Complete guide 2026Updated April 2026Romanian Driving Licence 2026 The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your driving licence in Romania — DGPCI theory test format, driving school costs, speed limits, traffic fines, and the zero-tolerance BAC policy.
Table of Contents
Theory Test
26 multiple-choice questions with 3 answer variants each (1–3 may be correct per question), 30 minutes, 22 out of 26 to pass (85%).
Fee: ~89 RON for licence issuance. Administered by DGPCI.
Total Cost
Approximately 3,100–4,700 RON (~€620–940) total: medical + psychological exam 250–400 RON, driving school 2,700–3,800 RON, licence fee 89 RON.
DGPCI / Driving SchoolsRoad Deaths
1,293 fatalities in 2025 (68 per million inhabitants) — the HIGHEST rate in the EU (~68 per million).
The EU average is 46 per million. Romania's rate remains well above the European average.
BAC Limit
ZERO tolerance: 0.00% BAC for all drivers — the strictest policy in Europe.
Any detectable alcohol is an offence. BAC 0.01–0.80 g/L: administrative offence with 90-day suspension. Above 0.80 g/L: criminal offence with 1–5 years imprisonment.
Fines & Points
Romania uses a penalty point system where each point equals ~202.5 RON.
Accumulating 15 points within 6 months triggers licence suspension. Fines range up to 4,050 RON (~€810). 50% early payment discount if paid within 15 days.
Global Context
Romania's death rate of 68/million far exceeds Germany (34/million), France (48/million), Poland (43/million), and UK (26/million).
Licence cost (3,100–4,700 RON / €620–940) is moderate by EU standards.
Romania Road Safety: 5-Year Trend (2019–2023)
According to European Commission and IGPR data, road fatalities in Romania have decreased from 1,864 in 2019 to 1,293 deaths in 2025 — a 31% reduction. Despite this significant improvement, Romania remains among the countries with the highest road death rates in the EU at approximately 68 per million inhabitants, above the EU average of 46.
Year-over-year changes
Deaths per 100,000 Population
- Romania8.1
Poland5.2
France4.8
Germany3.6
UK2.6
Source: European Commission Road Safety Data, WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
Romanian Theory Test Format
The computerized theory test is administered by DGPCI (Direcția Generală Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculări) at county-level offices
The Romanian driving theory test (examen teoretic) for Category B consists of 26 multiple-choice questions, each with 3 answer variants. Crucially, 1, 2, or all 3 answers may be correct per question — you must select ALL correct answers. To pass, you need at least 22 correct answers out of 26 (85%). You have 30 minutes to complete the test. The exam covers road signs, priority rules, speed limits, first aid, and vehicle operation. It is administered electronically at DGPCI county offices. The licence issuance fee is approximately 89 RON.
Questions
Duration
Pass Mark
Licence Fee
What the Theory Test Covers
- Traffic signs (semne de circulație) & signals
- Priority rules (reguli de prioritate)
- Speed limits (limite de viteză)
- Pedestrian crossing rules
- Roundabout priority
- Vehicle equipment & safety systems
- Mandatory fire extinguisher & first aid kit
- Seatbelts & child restraint systems
- First aid basics (prim ajutor)
- Warning triangles (2 required)
- Motorway & expressway rules
- Hazard perception scenarios
- ZERO BAC rules & penalties
- Tunnel & railway crossing rules
- Penalty point system (puncte de penalizare)
How to Get Your Romanian Driving Licence
From medical exam to permis de conducere — the complete 6-step process
- 1
Medical & Psychological Exam
Complete a medical examination and a mandatory psychological evaluation
250–400 RON total. Romania uniquely requires a psychological evaluation in addition to the medical exam. Tests vision, reflexes, cognitive ability, and general health.
- 2
Enrol at a Driving School
Register at a licensed școală de șoferi (driving school)
Driving school package 2,700–3,800 RON. Must be an authorised school registered with the county-level Serviciul Permise.
- 3
Complete Theory Training
Attend 24 hours of mandatory theory classes (curs teoretic)
24 hours of classroom instruction covering road signs, traffic rules, first aid, and vehicle operation. Attendance is mandatory.
- 4
Complete Practical Training
Complete at least 30 hours of practical driving lessons
30 hours minimum behind the wheel with a licensed instructor. Must include urban driving, rural roads, and night driving sessions.
