01 August 2024
Obtain Driving License in Romania
Navigating the process of obtaining driving licence in Romania can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. This detailed guide provides all the information you need to secure your driver license in Romania, whether you're a resident or a foreigner. We'll cover everything from eligibility criteria and necessary documentation to the steps involved in both the theoretical and practical exams for getting the Romanian international driving permit.
Acquiring the driving licence in Romania is a significant milestone that opens up new opportunities for mobility and independence. Whether you are a resident or a foreigner, understanding the process can help you navigate the steps efficiently. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining the driver license in Romania.
Understanding the Romanian Driving License Categories
Romania adheres to the European Union's driving license categories, which include:
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AM - mopeds,
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A1, A2, A - motorcycles,
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B1, B, BE - cars and light vehicles,
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C1, C1E, C, CE - trucks,
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D1, D1E, D, DE - buses,
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F - tractors and
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Tb and Tv - trolleybuses and trams.
Each category has specific age requirements and prerequisites for obtaining the driving licence in Romania, so ensure you check the category that matches your needs.
Basic Requirements for Obtaining the Driving License in Romania
To apply for a driving license in Romania, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Age Requirements for the Driving License in Romania: 16 years for categories AM, A1, and B1; 18 years for categories A2, B, BE, C1, and C1E; 20 years for category A (with two years of experience on A2); 21 years for categories C, CE, D1, D1E, Tr (tractors) and 24 years for categories D, DE, Tb (trolleybuses), and Tv (trams).
2. Medical Examination for the Driver License in Romania: A medical certificate from an accredited Romanian medical facility is required to ensure you are fit to drive.
3. Residency for the Driver Licence in Romania: Proof of residency in Romania, such as a residence permit or registration certificate, is mandatory.
4. Educational Requirements for the Driver Licence in Romania: Basic literacy is required as the theory test involves reading and comprehension.
Step-by-Step Process in Order for the Foreigners to Obtain the Driving License in Romania
In order to obtain the driving licence in Romania, there are two methods: 1. by passing the Romanian driving tests after completing driving school in Romania or 2. the exchange of your foreign license for a Romanian one. Our guide covers all the requirements, steps, and tips you need, as we will present in the next sections.
Obtaining the Drivers License in Romania after Graduating the Driving School in Romania and Passing the Romanian Driving License Tests
This way of getting the driving licence consists firstly in finishing the Romanian driving school and after that, passing the driving license tests, which will include the theory examination and the practical test. In order to fulfill this phase, you need to follow the next steps.
1. Enroll in a Driving School. Information about Accredited Driving Schools for the Romanian Driving Licence
Select a driving school accredited by the Romanian Road Authority (ARR). The school will provide theoretical and practical training tailored to your desired license category.
The authorization, management, and oversight of driving schools fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. Therefore, we recommend contacting this ministry for any inquiries or issues related to driving schools.
When looking for accredited driving schools, it's essential to ensure that the school is recognized and authorized by the appropriate governmental bodies. In Romania, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure oversees the authorization, management, and verification of driving schools.
To check if a driving school is accredited, you can visit the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure's website (The ministry provides information and lists of authorized driving schools) or. Contact the Ministry directly: For the most up-to-date information on accredited driving schools, you can reach out to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
2. Complete Theoretical Training. Theory Test Procedure for Obtaining the Romanian Driving License
The theoretical part covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. To take the theoretical driving test, candidates will use the computer application developed and managed by the Romanian Driving License and Vehicle Registration Department (D.R.P.C.I.V.).
The examination is conducted after completing all necessary formalities at the competent public community service office. The process includes: 1. File Verification: The exam file is checked to ensure all required documents and information are in order. 2. Facial Image Capture: The candidate's facial image is taken. 3. Registration in the Examination Application: The candidate is registered in the computer application used for the theoretical exam.
The theory exam is a computerized test comprising multiple-choice questions. It is available in Romanian and other languages, depending on the region. A minimum score of 22 out of 26 questions is required to pass.
Candidates who pass the theoretical test will be scheduled for the practical driving test, subject to the availability of slots and in the order of their request.
