Long-Term Career Planning for Drivers Over 40

Introduction

If you are a professional driver in Global with years of experience under your belt, you may be asking yourself a big question: where can I build a stable, better-paid, and future-proof career for the next 10 to 20 years? For many seasoned drivers, Romania is becoming a compelling answer. As an EU member with growing logistics infrastructure, rising wages, and a comparatively low cost of living, Romania offers a practical path to long-term security and career development. Whether you drive trucks, buses, or delivery vans, there are real opportunities to leverage your experience and build a more comfortable life.

This guide is for drivers over 40 who are considering relocating to Romania to advance their careers. It lays out the landscape: where the jobs are, how to get your licenses recognized, what to expect from salaries and costs, and how to navigate Romanian rules, from CPC and ADR to digital tachographs and the EU Working Time Directive. It also covers the practical realities of the move, including visas, housing, family considerations, and cultural integration so you can hit the ground running.

Why Romania?

Romania sits at a strategic crossroads of the European market. It offers access to Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, supported by an expanding motorway network, a major seaport at Constanta, and busy border crossings with Hungary, Bulgaria, and Moldova. Here is why drivers over 40 find it especially attractive:

• EU membership and market access: As part of the EU, Romania offers drivers access to EU-standard employment protections, cross-border routes, and alignment with EU regulations like CPC, ADR rules, and tachograph use. Many Romanian transport companies run regular international loads to Hungary, Germany, Italy, Austria, and beyond, creating a wide route network.
• Strong demand for experienced drivers: The logistics and transport sector is expanding, and reliable, safety-focused drivers are in high demand. Experience is valued, and drivers over 40 often secure better routes or more stable schedules.
• Competitive pay with lower living costs: While wages are still below Western Europe, net take-home can be strong, especially for international routes where per diems are common. With living costs lower than in many EU countries, savings potential is real.
• Quality of life: Romania blends historic cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi with access to mountains and seaside. Many drivers appreciate a calmer pace outside work, affordable housing, and family-friendly communities.
• Career longevity pathways: From becoming an ADR specialist or trainer to moving into dispatch, fleet safety, or transport management, Romania provides diverse paths that extend your working life beyond heavy driving.

Job Market Overview

Romania's transport and logistics ecosystem is diverse. Depending on your goals, you can choose from long-haul international trucking, domestic distribution, last-mile delivery, intermodal operations, and passenger transport.

Where the jobs are

• Bucharest-Ilfov: The largest logistics hub, with warehouses, courier bases, and highway access to A1, A2, and A3 corridors. Ideal for courier and distribution roles, plus long-haul operations with larger fleets.
• Cluj-Napoca: A technology and services center with growing logistics parks. Offers strong regional distribution and city bus roles via CTP Cluj-Napoca.
• Timisoara and Arad: Western gateways near the Hungary and Serbia borders, excellent for international trucking and cross-border shuttle routes.
• Iasi: A rising hub in the northeast with cross-border flows to Moldova and Ukraine and growing domestic distribution.
• Constanta: The Black Sea port supports intermodal and container trucking. Strong for drivers interested in port operations, containers, and tankers.
• Ploiesti and Pitesti: Industrial and automotive corridors, including suppliers around the Dacia plant in Mioveni, offering dedicated lanes and just-in-time deliveries.

Typical employers and roles

• Logistics companies and forwarders: International and local operators with multi-country routes (examples include global names like DHL, DB Schenker, DSV, and Kuehne+Nagel, as well as Romanian firms such as Aquila, Dumagas, and International Alexander). Roles include international long-haul, regional shuttles, and intermodal drayage.
• Trucking firms: From SME fleets to national players covering standard dry van, reefer, flatbed, tanker, and specialized heavy haul. ADR roles are common in petrochemical corridors near Ploiesti and Constanta.
• Delivery services: High demand for van drivers and 7.5t drivers with companies like Fan Courier, Sameday, and Cargus, plus subcontracting for international parcel brands.
• Passenger transport: Municipal bus operators in major cities (for example, STB in Bucharest, CTP Cluj-Napoca, STPT in Timisoara, and CTP Iasi). There are also coach operators for tourism and intercity services, including partners of brands like FlixBus.

