Handle passenger medical crises effectively while protecting yourself legally and ensuring proper care.
Medical Emergency Protocols for Professional Drivers
Introduction
Relocating from Global to Romania as a professional driver is more than a career move. It is an opportunity to enter a dynamic EU logistics market, earn competitive wages, and build a stable life in a country where the cost of living remains accessible. But there is another reason Romania is an attractive destination for serious professionals: the strong safety culture anchored by EU standards, modern emergency response services, and clear protocols for handling on-the-road incidents, including medical emergencies.
Emergency preparedness is a core competence for every driver operating heavy goods vehicles (HGV), buses, coaches, or delivery vans. Whether you are transporting goods across border corridors from Bucharest toward Hungary or managing a rush-hour passenger route in Cluj-Napoca, knowing how to handle a medical crisis can save lives, protect your license, and shield you legally under EU and Romanian law. This guide gives you a comprehensive, practical framework to prepare for and manage medical emergencies while pursuing work in Romania. It also explains the broader relocation picture: legal requirements, license recognition, salary expectations, cost of living, and how to integrate into Romanian society with confidence.
Why Romania?
Romania combines a strategic EU location with improving infrastructure, significant foreign investment, and a growing demand for qualified drivers. For drivers relocating from Global, several advantages stand out:
- EU membership and market access: As an EU member, Romania benefits from standardized transport regulations, including CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence), digital tachographs, and harmonized safety rules. International trucking routes connect Romania efficiently to Central and Western Europe.
- Competitive net take-home: Companies often supplement base salary with daily allowances (diurna) for international routes, which can significantly boost net income.
- Lower cost of living: Compared with Western Europe, Romania offers more affordable housing, utilities, and daily expenses, helping you save more of your earnings.
- Quality of life: Major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi offer modern amenities, good schools, and a growing international community.
- Strong emergency response: Romania uses the EU-standard emergency number 112 and operates an integrated emergency system with ambulances and SMURD (mobile emergency resuscitation and extrication service), which is highly regarded and continuously improving.
Job Market Overview
Romania's transportation and logistics sector is actively hiring across cargo, last-mile delivery, and passenger transport. Common employer types include:
- Logistics companies and trucking firms: International and domestic routes, intermodal operations, cross-border freight into Hungary, Bulgaria, and beyond.
- Bus and coach operators: City transit in Bucharest (STB), Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi; intercity and charter services with private operators.
- Delivery services: E-commerce last-mile, express parcel services in major cities, refrigerated and ADR-specialized deliveries.
- Specialized fleets: ADR hazardous goods transport, fuel distribution, construction materials, and agricultural products.
Examples of in-demand roles:
- HGV driver C/CE on international routes: Competitive packages with diurna, modern fleets, and tachograph-compliant scheduling.
- City bus driver: Steady schedules, unionized environments, municipal benefits, and structured shifts.
- Coach driver: Long-distance or tourism-oriented work with seasonal peaks.
- Delivery van driver (B category): Urban operations, day shifts, and overtime potential.
- ADR driver: Premium pay due to certification requirements and handling hazardous goods.
Where to look for jobs:
- Bucharest: Major logistics hubs, container terminals, and headquarters for large carriers.
- Cluj-Napoca: Strong tech-driven e-commerce and well-paying urban logistics roles.
- Timisoara: Strategic location near the Hungarian border and Western European corridors.
- Iasi: Growing industrial base and regional transport opportunities.
Legal Requirements
If you are relocating from Global, the path to work depends on your citizenship.
For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
- No visa is required. You can live and work in Romania without a work permit.
- Register your residency within 90 days at the local General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). You will receive a certificate of registration and a personal numerical code (CNP).
- Exchange or confirm your EU driving license and CPC Code 95 if needed.
For non-EU citizens (Global)
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Employer-sponsored work permit:
- Your Romanian employer applies for a work permit through IGI. They must demonstrate the job offer, your qualifications, and clean legal records.
- Documents typically include your passport, criminal record certificate, medical certificate, proof of qualifications, and a signed employment contract.
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Long-stay work visa (D/AM):
- Once the work permit is approved, apply for a long-stay work visa at the Romanian consulate in your country of residence. Submit passport, work permit, contract, medical insurance, and proof of accommodation or support.
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Residence permit:
- Upon arrival, convert your visa to a residence permit with IGI. This card allows you to reside and work legally in Romania for the contract duration and can be renewed.
