International Driving License: What You Need to Know

Professional drivers in Dubai are increasingly looking at Romania as a gateway to the European logistics market. Whether your goal is to move into long-haul EU operations, regional distribution, or city logistics, understanding how international driving permits, Romanian licensing, and EU professional standards fit together is the key to a smooth transition. This guide explains what an International Driving Permit (IDP) really is, how it relates to working as a driver in Romania, the steps to convert or obtain a Romanian professional license, and what to expect from life and work on the ground.

Introduction: Your Road From Dubai to Romania

If you’re a professional driver in Dubai, you already operate in a fast-paced, high-compliance environment. Romania offers a compelling next step: it’s an EU member with a growing logistics sector, a strategic location connecting Central Europe with the Balkans, Turkey, and the Black Sea, and a cost of living that makes long-term settlement realistic for families. From the Port of Constanța to western border hubs like Arad and Timișoara, Romania’s corridors funnel freight across the EU every day.

But here’s the truth many drivers miss: an International Driving License—more accurately, an International Driving Permit (IDP)—will not, by itself, qualify you to work as a professional driver in Romania. You’ll need the right Romanian/EU license categories and a professional qualification known as CPC (Code 95). This article demystifies the process with a Dubai-to-Romania lens, giving you the Romanian-specific steps, timelines, and insider tips you need to make the move with confidence.

IDP vs. License Conversion: What Actually Lets You Work?

The IDP is not a work license

The term international driving license is commonly used, but the correct document is the International Driving Permit (IDP).
The IDP is a translation of your valid home-country license. It helps you drive as a visitor in many countries for a limited period. It does not replace your license and is not a professional work credential.
The UAE issues IDPs to residents; Romania recognizes IDPs for short-term private driving by visitors. For employment as a professional driver, an IDP is not sufficient.

When an IDP helps

Short-term personal driving when you first arrive in Romania, for example, renting a car while arranging housing or attending interviews.
Carrying an IDP alongside your valid UAE license can reduce language barriers with authorities during the initial settling-in period.

When an IDP is not enough

To work as a truck or bus driver in Romania, you must meet EU professional standards:
- Hold the appropriate Romanian/EU license category (C and CE for trucks; D for buses/coaches).
- Obtain CPC (Code 95) qualification for professional drivers.
- Comply with EU tachograph, hours-of-service, and safety regulations.

Can you exchange a UAE license directly for a Romanian one?

Romania readily exchanges EU/EEA licenses. For non-EU licenses (including the UAE), direct exchange without testing is generally not available.
In practice, most Dubai-based drivers (regardless of nationality) should plan to take Romanian theory and practical exams for the desired category and complete CPC training.
Always verify current policy with DRPCIV (Romania’s driver licensing authority) before you plan timelines, as procedures evolve.

Romanian Licenses and Professional Qualifications: The Essentials

License categories relevant to professional drivers

Category B: Cars and vans (up to 3.5t). Relevant for local courier and ride-hailing work.
Category C: Rigid trucks.
Category CE: Truck + trailer (articulated) — the standard for long-haul freight.
Category D: Bus/coach.

CPC (Code 95) — the EU professional standard

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is mandatory for professional drivers in the EU.
In Romania, your license will show Code 95 once you’re qualified.
There are two key elements:
1. Initial qualification (or accelerated initial qualification) for new professionals.
2. Periodic training: 35 hours every 5 years to maintain Code 95.
Without Code 95, employers cannot legally assign you to professional driving duties.

ADR certification (optional but valuable)

ADR is the European certification for transporting dangerous goods.
Not required for all roles, but it expands job options and pay potential.

Medical and psychological evaluations

Professional categories require a medical exam and, often, a psychological assessment from approved clinics.
You’ll need a clean record regarding serious traffic offences; background checks may be part of employer onboarding.

From Dubai to Romania: Step-by-Step Licensing Pathway

This is the most common pathway for a Dubai-based professional driver aiming for C/CE with Code 95 in Romania.