High-demand specializations

• International CE drivers for EU lanes
• ADR certified tanker drivers (basic + tanks)
• Refrigerated transport drivers for food and pharma
• Drivers with heavy haul and oversize escort knowledge
• Digital tachograph savvy drivers experienced with EU mobility rules
• City bus drivers with strong customer service and safety records

Legal Requirements: Work Permits and Visas for Global Citizens

If you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you will typically need employer sponsorship to work in Romania. The standard pathway is a long-stay visa for employment followed by a residence permit. While rules can change, the typical process looks like this:

1. Job offer and work authorization (employer action): Your Romanian employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for a work permit (often called a work authorization). They must show that the position is legitimate, meets salary thresholds, and complies with quotas. Processing can take 30 days or more.
2. Long-stay employment visa: Once the work authorization is approved, you apply at a Romanian consulate for a long-stay employment visa (type D). You will provide your passport, employment contract or offer, proof of accommodation, medical insurance for the visa period, criminal record certificate, and proof of funds. Processing can take 10 to 60 days.
3. Entry and employment contract: Enter Romania with the type D visa. Finalize and sign your employment contract. Your employer registers the contract with the labor authorities.
4. Residence permit (single permit): Apply for a residence permit at IGI. This acts as your work and stay authorization in Romania and is typically issued for 1 year (sometimes up to 2 years), renewable. You will need local medical insurance and proof of address.
5. Family reunification: After you have a residence permit, you can apply for family reunification to bring your spouse and dependent children. They will receive dependent residence permits.

Important notes:

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa or work permit but must register their residence after arrival.
• Keep copies of all documents, employment contracts, and pay slips. Compliance is essential for renewing permits and for future permanent residence applications.
• Verify current requirements at the Romanian consulate or IGI before applying, as quotas and document lists can change.

Certification and License Recognition

Professional driving in Romania requires compliance with EU-aligned standards. Your path depends on whether your current license is from the EU/EEA/Switzerland or outside the EU.

If your license is from the EU/EEA/Switzerland

• License exchange: You can usually exchange your license for a Romanian one at the local driving license authority once you become a resident. Categories C, CE, and D are retained if valid and not suspended.
• CPC recognition: If you hold a valid EU CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and qualification card, you can use it in Romania. You will still need to complete periodic CPC training (35 hours every 5 years) in line with Romanian schedules.
• Digital tachograph card: Apply for a Romanian digital driver card from the Romanian Road Authority (Autoritatea Rutiera Romana, ARR) after you have a Romanian residence. This card is necessary to legally operate vehicles equipped with digital or smart tachographs.

If your license is from outside the EU

• License exchange vs. re-test: Romania may exchange some third-country licenses if there is a bilateral agreement. If not, you will likely need to pass theory and practical exams for the categories you want (C, CE, D) at a Romanian driving school and authority.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): An IDP can help you drive light vehicles during a visit, but it does not authorize professional driving. To be employed as a professional driver, you must hold an EU-recognized license, CPC, and a digital tachograph card.
• CPC initial or periodic training: If you lack EU CPC, you will need the relevant initial qualification or periodic training. In Romania, this is delivered by ARR-authorized centers and results in a professional attestation card.
• ADR certification: ADR training and examination are available in Romania via authorized trainers. The common route is ADR basic plus tanks, which opens opportunities in fuel and chemical transport.
• Medical and psychological fitness: Professional drivers must pass medical and psychometric evaluations. These are standard and must be renewed periodically, typically aligned with license category validity.

Digital tachographs and the EU Mobility Package

• Driving and rest time: EU rules limit daily driving to 9 hours (twice per week up to 10 hours), weekly driving to 56 hours, and 90 hours across two consecutive weeks. After 4.5 hours of driving, take a 45-minute break. Daily rest is usually 11 hours, with allowed splits under specific conditions. Weekly rest must be respected and compensated when reduced.
• Smart tachograph versions: New vehicles use smart tachograph versions aligned with the EU Mobility Package. If you move into international trucking, expect that your truck may have the latest generation tachograph. Stay current through employer briefings.
• Documentation discipline: Keep your driver card with you, make manual entries when required, and carry the last 28 days of tachograph records if asked. Fines for non-compliance can be significant.

Salary and Benefits

Compensation varies by role, region, and route type. The figures below are indicative and reflect typical ranges reported by Romanian employers as of recent years. Exchange rate used for reference: 1 EUR is approximately 5 RON.

