Psychological tests for drivers: what do driver psychotechnical tests involve?
- Damian Brzeski
- 2 days ago
- 18 min read
Did you know that even the perfect driver can lose their driving license if they fail psychological tests? Whether you are a professional, a taxi driver, a machine operator or simply drive a company car - psychological tests may be your obligation.
Find out who has to do them, what they involve, and what to do to avoid a negative verdict. This article is a compendium of knowledge that could decide your future behind the wheel.
Who must pass psychological tests for drivers?
Many of us associate psychotechnical tests mainly with truck or bus drivers, but the list of people who must pass them is much longer! Let's check if you are in this group.
Professional drivers and those on duty
If your job involves driving vehicles, whether trucks (categories C1, C1+E, C, C+E) or buses (D1, D1+E, D, D+E), psychological tests for drivers are mandatory for you.
It doesn't matter whether you're just applying for a professional driver's license or you already have it and need to renew it - without a positive psychological assessment, nothing will happen! The same applies to people who carry out road transport of goods or people.
And what about you, dear sales representative, who spends half a day in a company car? Although you are not a professional driver in the classic sense, your employer, based on the Labor Code and the Regulation of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, may require you to undergo psychological tests .
All this to assess your mental predispositions to perform work that requires constant driving. Remember, your safety and the safety of others is key here!
Taxi and passenger transport drivers
If you earn your living driving people, whether by taxi, bus or coach, you are classified as a professional driver . As a result, psychological tests for drivers are an absolute obligation for you! No wonder – after all, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers, and that is a huge responsibility.
Drivers of emergency vehicles and machine operators
You know who needs to demonstrate extraordinary psychomotor skills and stress resistance? It's drivers of emergency vehicles !
This includes people driving ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars. Their work often requires quick reactions and decision-making under time pressure, so psychotechnical tests are absolutely crucial in their case.
Let's not forget about heavy machinery operators! If you operate excavators, loaders, forklifts or are a tram driver, you also have to undergo psychotechnical tests . After all, not only the machine but often the safety of others rests in your hands.
Instructors and examiners – teachers of safe driving
Imagine how much patience and skill it takes to learn to drive! That is why both instructors and driving examiners must regularly undergo psychological tests . They shape future drivers, and their driving personality , as well as the ability to quickly assess the situation on the road, are worth their weight in gold.
What about penalty points or… alcohol?
Unfortunately, it happens that someone overdoes it on the road. If you have exceeded the limit of 24 penalty points, the district officer will refer you for a psychological check-up .
This is a check to see whether your mental predispositions still allow you to drive safely on the roads, despite previous offences.
What if someone was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Or, horror, caused an accident that resulted in death or serious bodily harm?
In such situations, psychotechnical tests are mandatory. Their purpose is to assess whether there are no psychological contraindications to continue driving.
After all, the point is to ensure that no one poses a threat to other road users.
What does the psychological testing process for drivers look like?
Are you wondering what exactly psychological tests for drivers look like? Don't worry, it's nothing to be afraid of!
It is rather a comprehensive assessment of your mental fitness, which is crucial for road safety. The entire psychological examination usually takes from one to three hours. Prepare for some interesting tasks and an honest conversation with a psychologist.
Psychomotor skills examination and apparatus tests
The first part is a real test of your speed and precision. The psychologist will check how quickly and accurately you react, how well you manage your hand-eye coordination, and whether you can maintain concentration even in monotonous conditions or under time pressure.
For this purpose, specialized devices are used that may seem cosmic, but they serve very specific purposes.
Examples of apparatus tests you may encounter:
Reaction time meter : Every millisecond counts here! It checks how quickly you react to visual and auditory stimuli. Remember, on the road, fractions of a second decide about safety.
Cross-hair apparatus (stereometer, coordination meter) : This apparatus will test your hand-eye coordination and precision of movements. Do you think it's easy? You will see how focus affects your results!
Virometer, Landolt Ring / Night Meter : These are devices that will assess your resistance to glare and your ability to see in the dark. You know, driving at night can be demanding, and these tests will show how your eyes cope in difficult lighting conditions. These are psychological tests for vision in practice.
Driver personality testing and questionnaires
The next step is to learn about your driving personality . The psychologist wants to learn how your personality traits affect your driving behavior.
Be prepared to complete several standardized questionnaires that will help assess:
Stress Resistance : How do you react when the road gets tense? Can you stay calm in a traffic jam or when faced with an unexpected situation?
Concentration skills : Can you stay focused on driving for an extended period of time, even on a monotonous route? This is crucial to avoiding distractions.