1) Secure your right to live and work in Romania

Find a Romanian employer willing to sponsor you. Romania maintains sizeable annual quotas for non-EU workers; transport companies are actively recruiting.
Employer applies for a work authorization (aviz de angajare) through the Immigration Inspectorate (IGI).
Once approved, you apply for a long-stay employment visa (Type D/AM) at the Romanian consulate servicing your current residence.
Enter Romania on the D visa and apply for a residence permit (permis de ședere). This provides your CNP (personal number) used for registration, banking, and training.

Tip: Some companies offer a relocation package, including guidance for visas, residence, medicals, and training enrollment. Clarify exactly what’s covered.

2) Enroll in a Romanian driving school for category C/CE

Choose an accredited driving school (școala de șoferi) that offers C and CE training plus CPC initial qualification.
Expect structured theory and practical hours. Some schools provide bilingual trainers or English-language support materials, but the official theory test is primarily in Romanian. Plan time for language preparation.
Training duration varies by school and your availability (often 6–12 weeks combined for C/CE plus additional time for CPC).

3) Complete mandatory medical and psychological checks

Book the medical and psych evaluation at approved centers. The driving school often coordinates this.
Bring your identification, residence documents, and any required medical history.

4) Sit the DRPCIV exams (theory and practical)

Theory: Computer-based exam at a DRPCIV center. Content covers road rules, vehicle specifics, safety, and EU regulations.
Practical: Road test and maneuvering exercises with the school’s vehicle.
Language: While study resources exist in multiple languages, expect the official process to be primarily in Romanian. An interpreter is not typically permitted during the exam; plan accordingly.

5) Obtain CPC (Code 95)

After or alongside licensing, complete the initial CPC qualification (accelerated routes are common for experienced drivers).
Pass the CPC exams and ensure Code 95 is printed on your license. Employers will check this before assigning routes.

6) Optional endorsements and upskilling

ADR certification (basic + classes as relevant).
Defensive driving, eco-driving, and load security courses.
Forklift certification for depot roles.

7) Employer onboarding and tachograph setup

Your employer will register you with company systems, issue a digital tachograph card (via Romanian authorities), and brief you on EU Mobility Package rules, rest times, and route compliance.

Working Legally and Safely: EU Rules You Must Know

EU hours-of-service and tachographs

Daily driving: up to 9 hours (twice a week you may extend to 10).
Weekly driving: max 56 hours; no more than 90 hours over any two consecutive weeks.
Breaks: at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving (split options allowed).
Rest: daily rest of 11 hours (can be reduced with compensations), weekly rest of 45 hours (regular) with specific rules on where it can be taken.
Digital tachographs record your activity; tampering brings heavy penalties across the EU.

Vehicle and safety standards

Pre-trip inspections are mandatory. Expect strict checks on lights, brakes, tires, load securing, and ADR equipment if applicable.
Smart tachographs (latest generation) are rolling out EU-wide; your employer will confirm the equipment in your assigned vehicle.

International posting and pay compliance

When performing cabotage or international assignments, different EU countries may impose local pay minima for posted drivers. Reputable Romanian employers track and comply with these rules.

Romania-specific road obligations

Rovinietă: All vehicles using national roads must pay a road usage fee. For heavy vehicles, this is category-based and time-limited. Employers typically manage this for fleet vehicles.
Bridge tolls: Specific crossings (e.g., on the A2 near Fetești or Giurgiu–Ruse bridge to Bulgaria) require extra tolls.
Winter equipment: Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered with snow/ice. Snow chains may be required in mountain regions. Companies provide policies and kits.

Romania’s Logistics Landscape and Where You Fit

Strategic hubs and corridors

West Gateways: Arad, Timișoara, Oradea, and the Nadlac II border to Hungary are prime long-haul dispatch points for EU runs to Germany, Austria, Italy, and France.
Bucharest Region: Distribution centers, courier hubs, and the A1/A2/A3 motorway nexus.
Port of Constanța: The Black Sea’s largest port, driving container, bulk, and Ro-Ro operations inland.
Northern and Eastern Corridors: Links to Moldova and Ukraine (e.g., Siret, Albița) with humanitarian, agricultural, and industrial flows.