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Tax and social security registration:
- Your employer generally handles payroll registration. You will be enrolled in Romanian social contributions and health insurance systems.
Note: Processing times can vary from 4 to 12 weeks depending on workload and document completeness. Starting applications early and ensuring translated and legalized documents can save time.
Certification and License Recognition
Your ability to drive commercially in Romania depends on validating your licenses and professional qualifications.
Driving license categories
- C category: Trucks over 3.5 tons.
- CE category: Trucks with trailers.
- D category: Buses and coaches.
EU-issued licenses
- Mutual recognition applies. If you already hold an EU driving license with valid categories and Code 95 (CPC), you can drive in Romania. You may later exchange your license for a Romanian one at DRPCIV (Romanian Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority) if desired.
Non-EU licenses
- Exchange and testing may be required. DRPCIV will evaluate your license and credentials. Some countries have bilateral agreements; otherwise, you may need to pass theory and practical exams.
- Expect to present a legalized translation of your license, proof of driving experience, medical and psychological fitness certificates, and criminal record checks.
CPC (Code 95) in Romania
- EU professional drivers must carry a valid CPC (Code 95) mark on their license.
- Periodic training is 35 hours every 5 years, delivered by authorized centers in Romania.
- If your CPC is non-EU, you will likely need to complete training and testing in Romania to obtain Code 95 recognition.
Digital tachograph card
- Required for most HGV and bus drivers. Apply through the Romanian Road Authority (ARR).
- Documents: ID/passport, driver license, a passport-style photo, and fee.
- Processing often takes 7 to 14 days. Carry your tachograph card at all times and keep printouts when required by inspectors.
ADR certification
- ADR is required for transporting hazardous goods.
- Romania offers initial and refresher ADR courses through accredited providers. Expect modules for basic ADR, tanks, and specific classes.
- ADR adds a significant premium to your employability, especially for fuel or chemical transport roles.
First aid and emergency response training
- Employers often require basic first aid certification and fire safety training.
- Completing a course in Romania aligned with EU best practices strengthens your readiness for medical emergencies and may reduce insurance risks for employers.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation varies by role, route type, and region. The figures below are indicative as of 2025 and can change with market conditions.
HGV drivers
- Domestic routes (C/CE): 800 - 1,300 EUR net per month (approximately 4,000 - 6,500 RON net), plus overtime.
- International routes (CE): 1,800 - 2,700 EUR net per month including diurna (daily allowances on foreign routes). Some high-mileage or premium fleets may exceed 3,000 EUR net in peak periods.
Bus and coach drivers
- City bus (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi): 700 - 1,200 EUR net per month (3,500 - 6,000 RON net), with overtime and night shifts increasing pay. Unionized municipal fleets often provide stable benefits.
- Coach/intercity: 900 - 1,600 EUR net per month, with variable schedules and overnight allowances.
Delivery drivers (B category)
- 600 - 1,000 EUR net per month (3,000 - 5,000 RON net), plus performance bonuses.
Common benefits
- Diurna on international routes: 35 - 87 EUR per day depending on destination.
- Meal vouchers (tichete de masa): often 30 - 50 RON per working day.
- Health insurance and pension contributions.
- Accommodation support when on rotation (for international drivers).
- Modern fleets with safety tech (lane assist, AEBS), and paid CPC training in some companies.
These ranges compare favorably with many Global markets when you consider Romania's lower living costs and the ability to save.
Cost of Living
Your budget depends on city, lifestyle, and family size. Approximate monthly costs (single person):
- Housing
- Bucharest: 450 - 800 EUR for a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area; 350 - 500 EUR in outer districts.
- Cluj-Napoca: 400 - 700 EUR for one-bedroom; prices rise near the city center.
- Timisoara: 350 - 600 EUR for one-bedroom.
- Iasi: 300 - 550 EUR for one-bedroom.
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet): 80 - 150 EUR depending on season and apartment size.
- Groceries: 150 - 250 EUR.
- Transport: Monthly public transport pass 15 - 30 EUR depending on city and coverage; Bucharest combined metro and bus pass often around 25 - 30 EUR equivalent.
- Mobile plan: 7 - 15 EUR.
- Health care: Public coverage comes through employment; private clinic visits 25 - 60 EUR per consultation.
Compared to Western Europe, Romania remains significantly more affordable, which helps drivers on stable contracts build savings quickly.