Emotional stability : Are you prone to impulsive or aggressive behavior behind the wheel? A psychologist will check whether you can control your emotions.
Level of social maturity : It is about whether you follow the rules and whether you can show empathy towards other road users.
Intellectual Ability Test and Raven's Matrix Test
This part is a kind of test of your cognitive abilities . The psychologist will assess your logical thinking, ability to draw conclusions and speed of information processing. A frequently used tool here is the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test .
It measures fluid intelligence, or your ability to solve new problems and adapt to unfamiliar situations. How do you think you can quickly find solutions to unusual tasks?
Psychological interview and psychological assessment
Finally, the psychologist will conduct an interview with you. This is the time for an honest conversation about your driving experiences, habits, possible health problems, and a history of accidents or violations, if any.
Don't worry, this is not an interrogation, but rather an opportunity to better understand your driver profile.
Based on all the collected data – results of instrument tests, completed questionnaires and interviews – the psychologist will make a comprehensive assessment. As a result, you will receive a psychological opinion on the absence or existence of contraindications to driving.
The most commonly used psychological tests
To sum up, in psychological tests for drivers you will encounter a variety of tests that are intended to comprehensively assess your mental fitness:
Concentration and reaction speed tests : In this area, the aforementioned reaction time meter and the cross-reference apparatus reign supreme . In addition, there are often paper-and-pencil tests that test your perceptiveness and ability to concentrate (e.g. tests with figures or numbers). Here, not only speed counts, but also accuracy!
Tests for proper vision and cognitive abilities : These include a virometer , night meter or Landolt's Ring , which examine twilight vision, glare resistance and general visual functions, so important on the road. An inseparable element is also the Raven's Matrix Tests , which assess your intellectual abilities - logical thinking and analysis of situations.
Personality Questionnaires : Help assess traits such as risk-taking, aggression, impulsiveness, or stress resistance. These traits largely influence your driving style.
Now that you know what psychotechnical testing involves, you can be sure that there is nothing to be afraid of! After all, it is an investment in your safety and the safety of others.
How to prepare for psychological tests
Now you're probably wondering how to prepare for psychological tests to do as well as possible, right? The good news is that psychological tests don't require you to memorize any theories or rules.
This is where your natural mental agility comes into play. However, a few simple tips can really help you achieve great results.
Recommendations before a psychological examination
Think of these driver assessments as something to help you, not to hurt you. Here are some things you can do to feel comfortable and perform at your best:
Get plenty of rest : This is probably the most important piece of advice! Before visiting a psychologist, try to get a really good night's sleep. Fatigue is the enemy of concentration and quick reactions, and yet these are the key aspects in examining psychomotor skills . A tired mind simply works worse, and this can negatively affect your results.
Zero stress, more ease : Of course, it's easier said than done, but try to approach it calmly. Stress can falsify results and make you less effective. Remember, a psychologist is there to help you, not to judge you.
Documents at hand : Before leaving, check that you have everything you need with you: your ID card, driving license, and if you have one - also a referral for the examination. If you wear glasses or contact lenses on a daily basis, be sure to take them with you! After all, in a psychological vision test, you have to see everything clearly.
Light meal, or not when hungry : Do not go to the examination on an empty stomach, but also avoid heavy, burdensome meals. A light snack will give you energy for mental work, without feeling sluggish.
Take care of yourself : A cliché, but important! Physical comfort translates into mental comfort. Clean clothes, freshening up - all this will make you feel more at ease and confident.
What to avoid before visiting a transport psychologist?
This is as important as what you should do! Remember not to give yourself "surprises" that can ruin your results:
Absolute ban on alcohol and stimulants : This is probably obvious, but it is worth repeating. Forget about alcohol and any other psychoactive substances for at least 24-48 hours before the test. They can completely disrupt your concentration, reaction time and general psychophysical state, and as a result, make your psychological tests go to waste.
Caffeine and energy drinks in moderation : Sure, coffee can be a lifesaver in the morning, but it's best not to overdo it before psychological tests. Too much caffeine or energy drinks can cause overstimulation, jitters, and stage fright, which will definitely not help you approach the tests calmly and objectively.
Don't try to play or "cheat" : There is no room for trickery here! Psychological tests are designed to detect attempts at manipulation and dishonesty. Be yourself, answer naturally and honestly. The psychologist wants to know your true personality as a driver , not a learned role.
Remember that passing psychological tests is not an exam, but an assessment of your predispositions. Approach it calmly, but with due seriousness, and everything will surely go your way!
