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How to get a driving licence in Romania

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

Car licence, category B

Getting your licence in Romania

Theory questions, in 30 minutes26
Correct answers needed22
Penalty points allowed in the driving test≤20
Driving test length25+ min
Licence fee (from 15 September 2026)139 lei

The driving school tells you the current exam fees.

Before you start driving

2
Learner permitYou learn with a driving school instructor.
Medical checkYes. A medical certificate and a psychological check.

Required lessons

1
Driving school (compulsory)Theory and driving lessons at an authorised driving school.

Good to know

8
Minimum age18 for category B.
Licence validity10 years.
Exam languagesRomanian. Foreigners can ask for the theory test in English, French or German.
If you failRetake after at least 15 days. After a failed driving test, you also need 6 more hours at a driving school.
Automatic or manualPassing in an automatic limits your licence to automatic cars.
New driversCheck the rules for new drivers with your driving school.
Already have a licence from abroad?EU and EEA licences stay valid. Some non-EU licences can be exchanged without tests; others need the Romanian theory and practical tests, without driving school lessons. See the Abroad tab.
Also worth knowing
  • Book exam slots early in big cities: waiting times can be long.
  • Practise with the official online exam simulator on the DGPCI website.

Step by step

  1. Driving schoolEnrol with the medical and psychological certificates.
  2. Theory examOn a computer at the licence service.
  3. Practical examIn traffic, with a police examiner.
  4. LicenceIssued by the county licence service.

Tips From driving schools and examiners

  • Before driving, the examiner can ask you to check the tyres, lights, indicators, horn and safety kit, then to adjust the seat, headrests and mirrors.
  • Expect at least 2 manoeuvres, one of them in reverse, such as reversing round a corner, a turnaround or parking, possibly on a slope.
  • Penalty points count every time you repeat a mistake, so a small habit like a missed signal adds up fast.
  • The test can take place after dark, and on roads both in and outside towns.

Based on: Avocatnet: What the examiner can ask in the practical test, under Order MAI 268/2010 (Romanian) ↗

Official links

DGPCI: Driving licences (Romanian) ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

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Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

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An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

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