Your Complete Guide to Getting a Driving Licence in Romania
Whether you’re a newcomer settling in Bucharest or a Romanian citizen finally ready to hit the road, the process of obtaining a driving licence (Categoria B) can feel like a maze. In this post you’ll find everything you need to know—step‑by‑step instructions, required documents, fees, timelines, and answers to the most common questions. All the information is presented in a clear, second‑person (you) voice, so you can follow along with confidence.
1. Why a Romanian Driving Licence Matters
| Situation | What a Romanian licence gives you | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Driving in Romania | Legal right to operate a passenger car (Category B) on public roads. | Avoid fines, insurance issues, and the hassle of a foreign licence. |
| Traveling within the EU | Recognised across all EU Member States without conversion. | Seamless cross‑border trips; no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP). |
| Job opportunities | Required for many logistics, delivery, rideshare, and sales positions. | Increases employability and earning potential. |
| Car rental | Most rental agencies accept only a Romanian licence for rentals longer than 30 days. | Easier to rent a car for vacations or business trips. |
2. Who Can Apply?
| Criterion | Minimum Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 years (16 – 17 for a learner’s permit) | You can start theory training at 16, but the full licence is issued at 18. |
| Residency | Legal residence in Romania (citizen or foreign national with a residence permit). | EU citizens can use their national ID; non‑EU nationals need a valid residence card. |
| Health | Medical certificate (Form 129) confirming physical and mental fitness. | Issued by a licensed physician or a public health centre. |
| Criminal record | No serious convictions (especially traffic‑related offences). | Minor infractions do not affect eligibility, but a court‑ordered driving ban does. |
3. Step‑by‑Step Roadmap
Below is the chronological flow you’ll follow. Tick each box as you complete the task.
- Gather Documents – See the checklist in Section 4.
- Pass the Medical Examination – Obtain Form 129.
- Enroll in a Driving School – Choose a certified school (auto‑școala).
- Complete Theory Lessons (minimum 30 h) – Topics: traffic rules, road signs, first aid, vehicle maintenance.
- Pass the Theory Test – Computer‑based, 30 multiple‑choice questions (you need at least 23 correct).
- Start Practical Lessons – Minimum 20 h of on‑road training (including night driving).
- Pass the Practical Driving Test – Conducted by the Romanian Police (Poliția Rutieră).
- Pay the Licence Fee & Receive Your Card – Usually within 7–10 working days.
Timeline Overview (Typical Case)
| Phase | Approx. Duration | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Document collection & medical exam | 1‑2 weeks | Faster if you have all paperwork ready. |
| Theory lessons & test | 3‑6 weeks | Schools often bundle lessons with test dates. |
| Practical lessons & test | 4‑8 weeks | Depends on your schedule and weather (winter can cause delays). |
| Licence issuance | 7‑10 working days | Police office will notify you by SMS/email. |
Tip: If you book theory and practical tests through the same school, you’ll usually get a bundled discount and a guaranteed test slot within the next month.
4. Document Checklist
| No. | Document | How to Obtain | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identity proof – Romanian ID card or passport + residence permit | Local City Hall (Primăria) or Consulate (for foreign nationals) | Unlimited |
| 2 | Proof of residence – Utility bill, rental contract, or certificat de domiciliu | City Hall (register your address) | 6 months |
| 3 | Medical certificate (Form 129) | Licensed GP, private clinic, or public health centre | 1 year |
| 4 | Criminal record extract (if required) | Police station or online e-Poliție portal | 3 months |
| 5 | Photographs – 3 × 4 cm, white background | Photo studio or digital printer (must meet ICA standards) | N/A |
| 6 | Application form (Cerere pentru eliberare permis de conducere) | Download from DRPCIV (Direcția Regim Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculare a Vehiculelor) website or fill at the police office | N/A |
| 7 | Receipt of payment for the theory test | Bank transfer or cash at the police office | N/A |
| 8 | Proof of enrolment in a driving school | Certificate from the school (includes instructor’s name and licence number) | N/A |
Make sure all documents are originals (or certified copies when asked). Photocopies without certification are rejected.
5. Understanding the Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (RON) | Who pays? | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical exam (Form 129) | 30 – 60 | You | Cash or card at clinic |
| Theory test | 35 | You | Cash at police station or online via e-DRPCIV |
| Practical test | 70 | You | Cash at police station |
| Driving school tuition (theory + practical) | 1 200 – 2 000* | You | Usually installment plans offered |
| Licence issuance (card + processing) | 90 | You | Cash or card at police office |
| Optional: International Driving Permit (IDP) | 120 | You | At the police office (must already have Romanian licence) |
*Prices vary by city and school quality. Bucharest and Cluj‑Napoca tend to be on the higher end, while smaller towns may charge less.
6. Theory Test – What to Expect
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | 30 multiple‑choice questions displayed on a computer. You have 30 minutes. |
| Passing score | Minimum 23 correct answers (≈ 77 %). |
| Question categories | 10 % road signs, 20 % traffic laws, 15 % vehicle technical knowledge, 15 % first aid, 10 % environment, 30 % driving etiquette & hazard perception. |
| Languages | Romanian (default). Some centres offer English or French upon request. |
| Retake policy | You can retake after 7 days. No extra fee for the second attempt, but you must bring the same ID. |
Study resources
- Official DRPCIV handbook (PDF, 120 pages).