Typical routes for Romanian carriers

Romania–Hungary–Western Europe (A1 to Nadlac II, then onward to Vienna/Munich/Milan).
Romania–Bulgaria–Greece/Turkey corridors via Giurgiu–Ruse.
Domestic runs on A1 (Bucharest–Sibiu–Deva–Timișoara–Arad), A2 (Bucharest–Constanța), and A3 segments (Bucharest–Ploiești; Transylvania sections ongoing).

Employers and sectors

Long-haul EU carriers: Romanian companies and Romanian branches of international groups running CE trucks across the EU.
Contract logistics and freight forwarding: Firms with depots in Arad, Timișoara, Sibiu, Brașov, and Bucharest.
Courier and last-mile: FAN Courier, Cargus, Sameday, and international partners—good for B category drivers building local experience.
Specialized transport: Heavy haulage, temperature-controlled, automotive just-in-time, and ADR.

Examples of Romanian-based logistics players and ecosystems you’ll encounter:

International Alexander (Arad) — road freight and warehousing with EU coverage.
Aquila (Ploiești) — FMCG distribution and transport.
Dumagas (Craiova) — international transport and logistics.
DB Schenker, DHL Freight, DSV Romania — major multinationals with Romanian operations.
FAN Courier, Cargus, Sameday — parcel networks for B-category roles and advancement into fleet supervision.

Note: The market is dynamic; always vet current openings, fleet standards, and compliance reputation.

Life in Romania: Costs, Culture, and Climate

Cost of living snapshot (2025 estimates)

Rent: 300–600 EUR/month for a one-bedroom apartment in secondary cities (Arad, Oradea, Pitești); 500–900 EUR in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara.
Utilities (heating, electricity, water, internet): 100–180 EUR/month depending on season.
Groceries and eating out: Lower than Western EU; a basic basket can be 150–250 EUR/month per person.
Public transport: 10–20 EUR/month for city passes in many cities; taxis and ride-hailing are affordable by EU standards.

Weather and driving

Winters are cold, especially in Transylvania and the mountains; expect snow and icy conditions from December to February (sometimes earlier/later).
Summers can be hot in the south and east. Prepare for seasonal driving strategies: winter kits, tire changes, and safe route planning.

Language and integration

Romanian is a Romance language (related to Italian and Spanish). Basic Romanian helps enormously at depots, fuel stations, and with police.
English is common among younger people and in larger companies, but do not rely on English for official exams or roadside interactions.
Community: Romania hosts growing expat communities from South Asia, the Middle East, and East Asia in logistics and construction—networking is possible through social media groups and community associations.

Banking, SIM, and daily setup

Banks: Banca Transilvania, ING, BRD, and Raiffeisen are widely used. You’ll typically need your residence permit and CNP to open an account.
Telecom: DIGI, Orange, and Vodafone offer affordable data plans. A local SIM is essential for navigation, employer apps, and tachograph support.

Best Practices and Tips (Romania-Specific)

Prepare for Romanian theory: Start studying early and, if possible, take a short Romanian language course focused on driving terminology.
Choose west-border hubs: If your target is long-haul EU, consider living near Arad, Oradea, or Timișoara for easier dispatch and returns.
Verify Code 95 support: Only join companies that commit to funding or facilitating your CPC (initial and periodic). Ensure Code 95 will be printed on your license, not just a training certificate.
Check fleet age and maintenance: Ask about Euro VI trucks, workshop schedules, and breakdown support across the EU.
Understand pay structure: Many Romanian carriers pay a base salary plus untaxed daily allowances (diurnă) for international trips. Clarify total monthly take-home and legal compliance.
Track compliance: Keep immaculate tachograph records. Penalties in the EU are serious and can affect your employability.
Winter readiness: Carry warm clothing, food, and a power bank in winter. Confirm company policies on snow chains and severe weather rerouting.
Health insurance: Maintain valid health coverage at all times; confirm employer enrollment in the national system and consider private top-ups.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1) Language barrier during licensing

Challenge: Theory exams and many official processes are primarily in Romanian.
Solution: Use bilingual study guides, take a short Romanian course, and study official question banks. Ask your driving school for targeted language support.