3. Undergo Practical Training to Obtain the Driving License in Romania
Practical training includes driving lessons with a certified instructor. The number of hours varies by category but generally includes: 20 hours for category B (cars), 30 hours for category C (trucks) and 35 hours for category D (buses).
4. Pass the Practical Driving Test for the Driving License in Romania
The practical test assesses your driving skills on public roads. It includes maneuvers such as parallel parking, hill starts, and emergency stops. An examiner from the Romanian Driving License and Vehicle Registration Directorate (DRPCIV) supervises the test.
The practical driving test is conducted according to the following guidelines: 1. Category AM Vehicles: The test is performed exclusively in a driving range (poligon). 2. Categories A1, A2, and A: The test is conducted both in a driving range and on the road. The procedure involves: performing the practical test in the driving range first, following up with a road test on the same day. 3. Categories B1, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE, Tr, Tb, and Tv: The test is conducted solely on the road.
When a candidate requests to be tested for multiple categories, the practical tests for each category are scheduled on separate days to accommodate each requested license type.
5. Submit Your Application for the Romanian Drivers Licence
Once you pass both exams, submit your application along with the following documents to the local DRPCIV office: Identity card or passport, Residency proof, Medical certificate, Theory and practical exam results and Proof of completed driving school course.
6. Pay the Fees for the Driving License in Romania
Pay the applicable fees for the driving license issuance. Fees vary depending on the license category and region.
7. Receive Your Romanian Driving License
Your driving license will be issued within a few days to a few weeks. It is typically valid for 10 years, after which it needs to be renewed.
Tips for Passing Your Driving Test in Romania:
1. Study the Theory: Use official study materials and take practice tests available online.
2. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with a certified instructor will help you become comfortable with driving in various conditions and
3. Stay Calm: On the test day, remain calm and composed. Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions.
Renewal of the Romanian Driving License
To renew your Romanian driving license, visit the DRPCIV office with the following: Expired driving license, Medical certificate, Proof of residency and Application form. Your driving license will be issued within a few days to a few weeks.
Conversion of the Foreign Driving License to a Driving Licence in Romania
This second method of getting the driving license in Romania consists in the conversion of the foreign driving licence to a Romanian license, being presumed implicitly that a foreign driving license is already held by the applicant.
The key requirements and procedures for foreign citizens applying for the driving license in Romania are presented in the following paragraphs. These changes streamline the process for foreign nationals while ensuring compliance with residency requirements, and provide flexibility with language options to facilitate a smoother examination experience.
The Process of Exchanging the Foreign Driving License to a Romanian Driving Licence
If you hold a foreign driving license, you may be able to exchange it for an equivalent Romanian license, provided Romanian legislation permits it. For some countries, the exchange is not allowed, while for others, a reexamination may be required. The process involves:
1. Submitting an application to the Driving License Romanian Authority (DRPCIV). For this purpose, applicants must provide several documents, including the ones to demonstrate their legal residency status in Romania.
2. Providing the legal residency in Romania. Foreign citizens must have established legal residency in Romania for more than six months to be eligible for a Romanian driving license. If this condition is not met, the application will not be accepted.To qualify as a resident, foreign citizens must provide the Proof of Residency: for Non-EU Nationals - Hold a valid Romanian residency permit and for the EU Nationals - Possess a Romanian registration certificate. Additionally, applicants must prove they live at a Romanian address for at least 185 days per year. This applies regardless of whether their ties to Romania are personal or professional.
Individuals who have their domicile or residence in Romania (at least 185 days) can apply for the exchange of national driving licenses issued by the foreign authorities for similar Romanian documents. Proof of domicile or residence in Romania is made with the documents provided by the regulations governing domicile, residence, and identity documents of Romanian citizens, free movement on the territory of Romania for citizens of member states, or the regime of foreigners in Romania, as applicable.
Proof of residence or domicile in Romania can be demonstrated using only documents that are valid. These documents must prove, at the time of application, the holder’s legal right to reside in Romania. The public community service for driving license and vehicle registration regime is obliged to verify for which category the foreign national driving license presented for exchange continues to be valid. Verification is carried out through correspondence with the foreign issuing authority or through the diplomatic mission of the respective state in Romania.