- 5
Pass the Theory Test
Take and pass the theory exam at the county DGPCI office
26 questions, 22/26 to pass (85%), 30 min. Electronic exam with multiple correct answers per question. Available in Romanian.
- 6
Pass the Practical Test
Pass the practical driving test with a DGPCI examiner
Real traffic driving test in urban areas. Includes manoeuvres, intersection handling, and road awareness assessment. Licence fee: 89 RON.
Romanian Driving Licence Fees
Total cost typically 3,100–4,700 RON (~€620–940) depending on city and driving school
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medical + psychological examination | 250–400 RON |
| Driving school (full package) | 2,700–3,800 RON |
| Licence issuance fee | 89 RON |
| Additional practical lessons (per hour) | 50–100 RON |
| Total Typical (Category B) | 3,100–4,700 RON |
Costs vary by city and driving school. Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca tend to be more expensive. Additional costs apply if you fail and must retake tests. The psychological examination is unique to Romania among EU countries.
See how ready you are — practice with real exam questions
Try Free QuestionsMinimum age by licence category
- AM — Mopeds up to 50cc / 45 km/h16years
- A1 — Motorcycles up to 125cc / 11 kW16years
- B1 — Light quadricycles16years
- A2 — Motorcycles up to 35 kW18years
- B — Cars up to 3,500 kg17 with accompanied driving (since 2025)18years
- C — Trucks over 3,500 kg21years
- A — Motorcycles unlimited24 years, or 20 with 2 years A2 experience24years
- D — Buses (8+ passengers)24years
Licence Validity Periods
| Licence / age | Validity |
|---|---|
| Standard (AM / A / B)Standard personal vehicle categories | 10 years |
| Professional (C / D)Medical exam required at every renewal | 5 years |
Novice Driver Restrictions
- 1-year probationary period for all new licence holders
- 0.00% BAC — ZERO tolerance applies to ALL drivers (not just novice)
- Speed limits reduced by 20 km/h on expressways and motorways for novice drivers
- Licence revoked if 15+ penalty points accrued within 6 months
- Accompanied driving from age 17 (since 2025)
Penalty Points System (Puncte de Penalizare)
- Drivers accumulate penalty points for infractions (1–15 per offence)
- Each penalty point equals approximately 202.5 RON in value
- Accumulating 15 points within 6 months triggers licence suspension
- Suspended drivers must retake the theory exam to recover their licence
- Points are tracked by the county police (Poliția Rutieră)
- 50% early payment discount on fines if paid within 15 days
Speed Limits in Romania
As per OG 195/2002 (Romanian Road Traffic Code) — all speeds in km/h
Romania has four main speed limit tiers: built-up areas (50 km/h), rural roads (90 km/h), expressways (120 km/h), and motorways (130 km/h), per OUG 195/2002 Art. 49(4) as amended in 2022. European national roads (E-roads) have a separate 100 km/h limit under the post-2022 Art. 49(4)(c). Novice drivers in their first year face reduced limits: 70 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on expressways, and 110 km/h on motorways, per Art. 50(4). Romania's motorway network is still limited (under 1,000 km total), so most long-distance driving is on national roads with a 90 km/h limit. Speed enforcement includes fixed and mobile radar cameras operated by Poliția Rutieră.
| Road Type | Cars | Novice | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Localitate (Built-up area) | 50 | 50 | Same for all drivers |
| Drum național (Rural road) | 90 | 70 | Novice: 70 km/h |
| Drum expres (Expressway) | 120 | 100 | Novice: 100 km/h |
| Autostradă (Motorway) | 130 | 110 | Novice: 110 km/h — Rovinieta required |
Localitate (Built-up area)
Cars: 50Novice: 50Same for all drivers
Drum național (Rural road)
Cars: 90Novice: 70Novice: 70 km/h
Drum expres (Expressway)
Cars: 120Novice: 100Novice: 100 km/h
Autostradă (Motorway)
Cars: 130Novice: 110Novice: 110 km/h — Rovinieta required
Novice drivers (first year) face reduced speed limits on all non-urban roads. Romania has a limited motorway network (under 1,000 km), so most intercity driving is on 90 km/h national roads. Rovinieta (road vignette) is required on all national/state roads outside municipalities.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
Penalty point system — each point ≈ 202.5 RON. 50% of minimum fine if paid within 15 days.