International long-haul (CE)

• Net monthly take-home: 1,600 to 2,800 EUR (8,000 to 14,000 RON), depending on rotation, routes, and per diems. Many employers pay a base salary in RON plus daily allowances when abroad, which may be tax-advantaged under Romanian rules.
• Rotations: Common patterns are 6 weeks on / 2 weeks off, 4 weeks on / 1-2 weeks off, or monthly schedules with weekend rest out or at home. Some firms guarantee home return within a set number of weeks.
• Benefits: Per diems, travel to and from the truck, paid CPC and ADR refreshers, modern trucks, and performance bonuses for fuel economy and safe driving.

Domestic and regional trucking (C/CE)

• Net monthly take-home: 900 to 1,400 EUR (4,500 to 7,000 RON). Night shifts, refrigerated loads, or time-critical freight may pay more.
• Typical schedules: 5-6 day weeks, often returning home weekly. City distribution roles may involve early starts and tight delivery windows.
• Benefits: Meal vouchers, overtime premiums, occasional per diems for inter-county trips, and attendance bonuses.

City bus and coach drivers (D)

• Municipal bus drivers: 800 to 1,200 EUR net (4,000 to 6,000 RON), depending on city, shifts, and overtime. Larger cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca tend toward the higher end.
• Intercity or tourism coach: 1,000 to 1,800 EUR net depending on seasonality, route distance, and tips for tourism segments.

Delivery van drivers (B/C1)

• Net monthly take-home: 700 to 1,000 EUR (3,500 to 5,000 RON), plus performance bonuses, fuel card, and sometimes vehicle take-home.

Taxes and payroll structure

• Romania typically applies a 10 percent income tax and social contributions, but the net impact depends on your contract, whether you receive per diems, and any applicable allowances. Employers commonly use a base salary plus daily allowances for international trips to optimize net pay within the law.
• Always request a written salary breakdown and verify how per diems are calculated and paid. Keep copies of your payslips.

Cost of Living in Romanian Cities

Romania offers a favorable cost of living compared with many EU countries. Your exact budget depends on your city, family situation, and lifestyle.

Monthly budgets for a single driver

• Bucharest: 1,000 to 1,600 EUR
  • Rent: 450 to 800 EUR for a 1-bedroom apartment (neighborhood and condition matter)
  • Utilities and internet: 100 to 150 EUR
  • Groceries and meals: 200 to 300 EUR
  • Mobile plan, transport, other: 80 to 150 EUR
• Cluj-Napoca: 900 to 1,400 EUR
  • Rent: 400 to 700 EUR
  • Utilities and internet: 90 to 140 EUR
  • Groceries and meals: 200 to 280 EUR
  • Other essentials: 70 to 130 EUR
• Timisoara: 800 to 1,200 EUR
  • Rent: 300 to 600 EUR
  • Utilities and internet: 80 to 130 EUR
  • Groceries and meals: 180 to 250 EUR
  • Other essentials: 70 to 120 EUR
• Iasi: 700 to 1,100 EUR
  • Rent: 300 to 550 EUR
  • Utilities and internet: 80 to 120 EUR
  • Groceries and meals: 170 to 240 EUR
  • Other essentials: 60 to 110 EUR

Cost notes for drivers

• Fuel: 1.3 to 1.6 EUR per liter for diesel, fluctuating by market conditions. Company fuel covers work use; personal car costs are your own.
• Food on the road: International trips often include per diems to cover meals. On domestic routes, many drivers pack food to save costs.
• Healthcare: Public healthcare is funded via contributions. Private clinics are affordable relative to Western Europe, and some employers offer private insurance.

Romanian Road Rules, Tolls, and Driving Conditions

Romania drives on the right side. If you come from a left-driving country, plan for a short adaptation period in low-traffic environments before starting full schedules.

Key road rules for professional drivers

• Speed limits: Heavy trucks typically 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on national roads, and up to 90 km/h on motorways where signed. Buses should follow posted limits for their vehicle class.
• Winter requirements: Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered with snow, ice, or frost. In mountainous areas, snow chains may be required where signed. Carry chains on winter routes through the Carpathians.
• Alcohol and drugs: Zero tolerance is enforced for professional drivers. Random checks happen, especially on main corridors.