2) Delays in paperwork

Challenge: Scheduling exams, receiving residence permits, or CPC slots can take time, especially in larger cities.
Solution: Start early, submit complete documents, and consider training centers in less congested counties where wait times may be shorter.

3) Adjusting to winter conditions

Challenge: Snow, black ice, fog, and mountainous roads.
Solution: Seek winter driving modules, practice with instructors, and ensure your employer equips vehicles with suitable tires and chains.

4) Understanding EU pay and posting rules

Challenge: Complex rules for international runs and cabotage that affect pay.
Solution: Choose employers with transparent payslips and compliance teams. Keep copies of assignments and border stamps where relevant.

5) Family integration

Challenge: Schools, childcare, and spouse employment.
Solution: Settle near larger cities with international schools or bilingual programs. Many companies assist with family relocation—negotiate this upfront.

Industry Insights: Romania’s Trucking and Logistics Market

Driver demand: Romania continues to face a driver shortage, exacerbated by EU-wide demand and retirements. This creates steady hiring, including for foreign professionals who meet EU standards.
East-West gateway: Romania’s western borders feed into the EU core, while the Port of Constanța anchors maritime flows from the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
E-commerce boom: Courier and last-mile volumes have grown rapidly. B-category roles are abundant and can be a stepping stone while you train for C/CE.
Infrastructure: Motorway expansion is ongoing (notably A1, A3, and regional expressways). Expect gradual improvements but plan for mixed-quality national roads.
Fleet modernization: Carriers increasingly operate Euro VI tractors with advanced safety systems to meet EU environmental and safety requirements.
Regulatory evolution: The EU Mobility Package continues to shape return-to-base rules, rest times, and smart tachograph adoption. Romanian companies must comply, and reputable firms are investing in training and systems.

Typical compensation snapshots (indicative, 2024–2025):

Long-haul CE (international): Total monthly package often ranges 1,800–2,700 EUR, combining base salary and diurnă, depending on routes, experience, ADR, and employer policy.
Domestic CE: Lower overall than international runs, with more home time. Packages vary widely by region.
B-category courier: 700–1,200 EUR net equivalent depending on city and workload; often vehicle and fuel provided.

Always evaluate offers holistically: pay, home time, training support, accommodation during weekly rest, and compliance track record.

Practical Action Steps: Your Dubai-to-Romania Roadmap

3–6 months before relocation

Research employers focused on international CE operations with strong compliance. Shortlist 5–8 companies.
Update your CV with route types, vehicle models, ADR experience, accident-free records, and any telematics familiarity.
Contact companies and recruitment agencies in Romania; ask specifically about:
- Sponsorship for work authorization and visa (D/AM).
- Support for C/CE training and CPC initial qualification.
- Pay structure (base + diurnă), typical monthly mileage, and home-time policy.
- Fleet (Euro VI, brand, maintenance network).
Prepare translations: Have your current license, police clearance (if requested), and employment references translated into Romanian by certified translators.
Budget planning: Allocate funds for initial housing deposit, exam fees, medicals, and daily living for 2–3 months.

1–2 months before departure

Finalize job offer and sign a conditional contract (pending licensing if applicable).
Employer applies for your work authorization (aviz de angajare). Track timelines.
Apply for the long-stay visa (D/AM) once the authorization is approved.
Collect international health insurance for travel and visa purposes.
If helpful for interim personal driving, obtain a UAE-issued IDP (remember: not valid for professional work).

Arrival in Romania (Weeks 1–4)

Register your address and apply for your residence permit; obtain your CNP.
Open a bank account; get a local SIM.
Enroll at an accredited driving school for C/CE and CPC.
Complete medical and psychological evaluations.
Begin theory classes and start studying the Romanian exam bank daily.

Licensing and onboarding (Months 2–4)

Sit the DRPCIV theory exam for C (then CE); schedule practical tests as soon as eligible.
Complete CPC initial qualification and pass the exam; confirm Code 95 is printed on your license.
Employer arranges your digital tachograph card and conducts in-house safety and compliance training.
Start with accompanied routes or mentoring runs if offered.