Romania's traffic fine system uses penalty points, where each point has a monetary value of approximately 202.5 RON (tied to the reference social indicator). Fines range from 405 RON for minor speeding to 4,050 RON for extreme offences, plus licence suspension. DUI is treated extremely seriously: any detectable alcohol (above 0.00%) is an offence, and BAC above 0.80 g/L is a criminal offence carrying 1–5 years imprisonment. A 50% early payment discount applies if fines are paid within 15 days.
Up to 700 RON701–1,500 RONOver 1,500 RON
| Violation | Fine | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 10–20 km/h over limit | 405–607 RON | 2–3 pt | 50% if paid in 15 days |
| Speeding 21–30 km/h over limit | 810–1,013 RON | 4–5 pt | 50% if paid in 15 days |
| Speeding 31–40 km/h over limit | 1,013–1,418 RON | 5–7 pt | — |
| Speeding 41–50 km/h over limit | 1,418–1,823 RON | 7–9 pt | 90-day suspension possible |
| Speeding 50+ km/h over limit | 1,823–4,050 RON | 9–15 pt | 90-day licence suspension |
| Mobile phone use while driving | 810–1,013 RON | 4–5 pt | Class II (holding); Class III (texting/streaming): 1,215-1,620 RON |
| No seatbelt | 405-608 RON | 2-3 pt | — |
| Running a red light | ~850+ RON | 6+ pt | — |
| DUI (0.01–0.80 g/L BAC) | 1,305–2,900 RON | — | 90-day suspension + criminal investigation |
| DUI (>0.80 g/L BAC) | CRIMINAL | — | 1–5 years imprisonment |
| No valid ITP (vehicle inspection) | 5,873–8,100 RON | — | Among highest fines in Romania |
- 405–607 RON50% if paid in 15 days
Speeding 10–20 km/h over limit
2–3 pt - 810–1,013 RON50% if paid in 15 days
Speeding 21–30 km/h over limit
4–5 pt - 1,013–1,418 RON
Speeding 31–40 km/h over limit
5–7 pt - 1,418–1,823 RON90-day suspension possible
Speeding 41–50 km/h over limit
7–9 pt - 1,823–4,050 RON90-day licence suspension
Speeding 50+ km/h over limit
9–15 pt - 810–1,013 RONClass II (holding); Class III (texting/streaming): 1,215-1,620 RON
Mobile phone use while driving
4–5 pt - 405-608 RON
No seatbelt
2-3 pt - ~850+ RON
Running a red light
6+ pt - 1,305–2,900 RON90-day suspension + criminal investigation
DUI (0.01–0.80 g/L BAC)
- CRIMINAL1–5 years imprisonment
DUI (>0.80 g/L BAC)
- 5,873–8,100 RONAmong highest fines in Romania
No valid ITP (vehicle inspection)
Fines shown are standard amounts. A 50% early payment discount applies if paid within 15 days. DUI above 0.80 g/L is a criminal offence under the Romanian Penal Code carrying 1–5 years imprisonment. Romania enforces ZERO BAC tolerance (0.00%) — any detectable alcohol is an offence.
Know These Rules Before Your Theory Test
Traffic fines, speed limits, and the zero-tolerance BAC rule are heavily tested in the Romanian theory exam. Practice with real exam-style questions.
How the road worksMandatory, with a penaltyMakes it easier
Right-Hand Traffic
Romania drives on the right.
Priority to vehicles from the right at unmarked intersections. Always keep to the right lane unless overtaking.
ZERO BAC (0.00% — Strictest in Europe)
Romania enforces absolute ZERO alcohol tolerance for ALL drivers.
Any detectable alcohol is an offence. BAC 0.01–0.80 g/L: administrative offence with 90-day suspension. Above 0.80 g/L: criminal offence with 1–5 years imprisonment.
RCA Mandatory Insurance
RCA (Responsabilitate Civilă Auto) third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all motor vehicles.
Driving without valid RCA carries severe fines and impoundment.
ITP Vehicle Inspection
ITP (Inspecția Tehnică Periodică) is mandatory: first inspection after 3 years, then every 2 years until 12 years, then annually.
Performed at authorised RAR stations.
Rovinieta (Road Vignette)
All vehicles must have a valid rovinieta to use national and state roads outside municipalities.
Available for 1 day to 12 months. Annual cost: ~€50 for cars. Checked electronically.
Phone Prohibited
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited: 810–1,013 RON fine and 4–5 penalty points.