Tolls and vignettes

• Rovinieta (road vignette): Mandatory for all vehicles using Romanian national roads, including heavy trucks and buses. Purchase online or at fuel stations for periods from 1 day to 12 months. For heavy vehicles, the vignette fee depends on vehicle category and time.
• Additional tolls: Some bridges and the A2 motorway segment near Fetesti have separate tolls (PEAJ). Always verify your route for bridge tolls such as the Giurgiu-Ruse crossing.
• Company policy: Many employers manage tolls centrally using telematics and accounts. Ensure your onboard documents and tags are active before departure.

Seasonal and route considerations

• Winter driving: Expect snow and ice on high-altitude routes and in northern and central regions. Check weather and chain requirements before crossing the Carpathian passes.
• Busy borders: Western borders toward Hungary can see queues. Arrive with correct papers, ADR documents if applicable, and tachograph records ready.
• Safe parking: Use marked truck parking areas and company-approved night stops. Romania is expanding secure parking, but verify location reviews and security measures.

Cultural Integration and Language Basics

While many dispatchers and logistics coordinators in large firms speak English, learning Romanian will help you integrate faster and qualify for more stable positions.

• Useful phrases: 'Buna ziua' (hello), 'Multumesc' (thank you), 'Va rog' (please), 'Unde este...' (where is...), 'Documente' (documents), 'Factura' (invoice). Pronunciation is generally phonetic.
• Workplace culture: Romanian teams value reliability, politeness, and direct communication. Call ahead if delayed. Provide clear ETAs. Show paperwork in order. Over time, building trust leads to better routes and schedule flexibility.
• Respect for procedures: Drivers who follow tachograph rules, keep vehicles clean, and report issues promptly are appreciated and often promoted to mentor roles.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Relocating is smoother when you follow a clear plan. Here is a step-by-step path tailored for drivers over 40.

1. Research your preferred city and role

   • Decide between international CE routes, domestic C/CE, city bus (D), or delivery van roles.
   • Shortlist cities based on job type: long-haul in Timisoara/Arad or Bucharest; bus roles in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi; port and intermodal in Constanta.

2. Prepare your documents

   • Valid passport with enough validity.
   • Driving license and category endorsements (C, CE, D, as relevant), plus certified translations if needed.
   • Driving record or letter of good standing from your home authority.
   • CPC and ADR certificates, if any.
   • Medical fitness records, vaccination records, and prior employment references.

3. Contact reputable employers or agencies

   • Target established companies with clear contracts and references.
   • Ask for written details on salary structure, rotations, accommodation on rotation, per diems, and overtime rules.
   • Verify whether they sponsor work permits and help with license exchange or training.

4. Employer work authorization

   • Your employer applies to IGI for your work authorization. This can take around 30 days or more.

5. Apply for your type D employment visa

   • Submit documents at a Romanian consulate: work authorization, job offer, proof of accommodation, medical insurance for the visa period, criminal record certificate, and proof of funds.

6. Arrive in Romania and sign your contract

   • Verify your contract terms match the offer. Keep copies of all pages.

7. Apply for residence permit (single permit)

   • Book an appointment with IGI, submit biometrics, and complete medical insurance registration. Processing can take 30 to 90 days.

8. Manage license recognition and professional certifications

   • If EU license: exchange for Romanian license and apply for Romanian digital tachograph card via ARR.
   • If non-EU license: enroll in a Romanian driving school for theory/practical as required to obtain C/CE/D. Schedule medical and psychological evaluations. Complete CPC initial or periodic training as needed. Add ADR to increase your job options.

9. Set up your life admin

   • Open a bank account; many employers pay in RON. Some pay per diems in EUR.
   • Register for healthcare contributions.
   • Find housing near your depot or bus depot to reduce commuting time.

10. Onboarding and route familiarization

• Attend employer induction on EU regulations, digital tachograph use, and company telematics.
• Pair with a mentor or do route ride-alongs if offered. Practice right-side driving in lighter traffic if needed.

1. Plan your long-term path

• Within 6 to 12 months, aim to add ADR or specialized skills.
• Within 18 to 24 months, consider dispatcher training, transport manager attestation, or trainer certification if you want to move off the road later.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Driving on the right side: If you are used to left-side driving, spend a few days practicing in a light vehicle, drive with a buddy, and start with straightforward motorway routes before city loading points.
• Winter conditions: Take company winter driving refreshers. Maintain longer following distances, carry chains where required, monitor weather apps, and refuel early in cold snaps.
• Toll systems and documents: Keep rovinieta valid, maintain proof of payment, and check bridge tolls on your route. If your employer manages this centrally, confirm that your vehicle and license plate are correctly registered.
• EU Working Time Directive: Use your tachograph correctly. Take the 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving. Keep your last 28 days of records. When in doubt, ask dispatch to adjust ETAs to remain compliant.
• Language and paperwork: Use translation apps at border points and depots. Learn key Romanian words for documents and cargo types. Keep all papers in a labeled folder.