First 90 days on the job

Track your hours meticulously and ask dispatch for clarity on rest rules in each country.
Build a personal checklist for pre-trip inspections tailored to your specific tractor-trailer model.
Join driver communities (Romania-based groups) for road updates, fuel prices, and border wait intel.

Romania-Focused Operational Know-How

Border crossings

Nadlac II (HU) is the main gate to Western Europe; expect peak congestion at certain times.
Giurgiu–Ruse (BG) links to the Balkans and Turkey routes; toll applies.
Keep documents ready: ID, residence permit, vehicle registration, CMR, ADR docs (if any), and employer authorization.

Fuel and rest stops

Nationwide networks: MOL, OMV Petrom, Rompetrol, Lukoil—many with truck-friendly facilities.
Parking: Use recognized truck stops for security. Your employer may have a preferred network.

Enforcement and fines

Random checks for load securing, winter equipment, and tachograph compliance occur on Romanian and EU roads.
Maintain copies of training certificates and ensure your license categories and Code 95 are current.

Conclusion: Turn Your EU Driving Ambition into Reality

Moving from Dubai to Romania is more than a job change—it’s a strategic career step into the EU logistics arena. The IDP can help you with early personal driving needs, but your professional path runs through Romanian licensing and EU CPC (Code 95). With the right employer, solid preparation for Romanian exams, and a clear understanding of EU driving standards, you can build a stable, well-paid career with pan-European routes and long-term family prospects.

Ready to roll? Start by shortlisting Romanian carriers, confirming their support for licensing and CPC, and mapping your 90-day training and onboarding plan. If you prepare now, your first EU dispatch could be just a few months away.

FAQ: Working and Living in Romania as a Professional Driver

1) Can I work in Romania with just my UAE license and an IDP?

No. An IDP only translates your UAE license for visitor driving and does not authorize professional work. To work as a driver in Romania, you must hold the appropriate Romanian/EU license category (C/CE or D) and CPC (Code 95). Most non-EU licenses, including UAE, are not directly exchangeable; plan to train and test in Romania.

2) Is the Romanian theory exam available in English?

Officially, the process is primarily in Romanian. Some schools provide English study materials, and limited local options may exist, but plan to take the exam in Romanian. Investing time in key Romanian driving terminology significantly boosts your chance of first-time success.

3) How long does it take to get C/CE and CPC in Romania?

Timelines vary by county and training center. A practical estimate is 8–16 weeks from enrollment to completion if you study consistently and secure early exam slots. Delays can occur around holiday seasons or in large cities.

4) What salary can I expect as a CE driver based in Romania?

For international long-haul roles, many drivers report total monthly packages around 1,800–2,700 EUR (base salary plus diurnă). Pay depends on routes, experience, ADR certification, and employer policy. Verify net take-home, pay frequency, and coverage for accommodation during weekly rest.

5) Are winters difficult for driving in Romania?

Winters can be challenging, especially in mountain regions and northern areas. Winter tires are mandatory when roads are snow/ice covered; snow chains may be required on certain routes. Choose employers with strong winter policies, and take winter-driving training if you are new to icy conditions.

6) Can my family relocate with me?

Yes. After you obtain your residence permit, you can typically sponsor family reunification under Romanian rules. Consider living near major cities for access to schools, healthcare, and language programs. Plan timelines carefully; reunification processes add several weeks or months.

7) What are the advantages of basing in Romania versus moving directly to Western Europe?

Lower cost of living during your licensing and CPC process.
Strong demand for drivers and active recruitment of non-EU professionals.
Strategic location for EU-wide dispatch with established training ecosystems.
A realistic path to EU experience, after which you can consider internal transfers or higher-paying lanes within your company’s network.

If you’re a Dubai-based driver exploring Romania, use this guide to structure your move. Focus on the essentials—Romanian C/CE licensing, CPC Code 95, compliant employers, and practical preparation—and you’ll be ready to access EU-wide routes and long-term growth.