doctor will confirm fitness to drive while stipulating the obligation to use appropriate vision correction while driving.
Therefore, if you wear glasses or contact lenses on a daily basis, make sure to bring them to your appointment.
Can a vision defect result in a restriction code on your driving licence?
Yes. The medical certificate may contain specific restrictions resulting from the candidate’s health status.
The law allows the examining physician to impose restrictions concerning the validity period of the licence, vehicle types that may be driven, vehicle modifications or equipment, and special driver requirements (e.g. driving with corrective lenses – code 01.06).
In practice, the requirement to wear corrective lenses while driving is the most frequent restriction.
Thus, having a vision defect is not a barrier to obtaining a licence; what matters is its nature, degree, and correctability.
Does a chronic illness prevent you from getting a driving licence?
Not every chronic disease constitutes a contraindication to driving.
The physician assesses the specific health condition, disease progression, stability, and potential impact on driving safety. This applies to neurological disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and sleep disorders.
If a more detailed evaluation is necessary, the authorized doctor may refer the candidate to a medical specialist or psychologist, or order additional diagnostic tests.
Candidates under specialized care should bring their up-to-date medical records to the visit to facilitate a thorough and prompt assessment.
Do you need a psychological exam for a Category B licence?
Under standard circumstances, a first-time Category B applicant does not need to undergo a separate psychological assessment in transport psychology.
Mandatory psychological evaluations apply to professional categories (such as Category C or D) and specific legal scenarios.
However, this should not be confused with a doctor’s referral for a psychological consultation if deemed medically necessary during the assessment.
What do you receive after the examination?
Upon completing the examination, the doctor issues a medical certificate regarding the existence or absence of health contraindications to driving.
If no contraindications are found, this document enables you to continue the licence application process. The certificate is submitted along with other documents to obtain your PKK number. Gov.pl lists the medical certificate as a required enclosure for a driving licence application.
The certificate may also specify health-related restrictions, such as a shortened validity period or specific driving conditions.
Can a driving licence be issued for a shorter period due to health?
Yes.
If a health condition requires periodic monitoring, the examining physician may specify a shortened validity period for the driving licence.
This means the candidate receives driving privileges, but their validity will depend on passing a follow-up medical examination in the future.
Hence, not all health conditions lead to disqualification. In many cases, driving is permitted under regular medical supervision.
What if the doctor finds medical contraindications?
If the doctor determines that your health does not permit safe driving, a certificate stating medical contraindications may be issued.
An applicant who disagrees with the decision has the right to request a re-examination (appeal).
The appeal must be submitted in writing within 14 days of receiving the certificate, through the doctor who issued the initial decision. The re-examination takes place at an authorized provincial occupational medicine centre (WOMP – Wojewódzki Ośrodek Medycyny Pracy). The decision issued after the appeal re-examination is final.
How much does the driving licence medical examination cost?
Under Polish law, the fee for a medical examination conducted by an authorized physician cannot exceed 200 PLN. The same statutory limit applies to appeal re-examinations.
It is advisable to confirm pricing directly with the chosen clinic before booking.
Category B medical examination – summary
The medical examination is performed at the beginning of the Category B driving licence procedure, prior to setting up your Driver Candidate Profile.
It must be conducted by an authorized physician. Its purpose is to verify whether your health permits safe vehicle operation. Assessed parameters include vision, hearing, mobility, nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as chronic conditions and medications.
If no contraindications are identified, you will receive a medical certificate needed to complete the PKK formalities.
Already have your medical certificate? The next step is preparing your documents and creating your Driver Candidate Profile (PKK).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to complete the medical exam before enrolling in a driving course?
Yes. The medical certificate is mandatory for creating your PKK, and the PKK number is required by driving schools to start training.
Can your regular family doctor (GP) perform the exam?
Only if they hold certified credentials as an authorized driver medical examiner. Being a general practitioner alone is not sufficient.
Can you get a driving licence if you wear glasses?
Yes. Vision defects do not preclude getting a licence. If your vision meets the standards with glasses or contact lenses, you will be approved with a corresponding restriction code.
Do you need to remove contact lenses for the exam?
Inform the doctor if you wear contact lenses. Testing methods depend on the type of correction and clinic protocols.
Does the Category B exam include psychological tests?
A standard first-time Category B application does not require mandatory psychological tests in transport psychology, unless specifically requested by the examining physician.
Do you need a PKK number before the medical examination?
No. It is the other way round: the medical certificate is one of the mandatory documents required to generate your PKK number.
What do you do with the medical certificate?
Submit the certificate to your local communications department (Wydział Komunikacji) when applying for your Driver Candidate Profile (PKK).
