Romania Driving Licence : To get a driver’s license in Romania, you must:
- Meet the eligibility criteria set by the Driving License and Vehicle Registration Department (DRPCIV)
- Study the driving manual and learn traffic rules
- Take compulsory theoretical and practical driving lessons
- Pass the theory exam on traffic rules and signs
- Pass the practical driving test
- Obtain a medical certificate confirming fitness to drive
- Submit your license application with all documents
- Get your photo taken and receive the plastic card license
Eligibility Requirements for a Romania Driving Licence
To be eligible for a driver’s license in Romania, you must:
- Be a minimum of 18 years old (or 17 with parental consent)
- Be medically fit to drive with a medical certificate
- Show proof of identity and residency in Romania
- Complete minimum hours of driving lessons
- Pass the theory and practical driving tests
Step-by-Step Process for Getting a License
Here is an overview of the complete process for obtaining your first Romanian driver’s license:
- Step 1: Take compulsory theory driving classes at school
- Step 2: Study traffic rules, signs, fines in driving manual
- Step 3: Take practical driving lessons with an instructor
- Step 4: Pass the internal theory exam at the driving school
- Step 5: Get a medical certificate confirming fitness to drive
- Step 6: Schedule and pass the official computerized theory exam
- Step 7: Take and pass the practical road test
- Step 8: Submit license application and documents to DRPCIV
- Step 9: Get license printed with photo
Types of Driver’s Licenses in Romania
There are different license categories issued in Romania depending on vehicle type:
- Category AM – Mopeds and light quadricycles
- Category A1 – Light motorcycles and tricycles
- Category A2 – Standard motorcycles
- Category A – Powerful motorcycles
- Category B – Motor vehicles under 3.5 tons
- Category B1 – Quadricycles and microcars
- Category BE – Category B + trailers
- Category C – Trucks over 3.5 tons
- Category CE – Category C + trailers
- Category D – Buses with over 8 passenger seats
How to Renew a Romanian Driver’s License
To renew your Romanian driver’s license:
- Check expiration date on license and ensure it’s expired
- Get a new medical certificate confirming fitness to drive
- Fill out the license renewal application form
- Submit application at DRPCIV office with documents
- Pay the renewal fee of 72 RON
- Take new photos at the DRPCIV office
- Pass the eye test and computerized theory re-exam
- Get updated plastic card license with new validity
Documents Required for Renewal
- Expired Romanian driving license
- New medical certificate
- Proof of identity like ID card
- Application form and fee payment
- Passport-size color photos
Replacing a Lost or Damaged License
If your Romanian driving license is lost, stolen or damaged, you must replace it within 15 days by:
- Reporting loss/theft to police and getting a certificate
- Going to the DRPCIV office in-person
- Filling out the replacement license application
- Providing police report and ID documents
- Taking new passport photos
- Paying the replacement fee of 141 RON
- Taking the eye exam and computerized theory retest
- Receiving the replacement plastic card license
You’ll get a 15-day temporary permit until the new license is ready.
Changing Your Address on Your License
When you change your official residence address in Romania, you must update your driving license within 15 days by:
- Visiting your local DRPCIV office
- Filling out the change of address application
- Providing proof of your new residential address
- Submitting old license and ID documents
- Paying the address change fee of 26 RON
- Getting an updated plastic card license
Your old license will be cancelled and replaced with a new card showing the new address.
Taking the Theory and Practical Driving Tests
To qualify for a Romanian driver’s license, you must pass a theory test and practical driving test.
Theory Test
- Computer-based multiple choice test
- Examines knowledge of road signs, rules, fines
- Offered in several languages
- 60 minute duration
- Must score at least 70% to pass
Practical Driving Test
- On-road driving test in candidate’s vehicle
- Assesses vehicle control, safety, reactions
- Driving examiner provides instructions
- Fails result from dangerous errors
- Test takes ~20 minutes
Traffic Violations, Penalties and License Suspension
Driving violations may result in fines, penalty points and license suspension:
Fines and Points Examples
| Violation | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding | 200-1400 RON | 2-10 |
| Running red light | 625-1250 RON | 6 |
| Distracted driving | 580-1150 RON | 6 |
| Seat belt violation | 235-470 RON | 3 |
License Suspension
- 15 points = Suspended for 15 days
- 21 points = Suspended for 30 days
- Over 31 points = Suspended for 90 days
Serious offenses lead to instant suspension.
Driver’s License Fees in Romania
Here are some common driver’s license fees and costs in Romania:
| Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| New driver’s license | ~200 RON |
| License renewal | 72 RON |
| Replacement license | 141 RON |
| Change of address | 26 RON |
| International driving permit | 74 RON |
| Theory test | 84 RON |
| Practical test | 145 RON |
| Driving courses | ~700 RON |
FAQs on Romania Driving Licence
1. How old do I need to be to get a driver’s license in Romania?
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a full Romanian driver’s license.
2. What is the validity of a Romanian driver’s license?
A Romanian driver’s license is typically valid for 10 years from date of issuance before requiring renewal.
3. Can I drive in other EU countries with a Romanian license?
Yes, a Romanian license is valid for driving in all EU/EEA countries. An IDP is recommended.
4. How many questions are on the theory test?
The Romanian theory test consists of 28 multiple choice questions. You need 70% correct answers to pass.
5. Is a medical certificate required for a license in Romania?
Yes, you need a medical certificate confirming physical and mental fitness to operate a vehicle.