Cultural Integration
Romanian workplaces blend formality with warmth. Punctuality, respect for hierarchy, and teamwork are valued.
- Language: Many dispatchers and managers in international fleets speak English. Learning basic Romanian will improve daily interactions and customer service, especially in passenger transport.
- Workplace culture: Direct communication is common; safety issues are taken seriously. Document incidents properly and notify your superior as required.
- Basic Romanian phrases:
- Hello: Buna ziua
- Please: Va rog
- Thank you: Multumesc
- Excuse me: Scuzati-ma
- Are you okay?: Sunteti bine?
- I am calling 112: Sun la 112
Emergency Preparedness: Medical Emergency Protocols for Professional Drivers in Romania
When a passenger collapses, a co-driver becomes unresponsive, or a pedestrian is injured near your route, your actions in the first minutes are critical. Romania uses the EU emergency number 112 and has robust emergency response through SMURD and ambulance services. As a professional driver, you must act fast, safely, and within legal boundaries.
Core principles
- Personal and scene safety first.
- Rapid assessment: Consciousness, breathing, severe bleeding.
- Early activation of 112 with clear, concise information.
- Provide first aid within your training scope.
- Protect the patient's dignity and data privacy.
- Document the incident and notify your employer.
Your pre-incident checklist
Create a safety-ready vehicle so you are never caught unprepared:
- First aid kit: Stocked with gloves, bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic, trauma dressing, and a CPR mouth shield. Romanian law requires a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
- Fire extinguisher: Check pressure and expiration.
- Warning triangle and reflective vest: At least one vest for you; ideally, one for any crew member who may exit the vehicle.
- Flashlight and batteries: Nighttime incidents require visibility.
- AED awareness: If your employer provides an AED, ensure you are trained to use it and know its location.
- Winter kit: Blanket, thermal foil, ice scraper, non-perishable snacks, bottled water.
- ADR drivers: Spill kit, absorbents, appropriate PPE, and emergency instructions according to ADR class.
- Emergency contacts: Dispatch number, employer emergency line, insurance, and roadside assistance.
- Vehicle documents: Insurance, registration, ADR documentation if applicable, and driver certification copies.
Legal guardrails you should know
- Good Samaritan protection: Under Romanian health legislation, individuals providing emergency aid in good faith are generally protected from liability when acting within their competence and without gross negligence.
- 112 is mandatory: If you witness or are involved in a serious incident, you must notify authorities. Failing to call can lead to penalties and, more importantly, jeopardize lives.
- Tachograph exceptions: EU Regulation 561/2006 allows reasonable deviations for safety or emergency reasons. If you must exceed a driving time limit to reach a safe location or hospital, do so only as necessary and add a manual annotation explaining the emergency when you next stop.
- GDPR and privacy: Do not publish, record, or share patient details or images on social media. Share information only with emergency responders and your employer per company policy.
Step-by-step response to a medical emergency
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Stop safely and secure the scene
- Pull over to a safe area. On highways, use the emergency lane only if needed, set hazard lights, engage the parking brake, and switch off the engine.
- Wear a reflective vest before exiting.
- Place the warning triangle behind your vehicle at an appropriate distance: 50 m in city traffic, 100 m or more on highways if safe to do so.
- If transporting passengers, keep them calm and away from traffic. For buses, follow company evacuation protocols only if there is an immediate danger (fire, smoke, hazardous location).
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Initial assessment: primary survey
- Check responsiveness: Speak loudly, gently tap the shoulder.
- Breathing: Look for chest rise, listen and feel for breath for up to 10 seconds.
- Severe bleeding: Look for arterial bleeding and apply direct pressure.
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Call 112 immediately
- Identify yourself as a professional driver.
- Provide precise location: road number, kilometer marker, nearest city or exit. If in Bucharest, provide sector and major landmark.
- Describe the incident: type of vehicle, number of patients, their condition (unconscious, not breathing, severe bleeding, chest pain, seizure, allergic reaction, etc.).
- Mention hazards: fuel spill, traffic, chemical risk for ADR.
- Follow dispatcher instructions. Do not hang up until told to do so.
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Begin first aid within your training
- Unconscious and not breathing: Start CPR. Compressions at 100 - 120 per minute, depth 5 - 6 cm, full recoil. Ratio 30 compressions to 2 breaths if trained; continuous compressions if you are not comfortable giving breaths. Use an AED as soon as available and follow voice prompts.