Hands-free systems are permitted.
Child Seats (Under 135 cm / 12 years)
Children under 135 cm tall or under 12 years of age must use an approved child restraint system.
Children may not sit in the front seat unless using an appropriate CRS.
Mandatory Equipment
All vehicles must carry: 2 warning triangles, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a reflective vest.
This equipment is checked during ITP and police controls.
Daytime Lights on Motorways & Outside Towns
Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be on when driving on motorways, expressways, and outside built-up areas, regardless of weather or time of day.
Common Road Hazards in Romania
1,293 road fatalities in 2025 (highest rate in EU) — know these hazards to stay safe on Romanian roads
Horse-Drawn Carts
Horse-drawn carts (căruțe) are common on rural roads, especially in Moldavia and Transylvania regions — often without reflectors or lights, particularly dangerous at night
Stray Dogs
Stray dogs remain a hazard on rural and semi-urban roads — can suddenly dart into traffic, requiring constant vigilance
Potholes & Poor Road Surface
Many national and county roads have poor surface conditions with potholes, uneven patches, and missing road markings — especially in rural areas
Carpathian Mountain Fog
Dense fog is frequent in Carpathian mountain passes and valleys, especially autumn and spring — visibility can drop below 30 metres on DN7, DN1, and other mountain routes
Pedestrian Jaywalking
Pedestrians frequently cross roads outside designated crossings, particularly in rural areas and small towns — a leading cause of fatalities
Limited Motorway Network
Romania has under 1,000 km of motorway — most long-distance travel is on two-lane national roads (90 km/h) shared with trucks, agricultural vehicles, and carts
Romania's 41 Counties + Bucharest (Județe)
Driving licence administration is handled by DGPCI through county-level offices (Serviciul Permise de Conducere). Romania has 41 județe plus the municipality of București, totalling 42 administrative divisions.
- 1BucureștiBucurești1.8M
- 2IașiIași0.8M
- 3PrahovaPloiești0.7M
- 4ClujCluj-Napoca0.7M
- 5TimișTimișoara0.7M
- 6ConstanțaConstanța0.7M
- 7DoljCraiova0.6M
- 8SuceavaSuceava0.6M
- 9ArgeșPitești0.6M
- 10BacăuBacău0.6M
- 11BrașovBrașov0.5M
- 12BihorOradea0.6M
- 13MureșTârgu Mureș0.5M
- 14MaramureșBaia Mare0.5M
- 15NeamțPiatra Neamț0.5M
- 16HunedoaraDeva0.4M
- 17GalațiGalați0.5M
- 18BuzăuBuzău0.4M
- 19AlbaAlba Iulia0.3M
- 20SibiuSibiu0.4M
Driving laws are national (OG 195/2002), but licence examinations are administered at county level by DGPCI. Driving school costs vary by region — Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca tend to be the most expensive. Romania has 41 județe plus the municipality of București.
Myth: Romania has a 0.5‰ BAC limit like most of Europe
Fact: Romania enforces ZERO alcohol tolerance (0.00% BAC) for ALL drivers — the strictest policy in Europe. Any detectable alcohol is an offence. This is one of only 5 EU countries with zero tolerance.
Myth: Winter tyres are only mandatory during winter months
Fact: Winter tyre requirements in Romania are condition-based, not calendar-based. When road conditions require them (snow, ice), winter tyres become mandatory regardless of the month. Police can fine drivers without appropriate tyres during winter conditions.
Myth: The speed tolerance means you can drive 10 km/h over the limit
Fact: Romania applies a measurement tolerance to speed camera readings, but this is a technical margin for the equipment — NOT permission to exceed the posted limit. You are legally required to stay at or below the posted speed.
Myth: Studded tyres are allowed in winter
Fact: Studded tyres are PROHIBITED on Romanian roads year-round. Only non-studded winter tyres (with the M+S or snowflake symbol) are permitted during winter conditions.
Myth: Rovinieta is only needed for motorways
Fact: The rovinieta (road vignette) is required on ALL national and state roads outside municipalities — not just motorways. This includes DN (drum național) and DJ (drum județean) roads. Electronic enforcement is widespread.
Myth: Fines are cheap in Romania
Fact: Following recent reforms, Romanian traffic fines can reach 4,050 RON (~€810) for extreme speeding. No valid ITP can cost 5,873–8,100 RON. DUI above 0.80 g/L carries 1–5 years imprisonment. Romania's penalties are significant and increasing.