Dual Residency. EU/EEA citizens who live in multiple EU/EEA countries must show regular returns to their Romanian address due to personal ties. If they do not meet this criterion, they should apply for a driving license in the EU country where their primary personal ties are located.
3. Providing a translation of the foreign license (if not in English) in order to be exchanged into a Romanian drivers licence.
4. Passing the medical examination for the Driving License in Romania.
5. Possibly taking a driving test, depending on the country of origin
The Required Documents for Conversion of the Foreign Driving License to a Romanian Driving Licence
To exchange a foreign driving license, the applicant must personally submit the following documents to the public community service for driving license and vehicle registration in the county where they have their domicile or residence:
1. Original Foreign National Driving License whose exchange is requested.
If the driving license was issued by the authorities of some specific states, a notarized Romanian translation of the license is also required or a document proving the loss, theft, or justified absence of the driving license if it was issued by the authorities of EU member states. If this document is not in Romanian, a notarized Romanian translation is also required.
The following categories of driving licenses and permits cannot be exchanged for similar Romanian documents:
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International driving licenses;
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Driving licenses whose validity has expired, except for those issued by the authorities of member states;
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Driving licenses that have been canceled or are subject to restrictions that do not correspond to the harmonized European codes, suspensions, or withdrawals in another state;
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Provisional, temporary, or learner driving licenses;
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Driving licenses of persons who have been convicted by a final court decision for any of the offenses provided by the Romanian criminal legislation and Criminal Code or for an offense that resulted in the killing or bodily injury of a person, committed as a result of violating traffic rules.
2. Identity Document: Applicant's ID or documents proving domicile or residence in Romania.
3. Application Form: The application form must be filled out legibly in capital letters and signed. The application for exchanging a driving license issued by competent authorities of another state with a similar Romanian document can be downloaded from the DRPCIV website.
4. Medical Certificate: If a new administrative validity driving license is requested, the exchange file must also include a document issued by an authorized medical assistance unit in Romania, stating that the holder is fit to drive vehicles in the categories mentioned in the driving license presented for exchange.
5. Proof of Payment of the legal fee (RON 89 or EUR 18). It can be paid by bank transfer or online payment methods to the account mentioned on the prefect's institution website for the exchange of the driving license.
Special Cases for Foreign Driving License Exchange to Romanian Driving Licence
Exchanging the licenses issued by the United Kingdom to Romanian driving licenses. For the exchange of driving licenses issued by the United Kingdom, the applicant must submit a "driving record" document that certifies the validity of the license by category and provides information on the status of the driving rights. This document must be accompanied by an authorized Romanian translation and a "check code" to allow the public community service for driving license and vehicle registration to verify the document's authenticity. This code is valid for 21 days and can be used only once. If it becomes unusable, the license holder must request a new code.
Exchanging the licenses issued by Israel to Romanian driving licences. According to the Israeli Embassy – Consular Section, confirmation of the authenticity and validity of Israeli driving licenses by category can only be obtained directly by the citizens from the Ministry of Transport – Registration Service in Israel. This document must be submitted for exchange along with an authorized Romanian translation.
Exchanging the licenses issued by South Africa driving licenses. The South African Embassy in Bucharest states that confirmation of the validity of driving licenses issued by South African authorities can only be obtained directly by the citizens from the regional office of the South African Department of Roads and Transport. This document must be submitted for exchange along with an authorized Romanian translation.
Exchanging the licenses issued by the People's Republic of China (PRC) to Romanian driving licenses. The Chinese Embassy in Romania communicates that following the accession of the People's Republic of China to the Hague Convention on the Abolition of Legalization Requirements for Foreign Public Documents, documents issued by Chinese authorities no longer require legalization by the Romanian Embassy or Consulate in China. Citizens requesting the exchange of a Chinese driving license with a similar Romanian document must present the Chinese document accompanied by an apostille issued by the competent authorities, specifically the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or local units authorized by it. The Romanian driving license issued upon exchanging a Chinese license will be valid exclusively for the B Category vehicles (including only the common cars) and will not cover other vehicle categories that might be listed on the original Chinese driving license.