Psychological assessment and its importance
Okay, so we’ve covered who needs to undergo psychological testing and what it looks like. But what happens once a psychologist has finished their work?
That's when you get your hands on a psychological report , and this document is nothing more than your ticket to driving legally and safely on the road! It's crucial to your driving license, so it's worth knowing exactly what it means.
What does the absence of psychological contraindications mean?
If your decision includes a note about the lack of psychological contraindications , you can breathe a sigh of relief!
This means that the psychologist did not find any characteristics or disorders in you that could negatively affect your safety (and the safety of others!) in road traffic.
It is nothing more than a positive assessment that confirms that you have the right mental predispositions to drive vehicles. In short, a green light for you and your licenses!
Validity of a psychological assessment and when should psychological tests be repeated?
You are probably wondering how long your psychological opinion will be valid and when you will have to repeat the psychological tests ? It depends on several factors, mainly on what category of driver you represent:
Professional drivers : If you are a professional driver , whether a bus or a truck, your certificate is usually valid for 5 years. Remember, after this period you must undergo another psychological examination to continue to practice your profession. Without it, you can't move!
Professional drivers aged 60 and over : Here, things are a bit different. If you are over 60 and still work as a professional driver , the validity of your certificate is reduced to 30 months, or 2.5 years. This is to increase safety and more frequent verification of mental predispositions.
Drivers referred for testing after exceeding penalty points or after drinking alcohol : In these cases, the validity of the decision is more flexible. Sometimes it can be issued indefinitely, but more often the psychologist or the governing body (e.g. the district governor) sets a specific validity period. It all depends on the individual situation and the purpose of the referral for psychotechnical tests .
People using company vehicles (non-professional drivers) : If you use a company car but are not a professional driver , your certificate is usually issued without having to be regularly renewed. Unless the occupational health physician decides otherwise, then you must follow their recommendations.
What if the psychological assessment is negative?
Sometimes it happens that a psychologist states that there are contraindications. In such a situation, do not panic! You have the right to appeal a negative decision. You can do so within 14 days of receiving it.
The appeal is submitted to a superior entity, usually another psychologist appointed by the appropriate body. It is worth using this if you believe that the result does not reflect your actual predispositions.
Cost and duration of psychological tests
Okay, we've come to the topic that often interests every driver the most - money and time! How much do psychological tests for drivers actually cost and how much time do they have to be devoted to?
How much will psychological tests for drivers cost in 2025?
The great news is that in Poland the fee for psychological tests for drivers is fixed and regulated by law. Regardless of which authorized psychological clinic you go to, in 2025 the cost of psychological tests is always PLN 150 .
This means you don't have to look for "promotions" or worry that you'll pay more in one place than in another. It's a fixed, transparent amount that ensures a uniform standard of service.
How long do psychological tests take?
Wondering how many hours you need to allocate to undergo psychological testing ? Usually, the entire psychological test takes from 1 to 3 hours .
Why such a discrepancy? The duration may vary depending on several factors:
Your individual predispositions : Some people cope with tasks faster, others need a little more time to think. The psychologist adjusts the pace to the examined person, so do not feel pressured.
Number and type of tests : In some cases, the psychologist may consider it necessary to conduct additional tests to accurately assess your predispositions. This is always aimed at the most thorough psychological examination of the driver's abilities.
Whether your psychotechnical assessment lasts an hour or three, remember that it is an investment in your safety and the certainty that you are fully prepared for action on the road. It is worth the time, right?
Legal basis and drivers' rights - why do you have to undergo psychological tests?
Have you ever wondered where the requirement to undergo psychological tests came from? It is not someone's whim, but a strictly defined requirement by law!
The main legal basis that regulates psychological tests for drivers is the Act of 5 January 2011 on vehicle drivers .
It is Article 82 of this Act that clearly indicates who must undergo psychological examinations .
This applies to candidates for drivers of various categories, professional drivers , driving instructors, examiners, as well as those who have lost their driving licence due to offences, for example for exceeding penalty points or driving under the influence of alcohol.
This Act is supplemented by the detailed Regulation of the Minister of Health of 8 July 2014 on psychological examinations of persons applying for a driving licence, drivers and persons working as drivers.
It specifies what exactly these psychological tests should look like, what methods should be used, what their scope is and what the psychological decisions should look like.
This gives you the assurance that psychological research is conducted in a similar, standardized manner everywhere.
Psychological tests and your professional driver's license
If you are a professional driver or you plan to become one, a positive psychological assessment is an absolute "must have" for you! Without it, you cannot obtain or extend your license. This is one of the key conditions to be able to legally practice this profession.