Penalty point value increase, digital licence, EU GSR2 Phase 3
Penalty point value raised to ~216 RON. Digital driving licence rollout continues. TollRo system for HGV tolling. EU General Safety Regulation Phase 3 mandates ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance) and EDR (Event Data Recorder) in all new vehicles.
Accompanied driving at 17, penalty point reform
Romania introduced accompanied driving from age 17 for Category B. Penalty point value raised to ~202 RON. Rovinieta annual cost set at ~€50 for cars. Enhanced electronic enforcement of rovinieta compliance.
Vehicle confiscation for extreme DUI
Romania implemented vehicle confiscation provisions for drivers caught with extreme BAC levels or causing serious accidents while intoxicated. Tighter enforcement of zero-tolerance BAC policy.
Updated theory question bank
DGPCI updated the theory exam question bank with new questions covering modern vehicle safety systems, updated road signs, and revised first aid protocols. Question pool expanded significantly.
How Romania Compares Globally
Romania's driving regulations compared to other major countries — data compiled from official government sources
StrictestIn betweenMost lenientBAC limit and minimum age
| Parameter | Romania | Germany | France | Poland | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.02% | 0.08% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 |
| Driving Side | Right | Right | Right | Right | Left |
| Motorway Speed | 130 km/h | No limit* | 130 km/h | 140 km/h | 112 km/h |
| Test Questions | 26 | 30 | 40 | 32 | 50 |
| Licence Cost | 3,100–4,700 RON | €2,000–3,500 | €1,500–2,500 | 3,500–6,000 zł | £200–1,500 |
| Road Deaths/yr | 1,526 | 2,770 | 3,170 | 1,893 | 1,695 |
| Deaths/million | 81 | 36 | 48 | 52 | 26 |
BAC Limit
Romania: 0.00%Germany: 0.05%France: 0.05%Poland: 0.02%UK: 0.08%Min. Age (Car)
Romania: 18Germany: 18France: 18Poland: 18UK: 17Driving Side
Romania: RightGermany: RightFrance: RightPoland: RightUK: LeftMotorway Speed
Romania: 130 km/hGermany: No limit*France: 130 km/hPoland: 140 km/hUK: 112 km/hTest Questions
Romania: 26Germany: 30France: 40Poland: 32UK: 50Licence Cost
Romania: 3,100–4,700 RONGermany: €2,000–3,500France: €1,500–2,500Poland: 3,500–6,000 złUK: £200–1,500Road Deaths/yr
Romania: 1,526Germany: 2,770France: 3,170Poland: 1,893UK: 1,695Deaths/million
Romania: 81Germany: 36France: 48Poland: 52UK: 26
Romania
ZERO tolerance — strictest in Europe. Most EU countries: 0.05%. UK: 0.08%.
17 with accompanied driving since 2025. Same as most EU countries.
Standard EU level. Novice drivers: 110 km/h. Germany has no general Autobahn limit.
~€620–940. Cheaper than Germany (€2,000–3,500), similar to Poland (€800–1,400).
among the highest in EU. Nearly double EU average (46/million). UK is best at 26/million.
Road deaths: Romania 1,293 (2025, 68/million), Germany 2,814 (34/million), France 3,170 (48/million), Poland 1,651 (43/million), UK 1,695 (26/million). BAC: Romania 0.00% = zero tolerance. UK BAC is 0.08% for England/Wales; Scotland is 0.05%.
Primary Sources
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- 1Primary data collected from official Romanian legislation (OG 195/2002) and DGPCI publications
- 2Cross-verified against European Commission road safety data and IGPR statistics
- 3Regional variations noted where applicable (driving school costs differ by county)
- 4Page reviewed and fact-checked on April 12, 2026
If you find an error, please contact us so we can correct it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a driving licence cost in Romania?
The total cost for a Category B (car) licence is typically 3,100–4,700 RON (~€620–940). This includes: medical + psychological exam 250–400 RON, driving school 2,700–3,800 RON, and licence fee 89 RON. Costs vary by city, with Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca being the most expensive.
What is the Romanian theory test format?
The DGPCI theory exam for Category B has 26 multiple-choice questions, each with 3 answer variants. Crucially, 1, 2, or all 3 answers may be correct per question — you must select ALL correct answers. You need 22/26 correct (85%) to pass. Total time: 30 minutes. The exam is electronic and administered at county DGPCI offices.
