What a Romanian driver's license is and who needs one
A Romanian driver's license is the official document that permits you to drive a vehicle in Romania. It is issued by the Romanian Department of Road Traffic (Direcția de Circulație Rutieră) and is required by law if you operate any motor vehicle on public roads. The license shows your name, photograph, date of birth, address, and the categories of vehicles you are permitted to drive.
If you are a Romanian citizen, a citizen of another EU or EEA country, or a non-EU citizen with legal residence in Romania, you can obtain a Romanian driver's license. You will need one whether you plan to drive a car, motorcycle, bus, or truck — though different categories require different training and testing.
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another country, you may be able to exchange it for a Romanian one without retaking the test, depending on which country issued your original license and how long you have lived in Romania.
Key Takeaways
- A Romanian driver's license is issued by your local traffic authority (Direcția de Circulație Rutieră) and requires a medical exam, written test, and practical driving test for most applicants.
- You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Romania, though some vehicle categories have higher age requirements.
- If you hold a valid license from an EU, EEA, or certain other countries, you may exchange it for a Romanian license without retesting.
- A new Romanian license is valid for 10 years, and renewal requires a medical exam but not a new driving test.
- The entire process from first process to receiving your license typically takes four to eight weeks.
Steps to obtain your first Romanian driver's license
To get a Romanian driver's license for the first time, you must complete several steps in order. First, you will need to visit your local traffic authority office (Direcția de Circulație Rutieră) in the city or county where you live. Bring your identity document (passport or national ID card), proof of residence, and a completed process form — the office will provide the form or you can read it from the traffic authority website.
Next, you must pass a medical examination. This is performed by an approved medical examiner and checks your vision, hearing, and general fitness to drive. The medical certificate is valid for one year, so you must complete your test before it expires. You pay for this exam separately, and the cost varies by region but is typically between 100 and 200 Romanian lei.
After the medical exam, you take a written test on traffic rules and road signs. The test is administered in Romanian and consists of multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few weeks.
Finally, you take a practical driving test with an examiner. This test lasts about 45 minutes and evaluates your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must pass both the written and practical tests to receive your license.
Exchanging a foreign driver's license for a Romanian one
If you hold a valid driver's license from an EU or EEA country, you can exchange it for a Romanian license without retaking the written or practical tests. You will still need a medical exam. Bring your original foreign license, your identity document, proof of residence in Romania, and a completed process form to your local traffic authority.
The exchange process is faster than obtaining a license from scratch — typically two to four weeks — because you skip the written and practical tests. However, if your foreign license is expired or suspended, you will not be able to exchange it and will need to explore as a first-time driver instead.
Citizens of some non-EU countries may also exchange their licenses, but the rules depend on bilateral agreements between Romania and that country. Check with your local traffic authority to find out whether your country's license is recognized for exchange.
Medical exam requirements and what to expect
The medical exam is a mandatory step for all new drivers and for license renewal. An approved medical examiner will test your vision (including color blindness), hearing, and ability to react quickly. You will also be asked about any medical conditions that could affect your driving, such as epilepsy, heart problems, or sleep disorders.
The exam takes about 15 to 30 minutes and is not difficult for most people. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you. If you have a chronic medical condition, bring documentation from your doctor showing that it does not prevent you from driving safely. The medical certificate is valid for one year from the date of the exam, so you must complete your written and practical tests before that year ends.
Written test content and how to prepare
The written test covers Romanian traffic laws, road signs, vehicle maintenance, and safe driving practices. The test is administered on a computer at the traffic authority office and consists of 26 multiple-choice questions. You have 30 minutes to complete it and must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass.
To prepare, you can study the official Romanian traffic rules handbook, which is available at the traffic authority office or online. Many websites and mobile apps offer practice tests in Romanian that simulate the real exam. Studying for two to four weeks is typical for someone new to Romanian traffic rules. If you fail the test, you can retake it after a waiting period, usually one to two weeks.
Practical driving test: what the examiner evaluates
The practical test lasts approximately 45 minutes and takes place on public roads in your city or region. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and observes how you handle the vehicle, obey traffic signals, park, and respond to unexpected situations. You must demonstrate control of the steering, brakes, and gears, as well as awareness of other road users.
Common reasons people fail the practical test include failing to check mirrors, not signaling before turning, speeding, poor parking, and not stopping at red lights or stop signs. The examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed when ready after the test. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period, usually two to four weeks.
Renewing your Romanian driver's license
A Romanian driver's license is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. To renew it, you must visit your local traffic authority office before your license expires. Bring your current license, your identity document, proof of residence, and a completed renewal process form.
Renewal requires a new medical exam but does not require retaking the written or practical tests. The medical exam ensures you still meet the health standards to drive safely. The renewal process typically takes two to four weeks. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
Documents you will need at every stage
| Stage | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Initial process | Identity document (passport or national ID card), proof of residence, completed process form |
| Medical exam | Identity document, medical exam appointment confirmation |
| Written test | Identity document, medical certificate |
| Practical test | Identity document, written test pass confirmation |
| License exchange (foreign license) | Original foreign license, identity document, proof of residence, completed process form |
| Renewal | Current license, identity document, proof of residence, completed renewal form |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Romania with a foreign driver's license?
Yes, you can drive temporarily with a valid license from your home country, but only for a limited time. EU and EEA licenses are recognized for as long as they remain valid. Non-EU licenses are typically recognized for up to one year. If you plan to stay in Romania longer than that, you must obtain a Romanian license.
What happens if my Romanian driver's license expires while I am abroad?
You can renew your license at a Romanian embassy or consulate in the country where you are living, though the process may take longer than renewing in Romania. You will still need a medical exam performed by an approved examiner in that country. Contact your nearest Romanian embassy for specific instructions.
How much does it cost to get a Romanian driver's license?
The total cost varies by region but typically includes fees for the process, medical exam, written test, and practical test. Combined, these costs usually range from 500 to 1,000 Romanian lei. The medical exam alone is usually 100 to 200 lei, and each test has its own fee. Ask your local traffic authority for the exact breakdown.
Can I take the written test in a language other than Romanian?
The written test is administered in Romanian. If you do not speak Romanian fluently, you may request an interpreter at the traffic authority office, though availability varies by location. It is recommended that you study Romanian traffic terminology before taking the test.
What vehicle categories can I drive with a standard Romanian driver's license?
A standard Romanian driver's license for category A allows you to drive cars up to 3,500 kilograms. Different categories (B, C, D, etc.) permit larger vehicles like trucks and buses and require additional training and testing. When you explore, specify which category you need based on the vehicles you plan to drive.