Your psychological assessment is necessary to obtain an entry on the driving license for initial or periodic qualification. Furthermore, it is also required to obtain or extend the Professional Driver Profile (PKZ).
Without valid psychotechnical tests of a professional driver, your career path behind the wheel may be blocked. That is why it is so important to regularly repeat psychological tests and take care of your psychophysical predispositions to drive safely.
Where to take psychological tests for drivers in Gdańsk
If you live in Gdańsk or the surrounding area and are wondering where you can undergo psychological tests for drivers, you have come to the right place! Finding the right, authorized psychological office is the key to handling the matter efficiently and in accordance with the regulations.
Who conducts psychological testing of drivers?
Psychological examinations of drivers may only be carried out by psychologists with appropriate qualifications and working in psychological laboratories entered into the register kept by the voivodeship marshal.
This ensures that the tests are carried out in accordance with applicable regulations and in compliance with the highest standards. We are dealing with professionals who take care to assess your mental predispositions to drive safely.
How to find a licensed psychological clinic?
The best way to find an authorized facility is to use official sources. In the case of Gdańsk and the Pomeranian Voivodeship, a list of accredited psychological laboratories can be found in the Public Information Bulletin (BIP) of the Pomeranian Voivodeship Marshal's Office .
This is where all the necessary data is collected, which will allow you to check whether a given facility is legal and authorized to conduct psychotechnical examinations .
List of Psychological Workshops in Gdańsk and the surrounding area
To make your task easier, I have prepared a list of several proven psychotechnical laboratories that offer psychotechnical tests for drivers in Gdańsk and nearby towns.
Remember that all of these facilities have the required certificates, which allows them to conduct the test in accordance with applicable regulations.
Name of the facility | Address | Phone | Rate |
MADA Psychological tests for drivers Gdańsk | Posejdona 29A, 80-299 Gdansk | +48 518 321 224 | 5.0 (4 rec.) |
Psychological tests Gdańsk Pruszcz Gdański – CEDE | Aleja Księdza Józefa Waląga 2, 83-000 Pruszcz Gdański | +48 606 797 477 | 5.0 (148 rec.) |
Carusek Psychological Research Workshop for Drivers | Wita Stwosza 73, 80-308 Gdansk | +48 513 153 197 | - |
Psychological Research Laboratory for Drivers and Other Professions | Nicolaus Copernicus 16, 80-208 Gdansk | +48 696 283 648 | 5.0 (1 rec.) |
PSYCHOTESTS FOR DRIVERS – Psychovita | Construction 27A, 80-298 Gdańsk | +48 531 330 330 | 4.0 (12 rec.) |
Work and Transport Psychology Workshops | Bernarda Milskiego 1/apt. 11, 80-809 Gdańsk | +48 793 151 153 | 5.0 (15 rec.) |
Additional information worth knowing before your visit
Before you go for a psychological examination, remember a few important things:
Booking : The vast majority of offices recommend making an appointment for your examination in advance. This way, you will avoid a long wait and will be able to calmly prepare for the psychotechnical session.
Duration : The standard duration of the test is about two hours. It includes an assessment of psychomotor skills , perception and concentration skills.
Documents : Be sure to check what documents you need to take with you. This is usually an identity document and a referral for a test (if you have one) or information about the need for a test provided by the transport office.
Additional services : Some facilities also offer psychological tests for couriers , operators of machines and specialist equipment (e.g. forklifts), and even psychological consultations or periodic tests. It is worth asking about these options if they may be important to you.
In Gdańsk and its immediate vicinity, you can choose from several reliable psychotechnical laboratories where you can undergo psychological tests necessary to obtain or extend the license of a professional or amateur driver .
Before your visit, it is always worth confirming the availability of dates and required documents directly at the chosen facility. This will ensure that the entire procedure runs smoothly and without unnecessary stress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Driver Psychology Tests
Do you still have any doubts about psychological tests for drivers? That's great! I've collected the most frequently asked questions for you along with comprehensive answers. Let's go through them together!
Who actually needs to pass psychological tests for drivers?
Psychological tests are a must for many of us! They apply primarily to professional drivers – taxi drivers, bus drivers, truck drivers, van drivers. Driving instructors and examiners must also undergo psychological tests , as well as drivers of emergency vehicles , such as ambulances or police.
Please also remember that if the district governor orders you to undergo a test (e.g. after exceeding 24 penalty points , after driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs or after causing a serious accident), you must also undergo the test.
How much do psychological tests for drivers cost and how long do they take?