Long-Term Career Planning for Drivers Over 40

Beyond getting hired, drivers over 40 should think strategically about the next decade. The right steps now can protect your health, increase your earnings, and open office-based roles later.

1. Choose the right route type

• International CE: Higher earning potential via per diems, but longer rotations away from home. Good if you want to maximize savings for several years.
• Domestic C/CE: More time at home, steady income, predictable routes. Good if family time is a priority.
• Bus (D): Structured schedules, strong job security in municipal systems, and opportunities to mentor new drivers.
• Delivery: Easier entry, straightforward routes, but lower pay. A stepping stone while you complete higher-category licenses.

2. Upskill with targeted certifications

• ADR basic + tanks: Adds strong earnings potential in fuel and chemicals. Safety discipline is a must.
• CPC periodic training with advanced modules: Focus on eco-driving, load securing, and defensive driving to reduce incidents and fuel costs.
• Digital tachograph mastery: Learn manual entries, error troubleshooting, and smart tachograph features. This reduces fines and earns manager trust.

3. Prepare for next-step roles

• Mentor or trainer: With clean records and strong communication, you can train new hires or conduct CPC modules after obtaining trainer credentials in Romania.
• Dispatcher or planner: Your route knowledge is valuable. Training in route planning software, telematics platforms, and basic Excel will make you a candidate for office roles.
• Fleet safety or compliance: Learn incident reporting, root cause analysis, and safety inspection procedures. Add first aid or HSE courses.
• Transport manager: Obtain the professional competence for transport management. This enables you to oversee operations or even launch your own small fleet later.

4. Protect your health and longevity

• Medical checks: Keep up with medical and psychological assessments. Address blood pressure, vision, and sleep quality.
• Ergonomics: Use lumbar support, stretch during breaks, and invest in supportive footwear.
• Nutrition on the road: Stock healthy snacks, plan meals during per diems, and hydrate.
• Sleep and rotations: Choose rotations that allow full weekly rest. Discuss sustainable schedules with dispatch.

5. Financial planning

• Track income and per diems: Know your true net and set savings goals.
• Emergency fund: Aim for 3 to 6 months of expenses.
• Pension and social contributions: Understand how Romanian social security applies and how EU coordination treats your contributions if you have worked in multiple countries.
• Consider private medical or income protection insurance if available.

Examples: Career Paths by City

• Bucharest: Start on domestic distribution with a large logistics operator, add ADR within 6 months, then move to fuel tanker routes based from Ploiesti depots for higher pay. Long-term, take on a safety trainer role at the same company.
• Cluj-Napoca: Join the municipal bus operator, build seniority, complete periodic CPC with a focus on customer service, and progress into a mentor driver role. Later, move into control room dispatch.
• Timisoara/Arad: Begin on international CE shuttles to Germany and Italy, leveraging short border distances. After two years, move into a planner role at the same firm using your route expertise.
• Iasi: Start with regional distribution, transition to intermodal runs supporting rail terminals, and pursue a transport manager competence certificate for promotion.

What to Expect From Romanian Employers

• Onboarding: Safety briefings, EU rules refreshers, and training in company telematics and apps.
• Vehicles: The larger fleets use modern tractors with smart tachographs and driver-assist features. Ask about truck age and maintenance standards.
• Contracts: Base pay in RON plus per diems for international work. Ask for written overtime and holiday pay rules.
• Support: Good employers help with paperwork, residence permits, and training renewals. They reimburse medical checks required for professional attestations.

