If you’re planning to drive in Šibenik, having your own car can be a convenient way to explore this beautiful coastal city and beyond. While public transportation in larger Croatian cities can be reliable, owning a vehicle is often more practical, especially if you’re living in the outskirts of Šibenik or have a family to transport. To drive legally in Croatia, you’ll need a valid Croatian driver’s license, or vozačka dozvola.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to get your Croatian driver’s license in Šibenik, from eligibility requirements to the application process and the medical certificate you’ll need.
Who Can Apply for a Croatian Driver’s License?
To apply for a Croatian driver’s license (vozačka dozvola), you must meet the following criteria:
- Croatian Citizens: Whether you are a permanent or temporary resident of Croatia, if you’re a Croatian citizen, you can apply for a driver’s license in Šibenik.
- EU/EEA Citizens: Citizens of the EU or EEA countries who are residents in Croatia or have studied in the country can apply for a Croatian driver’s license.
- Third-Country Nationals: If you are a third-country national (non-EU/EEA), you can apply for a Croatian driver’s license if you’ve been residing in Croatia for at least 185 days within the last calendar year and hold temporary or permanent residency.
Steps to Apply for a Croatian Driver’s License in Šibenik
The process for getting a driver’s license in Šibenik involves several steps, and depending on your circumstances, you may need to take additional courses or provide specific documentation.
1. Take Driving School (Autoškola)
In some cases, you’ll be required to attend a driving school (autoškola) before you can apply for your Croatian driver’s license. You must attend driving school if:
- You’ve never held a driver’s license before.
- Your foreign driver’s license has expired.
- Your foreign driver’s license is from a non-EU/EEA country, and you’ve lived in Croatia for more than one year.
Driving schools in Šibenik typically offer comprehensive courses, including theoretical lessons and practical driving sessions. There are many autoškola options in Šibenik, so it’s best to research a school that suits your needs. Once you complete your driving school training, you’ll be ready for the next step.
2. Requesting Your Croatian Driver’s License
Once you’ve completed driving school (or if you were not required to attend), you can apply for your Croatian driver’s license at an administrative police station in Šibenik.
Here’s what you’ll need to submit:
- Identity card (osobna iskaznica) or passport.
- Medical certificate (Uvjerenje o tjelesnoj i duševnoj sposobnosti) proving you’re fit to drive.
- Photograph: A 35×45 mm photo, unless you’ve recently received a biometric passport or ID card.
- Proof of payment: Make sure to pay any required fees for the license. You can pay these at designated payment points or via bank transfer.
- Proof of residence: If you’re not a Croatian citizen, provide proof that you’ve been a legal resident in Croatia for at least 6 months.
In Šibenik, you’ll apply at the local police station (or at the Administrative Police Station for specific paperwork). The police station will guide you through the necessary steps and ensure you have all the required documentation.
3. Choosing Your Processing Speed
Once your application is submitted, you can choose between different processing speeds depending on how urgently you need the license:
- Standard Procedure: The license will be ready for pickup in 30 days.
- Accelerated Procedure: Your license will be ready in 3 working days.
- Urgent Procedure: Available only at the Zagreb police station, this procedure allows you to receive your license within 24 hours.
If you prefer, you can opt for home delivery once your license is processed.
4. What Is the Medical Certificate?
Before applying for your Croatian driver’s license, you’ll need to pass a medical examination. This involves a check of:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Motor skills
- Blood pressure
- Heart function
- Psychological and mental fitness
After passing the medical exam, you’ll receive a medical certificate (Uvjerenje) valid for 15 months. This certificate must be renewed if you don’t complete your driving school or application within this period. If you’re applying to exchange a foreign driver’s license for a Croatian one, the medical certificate is also required.
Where to Pick Up Your Driver’s License in Šibenik?
Once your driver’s license is processed, you can pick it up based on the procedure you selected:
- Standard Procedure: At the police station where you submitted your application.
- Accelerated Procedure: Pick it up at the police station where you applied.
- Urgent Procedure: Only available at the Main Police Administration in Zagreb.
- Home Delivery: The license will be delivered to your address.
Make sure to pick up your license within 90 days, as failure to do so may result in cancellation, and you’ll need to repeat the application process.
The Validity of Your Croatian Driver’s License
In Croatia, the validity of your driver’s license depends on the category of your vehicle:
- For categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, F, and G: The license is valid for 10 years.
- For categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE, and H: The license is valid for 5 years.
Drivers with specific health conditions may be issued a license for a shorter period. If you have health issues that could affect your ability to drive, such as vision impairment, diabetes, or heart disease, you may need to undergo regular health checks.
Conclusion: Driving in Šibenik and Beyond
Getting your Croatian driver’s license in Šibenik is a straightforward process, but it does require some preparation. Whether you’re moving to Šibenik, spending an extended period in the city, or planning to stay long-term, obtaining a local driver’s license will give you the freedom to explore the stunning Dalmatian coast and beyond with ease. Make sure you follow the correct steps, provide all necessary documentation, and choose the right processing speed for your needs.
Once your license is in hand, you’ll be ready to drive through Šibenik’s charming streets, visit nearby beaches, and enjoy the incredible landscape that makes this city one of the most desirable places to live in Croatia.
Please note that this blog is not an official website. The information provided is for informational purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. We do not take responsibility for any mistakes or omissions and cannot be held liable for any consequences arising from the use of this information. For official information, please refer to the appropriate sources. Thank you for your understanding!