The good news is that the cost of psychological tests is fixed and amounts to PLN 150 - this is a legally regulated amount, so you will pay the same everywhere! The test itself usually lasts from 1 to 3 hours . This time may vary depending on your individual predispositions and how many tests the psychologist considers necessary to conduct.
What does a psychological examination look like?
Psychological tests are a complex matter, but there is nothing to be afraid of! They usually consist of several stages:
Psychological interview : At the beginning, you will have a conversation with a psychologist about your driving experiences, habits and health.
Psychomotor skills test : These are tests on special equipment that will check your reaction time, eye-hand coordination and concentration.
Personality test : In this section, you will complete questionnaires that will help assess your personality traits that are important for a driver, such as stress resistance or emotional maturity.
Intellectual ability test : These are tests, such as the famous Raven's Matrices Test, which assess your logical thinking and reasoning ability.
What does "no psychological contraindications" mean?
If your psychological opinion contains such a record, you can breathe a sigh of relief! This means that the psychologist did not find any mental characteristics or disorders in you that could negatively affect your safety in road traffic. This is a positive assessment and a green light to obtain or maintain your authorization!
How long is a psychological assessment valid?
The validity of the judgment varies depending on your situation:
For most professional drivers : 5 years .
For professional drivers over 60 years of age: 30 months (2.5 years) .
For persons referred for an examination after losing their driving licence for specific reasons (e.g. penalty points, alcohol): The decision may be indefinite or for the period specified in the referral.
What should I do if I receive a negative decision?
Don't worry, it's not the end of the world! You have the right to appeal within 14 days of receiving a negative decision.
You file an appeal to a higher level psychologist or another entity indicated in the ruling. Remember, however, that a negative ruling means that you will not be able to practice as a professional driver or that you will lose your license.
How to prepare for psychological tests?
Proper preparation is key to success! Here are some key tips:
Rest and get a good night's sleep before your examination.
Absolutely avoid alcohol and drugs for at least 24-48 hours before your visit.
Don't overdo it with caffeine or energy drinks.
Take your ID card , driving license and any referral with you .
If you wear glasses or contact lenses , be sure to bring them with you.
Be honest in your answers – psychological tests are designed to detect attempts at manipulation.
Can stress before the test affect the result?
Yes, absolutely! High stress can negatively affect your results, especially in those parts of the test that require concentration and quick reactions. Try to relax and approach the test calmly.
Does a psychologist have access to my medical history or penalty points?
The psychologist will conduct an interview with you, but as a rule, they will not have direct access to your full medical records or penalty point history without your consent, unless such information is included in the referral for the examination.
Where can I take psychological tests in Gdansk?
Psychological tests may only be conducted by authorized psychological laboratories that are entered in the register kept by the voivodeship marshal.
To find a list of facilities in Gdańsk, it is best to check the Public Information Bulletin (BIP) of the Marshal's Office of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. There you will find an up-to-date list of places where you can undergo psychological tests .
What should I do if I am late for my examination?
Life is unpredictable, isn't it? If you know you're going to be late for your psychological tests , don't wait - contact a psychological office as soon as possible .
Depending on their policy and how many slots they have available, they may accept you despite the delay, reschedule you for the same day, or ask you to make a new appointment entirely. It's better to call and ask than to just not show up!
Can I get my money back if I don't complete the study or drop out?
It depends on the specific psychological office. Usually, if the psychological examination has already started, the fee is not refunded - the psychologist has invested his time and used specialist equipment.
However, if you cancel before the test begins or simply don’t go in, some clinics may agree to refund some or all of the fee. This isn’t always the case, so always ask about the refund policy when you make your appointment. It’s better to know where you stand up front.
Can I repeat the psychological tests after a negative result?
Yes, absolutely! If you have received a negative psychological assessment , you have the right to appeal it (remember, you have 14 days to do so!). However, if this appeal is also negative, you usually have to wait a certain amount of time - for example, a few months - before you can take the test again.
The psychologist who issued the decision can indicate when it makes sense to undergo another psychological examination , i.e. after the reasons for the negative decision have disappeared. This gives you time to work on yourself, if necessary.
Are psychological tests the same for all groups of drivers?
The basic scope of psychological tests is similar, but the detailed requirements and assessment criteria may differ . It all depends on what category of qualifications you are applying for or why you were referred for the test.
The psychologist will always adapt the tests to the specific needs and legal requirements for your specific group of drivers – whether you are a professional driver or perhaps you need psychological tests after exceeding penalty points. All this is aimed at the most accurate test of your driving ability in the context of your role on the road.
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