Realistic Timelines and Costs

• Job search and interviews: 2 to 6 weeks
• Work authorization: Around 30 days after the employer files, sometimes longer
• Visa application: 2 to 8 weeks depending on consulate
• Residence permit after arrival: 1 to 3 months
• License exchange or testing (non-EU): 1 to 3 months depending on course schedules and test slots
• CPC/ADR courses: 1 to 2 weeks for periodic CPC; ADR basic + tanks may take several days plus exam

Estimated out-of-pocket costs (will vary):

• Visa fees and document legalization: 100 to 300 EUR
• Translations and notarization: 50 to 200 EUR
• Medical and psychological exams: 50 to 150 EUR
• CPC periodic course: 150 to 300 EUR
• ADR course (basic + tanks): 200 to 400 EUR
• Driving school for license conversion (if needed): varies widely, 500 to 1,500 EUR

Success Tips From Other Expats

• Verify the employer: Search reviews, ask to speak to current drivers, and confirm they hold a valid EU Community License and insurance. Avoid employers who ask to hold your passport.
• Get everything in writing: Salary, diems, rotations, home time, training coverage, and equipment standards. Keep copies of every document.
• Choose your first role strategically: International CE will boost earnings fast, but domestic or bus roles may offer better family time and safer weather exposure.
• Build your Romanian network: Join local driver groups, attend CPC sessions, and stay in touch with trainers and dispatchers. Recommendations matter.
• Keep a clean record: Accidents and fines hurt future prospects. Respect tachograph rules and speed limits everywhere, not just in Romania.
• Learn the language basics: A few months of Romanian classes and daily practice at depots go a long way.

Conclusion: Take the Wheel of Your Next Decade

Romania gives experienced drivers over 40 a realistic way to combine EU-standard jobs, solid earnings, and a manageable cost of living. If you plan your move carefully, get your paperwork right, and invest in the right certifications, you can secure better routes today and set up a second career tomorrow as a trainer, dispatcher, or transport manager.

Your first step is simple: choose your route type and city, prepare your documents, and reach out to reputable employers. With Romania's growing logistics sector and demand for skilled drivers, your experience is not just welcome; it is in demand.

FAQ

1) Do I need to speak Romanian to get hired as a driver?

Not always. For international trucking with larger companies, basic English can be enough at the start. However, learning Romanian will help you handle loading points, municipal roles, and local paperwork. Aim for everyday Romanian within 6 months.

2) How does license conversion work if I am from outside the EU?

If Romania has a bilateral agreement with your country, you may exchange your license. Otherwise, you must test in Romania for the required categories (C, CE, D). Expect medical and psychological exams, theory, and practical tests, along with CPC initial or periodic training. Start this process soon after arrival.

3) What are typical salaries for international truck drivers based in Romania?

International CE drivers often take home between 1,600 and 2,800 EUR per month, including per diems, depending on routes and rotations. Contracts usually show a base salary in RON and separate daily allowances for time abroad.

4) Are winter tires mandatory in Romania?

Winter tires are required when roads are covered with snow, ice, or frost. In mountainous areas, snow chains may be mandatory where signs indicate. Companies generally set strict winter policies. Plan routes and carry chains when needed.

5) How do EU Working Time Directive rules affect my schedule?

You may drive up to 9 hours per day (twice a week up to 10), 56 hours weekly, and 90 hours over two weeks. After 4.5 hours, take a 45-minute break. Daily and weekly rest rules must be followed. Your digital tachograph records all activity, and fines apply for violations.

6) What is CPC and how often do I need training?

CPC is the Certificate of Professional Competence. In the EU, drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. In Romania, ARR-authorized centers provide CPC courses. Keep your attestation current to avoid being taken off routes.

7) Is ADR certification worth it?

Yes. ADR basic plus tanks opens access to higher-paid tanker and chemical routes. Employers value ADR because it indicates discipline and safety awareness. It is a strong investment for drivers over 40 seeking to increase earnings without longer routes.

8) Can my spouse work and can I bring my family?

With a valid residence permit, you can apply for family reunification for your spouse and children. Your spouse may work once they hold their residence and work authorization where required. Verify current rules with IGI, as processing times vary.

9) How does cost of living compare to Western Europe?

Housing, food, and transport costs are generally lower than in Western Europe. For many international CE drivers, this means a better ability to save even if nominal wages are lower than in Germany or the Netherlands. Domestic roles also stretch further thanks to lower rents in cities like Timisoara and Iasi.

10) What are common mistakes new expat drivers make?

Not verifying the employer, accepting vague pay offers, neglecting tachograph rules, underestimating winter driving, and delaying language learning. Avoid these by getting contracts in writing, following EU rules strictly, and building a support network.

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By taking a structured approach to your move, keeping your certifications up to date, and choosing roles that match your goals, you can build a stable, rewarding future in Romania's transport industry. Your experience is your edge; Romania provides the road to make the most of it.