- Mobile apps: Permis Auto (Romanian) & Roadmaster (English).
- YouTube channels offering mock tests with explanations.
7. Practical Driving Test – How It Works
| Stage | What the examiner looks for |
|---|---|
| Pre‑drive check | Ability to adjust mirrors, seat, seatbelt, and start the engine safely. |
| Maneuvers | Parallel parking, hill start, emergency stop, three‑point turn. |
| Road driving | Observance of speed limits, signaling, lane discipline, interaction with other road users. |
| Safety | Proper use of headlights, awareness of blind spots, maintaining safe following distance. |
| Duration | 12‑15 minutes (excluding pre‑drive check). |
Scoring
- Each error is classified as minor, major, or critical.
- Two major faults or any critical fault results in failure.
Tips to succeed
- Practice the exact manoeuvres the examiner will require. Most schools use a standard checklist.
- Stay calm – the examiner will note your stress level; confidence improves decision‑making.
- Ask for clarification if you don’t understand an instruction; it’s better than guessing.
8. After You Pass – The First Months
| Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Obtain insurance | Romanian law requires at least third‑party liability insurance before you can legally drive. |
| Attach your licence to your vehicle | You must carry the licence while driving; a digital copy is not accepted. |
| Observe the “probationary period” (first 12 months) | Any serious traffic offence (e.g., drink‑driving) may lead to licence suspension or revocation. |
| Consider a defensive‑driving course | Optional but can lower your insurance premium by up to 15 %. |
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: I’m an EU citizen with a valid foreign licence. Do I need a Romanian licence?
A: No, you can drive with your EU licence for up to 90 days after registering residence. After that, you must exchange it for a Romanian licence (usually a simple administrative process with no theory or practical test).
Q2: I have a Category B licence from the United States. Can I exchange it?
A: The US is not part of the EU exchange agreement, so you will need to pass both the Romanian theory and practical tests. However, many schools offer “fast‑track” programs that prepare you for the exam within 4‑6 weeks.
Q3: What if I fail the practical test?
A: You may retake it after 7 days. The fee for the second attempt is the same as the first. It is advisable to schedule an extra lesson with your instructor to address the specific faults.
Q4: Can I take the theory test in English?
A: Yes, but you must request it in advance (at least 48 hours before the scheduled test). Not all testing centres provide English, so confirm availability when you book.
Q5: I’m over 65. Are there any extra requirements?
A: You must undergo a more comprehensive medical examination (including vision and hearing tests) and refresh your knowledge of traffic rules every 5 years. The licence is still issued for the same categories.
Q6: How long is the Romanian licence valid?
A: The standard licence is valid for 10 years for drivers under 70. After 70, the validity reduces to 5 years, after which a medical check is mandatory.
Q7: Is there a digital version of the licence?
A: As of 2024, the Romanian government has launched a mobile app (ePermis) that stores a read‑only copy of your licence. It is useful for quick verification, but you must still carry the physical card while driving.
10. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Missing or expired medical certificate | Application rejected; additional fees. | Schedule your exam early and keep a copy of the certificate. |
| Using a non‑standard photograph | Photo rejected by police; delay of 1‑2 weeks. | Follow ICA guidelines exactly: 3 × 4 cm, white background, no glasses reflection. |
| Skipping night‑driving lessons | Fail the practical test on night‑driving manoeuvres. | Insist on at least 2 h of night lessons; many schools bundle them free. |
| Waiting until the last minute to book tests | No available slots, especially in summer. | Book your theory test as soon as you finish the required lessons; plan the practical test 2 weeks later. |
| Not informing the police of a change of address | Licence renewal delayed, possible fine. | Update your address at the Direcția Regim Permise within 30 days of moving. |
11. Quick‑Reference Checklist (Print‑Friendly)
[ ] Verify age (≥18) and residency status
[ ] Obtain medical certificate (Form 129)
[ ] Collect ID, proof of residence, photos
[ ] Fill out application form (Cerere)
[ ] Pay theory test fee & book test
[ ] Pass theory test (≥23/30)
[ ] Enrol in a certified driving school
[ ] Complete 30h theory + 20h practical lessons
[ ] Book and pass practical driving test
[ ] Pay licence issuance fee (90 RON)
[ ] Receive your Romanian driving licence
[ ] Purchase mandatory third‑party insurance
[ ] Keep licence, ID, and insurance proof in the car
12. Wrapping Up
Getting a Romanian driving licence is a structured process, but it’s far from intimidating when you break it down into manageable steps. By preparing the right documents, staying on schedule with your lessons, and using the study resources provided, you’ll be behind the wheel of your own car in a matter of weeks—not months.
Remember, the licence is more than a piece of plastic; it’s a passport to freedom, employment opportunities, and safe mobility across the European Union. Follow this guide, stay patient, and enjoy the open road that awaits you in Romania.
Safe driving! 🚗💨