What is the BAC (blood alcohol) limit in Romania?
Romania enforces ZERO alcohol tolerance (0.00% BAC) for ALL drivers — the strictest in Europe. Any detectable alcohol is an offence. BAC 0.01–0.80 g/L: administrative offence with fines and 90-day licence suspension. Above 0.80 g/L: CRIMINAL offence carrying 1–5 years imprisonment. Romania is one of only 5 EU countries with zero tolerance.
Why does Romania have the highest road death rate in the EU?
Romania's rate of 68 deaths per million (2025) is driven by several factors: limited motorway network forcing traffic onto dangerous two-lane national roads, poor road surface conditions, horse-drawn carts and pedestrians on national roads, aggressive driving culture, and lower seatbelt compliance in rural areas. Despite improvements (down from 1,864 in 2019 to 1,293 in 2025), the rate remains above the EU average of 46.
What is the penalty point system in Romania?
Romania uses an accumulation system where each penalty point has a monetary value of ~202.5 RON. Drivers accumulate points for infractions. Reaching 15 points within 6 months triggers licence suspension. To recover the licence, you must retake the theory exam. A 50% early payment discount on fines is available if paid within 15 days.
What is a rovinieta and do I need one?
The rovinieta is Romania's road vignette (toll sticker), required on ALL national and state roads outside municipalities — not just motorways. Available for periods from 1 day to 12 months. Annual cost for cars: ~€50. It is enforced electronically. Driving without a valid rovinieta carries fines of 405–1,013 RON.
Are winter tyres mandatory in Romania?
Winter tyres in Romania are condition-based, not calendar-based. When road conditions require them (snow, ice, frost), winter tyres become mandatory. Police can fine drivers without appropriate tyres during winter conditions. IMPORTANT: Studded tyres are completely PROHIBITED on Romanian roads year-round.
What is the ITP vehicle inspection?
ITP (Inspecția Tehnică Periodică) is Romania's mandatory vehicle roadworthiness inspection. Schedule: first inspection after 3 years from registration, then every 2 years until 12 years old, then annually. Performed at RAR-authorised stations. Driving without valid ITP carries one of the highest fines: 5,873–8,100 RON.
What speed limits apply in Romanian built-up areas?
The speed limit in built-up areas (localități) is 50 km/h for all vehicles and all drivers. Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h (70 km/h for novice drivers). Expressways (drum expres): 120 km/h (100 km/h novice). Motorways (autostradă): 130 km/h (110 km/h novice). Source: OUG 195/2002 Art. 49(4) and Art. 50(4), amended 2022.
What mandatory equipment must I carry in my car in Romania?
Romanian law requires all vehicles to carry: 2 warning triangles (not 1 — this is unique to Romania), a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a reflective vest. This equipment is checked during ITP inspections and can be verified during police roadside checks.
Can I convert my foreign driving licence in Romania?
EU/EEA licences are valid in Romania without conversion. Non-EU licence holders who become Romanian residents must exchange their licence within 1 year. Romania has bilateral agreements with some countries for direct exchange. For all others, you must pass both the theory and practical tests at DGPCI.
What is the fine for using a phone while driving?
Using a mobile phone while driving in Romania carries a fine of 810–1,013 RON and 4–5 penalty points. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, car integration) are permitted. The 50% early payment discount applies if paid within 15 days.
How long does the licence process take in Romania?
The typical timeline from medical exam to receiving your permis de conducere is 2–4 months. This includes: medical + psychological exam (1–2 weeks), driving school theory (24h) + practical (30h) — typically 6–10 weeks, theory exam scheduling (1–3 weeks), practical test scheduling (1–4 weeks), and licence card production.
Is the psychological exam really mandatory?
Yes, Romania uniquely requires a mandatory psychological evaluation (evaluare psihologică) in addition to the standard medical exam. This tests cognitive ability, reflexes, attention, and psychological fitness to drive. It costs 100–200 RON and must be completed before enrolling in a driving school.
What is accompanied driving and who qualifies?
Since 2025, Romania allows accompanied driving (conducere însoțită) from age 17 for Category B. The accompanying driver must be at least 25 years old with at least 5 years of driving experience and no serious traffic violations. The novice driver must have passed both theory and practical tests. Full independent driving is allowed from age 18.
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