Exchanging the licenses issued by the United States of America (USA) and Canada to Romanian driving licenses. The applicant must submit a recent document issued by the American/Canadian authority that issued the driving license, certifying its authenticity and validity by category and stating that it is free of restrictions. This document must be accompanied by an authorized Romanian translation. Note that the applicant must request this document personally, as the US Embassy in Romania does not mediate such verifications.
Exchanging the licenses issued by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Romanian driving licenses. The UAE Embassy in Bucharest states that confirmation of the validity of driving licenses issued by UAE authorities can only be obtained directly by the citizens from the relevant institution. This document must be submitted for exchange along with an authorized Romanian translation.
Exchanging the licenses issued by the Republic of Moldova to Romanian driving licenses. To expedite the verification process, holders of Moldovan driving licenses can also submit a certificate issued by the Moldovan Embassy in Romania, in original, certifying the validity of the license by category.
Exchanging the licenses issued by Switzerland to Romanian driving licenses. According to the South-East Europe Regional Consular Center of the Swiss Embassy in Bucharest, to confirm the authenticity and validity of a Swiss driving license, the holder must personally contact (by phone or in writing) the authorities in the canton that issued the document. These authorities will issue a certificate listing the vehicle categories the holder is entitled to drive and the dates these categories were obtained. The Swiss Embassy in Bucharest cannot request such a document on behalf of the license holder. This document must be submitted for exchange along with an authorized Romanian translation.
Exchanging the licenses issued by the Arab Republic of Egypt to Romanian driving licenses. The Egyptian Embassy in Bucharest states that confirmation of the validity of driving licenses issued by Egyptian authorities can only be obtained directly by the citizens from the relevant institution. This document must be submitted for exchange along with an authorized Romanian translation.
Exchanging the licenses issued by Australia to Romanian driving licenses. VicRoads (Department of Transport of Victoria): Applicants must personally contact the competent issuing authorities. The document must be submitted for exchange along with an authorized Romanian translation. Transport for New South Wales: Applicants must personally contact the competent issuing authorities. The document must be submitted for exchange along with an authorized Romanian translation.
Exchanging the licenses issued by Japan to Romanian driving licenses. Citizens must present the original driving license at the Japanese Embassy in Romania, which can issue a certificate regarding the authenticity and validity of the document by category. This document must be submitted for exchange along with an authorized Romanian translation.
Issuance of the Temporary Proof of Submission following to the application for the Foreign Driving License Exchange to Romanian Driving Licence
Issuing the Temporary Proof of Submission. If the applicant meets all the aforementioned requirements, they will be issued a temporary proof of submission. This proof will document the registration number of the file and the date of submission, the applicant's name and surname, the series and number of the driving license, the issuing state, and the category/categories for which the document is considered valid. It will also state that the "driving license has been submitted for exchange."
Validity of the Temporary Proof. If the validity of the submitted license has not expired, the temporary proof will be issued with a right to drive for up to 30 days, provided it does not exceed the validity period of the driving license. In other cases, the proof is issued without the right to drive.
Issuance of the Romanian Driving Licence
The Romanian driving license will be issued within a maximum of 30 days from the submission of the application file. If the necessary verifications are not completed within the validity period of the initial temporary proof, a new temporary proof will be issued with a validity of up to 30 days. This procedure will continue until a response is received from the competent authority in the issuing state, at which point the Romanian driving license will be issued.
Upon issuance of the exchanged driving license, the validity of the temporary proof ceases. The prefecture will then send the exchanged foreign driving license back to the competent authority in the issuing state through an official letter, informing them of the exchange.
Romanian driving licenses are issued in compliance with Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 20, 2006, on driving licenses. These are transposed into Romanian legislation and are recognized in all European Union member states.
Conclusion related to the Driving License in Romania
Obtaining a driving license in Romania involves several steps, but with the right preparation and understanding of the requirements, it can be a straightforward process. Whether you're a resident or a newcomer, following this guide will help you achieve your goal of becoming a licensed driver in Romania. Safe driving!
Are you looking for obtaining the driving license in Romania or simply exchanging your foreign driving licence with a Romanian one? Get in touch with our english speaking attorneys at sorina@roadvocacy.ro (+40 744 65 09 50) or tudor@roadvocacy.ro (+40 723 77 37 59) or using the contact form on at www.roadvocacy.ro.
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