- Unconscious but breathing: Place in recovery position if there is no suspicion of spinal injury. Monitor breathing continuously.
- Severe bleeding: Apply direct pressure with a sterile dressing. If bleeding continues, use a tourniquet if trained and available, applied high and tight on the limb. Note the time of application.
- Choking (conscious adult): Alternate 5 back blows with 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) until the obstruction clears or the person becomes unresponsive. For an unresponsive patient, begin CPR and check the mouth for visible obstructions before breaths.
- Chest pain suspected heart attack: Keep the patient calm and seated. If the person is not allergic and has no bleeding risk, consider giving 150 - 300 mg aspirin to chew, if this aligns with your first aid training and employer policy. Avoid if the patient is on blood thinners or has aspirin allergy.
- Stroke signs (FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 112): Keep the patient safe and still. Note onset time. Faster treatment improves outcomes.
- Seizure: Do not restrain. Protect the head with a folded jacket, clear the area of hazards, and time the seizure. Afterward, place the person in the recovery position and monitor breathing.
- Diabetes hypoglycemia: If the person is conscious and able to swallow, give a sugary drink or glucose gel. If unconscious, do not give anything by mouth.
- Anaphylaxis: If the patient has a prescribed auto-injector, assist them in using it if they cannot. Note the time and inform 112 dispatch.
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Protect the patient and bystanders
- Maintain privacy. Use your jacket or a blanket to cover the patient if appropriate.
- Keep passengers away from the scene unless they can help under your direction. Urge them not to film or share images.
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Prepare for responders
- Clear a path for the ambulance or SMURD vehicle.
- Assign someone (if available) to flag the responders and guide them to the scene.
- Have patient information ready: symptoms, timeline, known medications or allergies, and events leading up to the incident.
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After-action steps
- Document the incident: time, place, patient condition, actions taken, and names of witnesses. Keep any 112 call reference number.
- Notify your employer per policy. Complete an incident report as required.
- Tachograph annotation: Add a manual note under Article 12 explaining any deviation from normal hours due to the emergency.
- Psychological self-check: Critical incidents can be stressful. If your company offers counseling, consider using it.
Passenger transport specifics (bus, coach, taxi)
- Pre-departure checks: Ensure your first aid kit, extinguisher, and communication devices are present and functional. Test the onboard intercom if fitted.
- Announcements: If safe, inform passengers briefly about a delay due to a medical emergency. Keep calm and professional.
- Evacuation decisions: Only evacuate if there is a direct threat (fire, smoke, dangerous traffic situation). Unnecessary evacuation can increase injury risk.
- Collaboration: Assign responsible passengers to help crowd control or to retrieve the first aid kit if you cannot leave the patient.
HGV and ADR drivers: added considerations
- Hazard environment control: Park in a way that shields the scene from traffic if possible. Use hazard triangles and road flares only if safe and allowed.
- ADR loads: Never compromise cargo integrity during a medical emergency. If a co-driver is ill, secure the vehicle first, then apply first aid. Inform 112 about the ADR load class and any hazards.
- Fuel spills: Avoid ignition sources, do not use handheld radios near vapors if warned by placards or safety data sheets, and create a hazard perimeter.
Seasonal and environmental risks in Romania
- Winter conditions: Hypothermia risk increases in mountain passes and during long delays. Keep the patient warm with blankets and thermal foil.
- Heat stress: In summer, do not leave passengers in a sealed vehicle. Heatstroke can develop rapidly. Provide shade and ventilation.
- Rural routes: Mobile coverage may be limited in some areas. Learn the nearest kilometer markers and note landmarks like gas stations or villages for 112.
Training and drills
- CPC modules: Choose or request CPC periodic training modules that include first aid refreshers, scene safety, and emergency communication.
- Company drills: Participate in simulated incidents to practice role assignments and communication with dispatch.
- Personal refreshers: Renew your first aid certification every 2 years or per employer policy.
Regulations You Must Know
Compliance with EU and Romanian transport laws is compulsory and protects both safety and your license.
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EU driving time and rest (Regulation 561/2006)
- Daily driving: Up to 9 hours (twice a week up to 10 hours).
- Weekly driving: Up to 56 hours; total over two consecutive weeks up to 90 hours.
- Breaks: 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving; can be split 15 + 30 minutes.
- Rest periods: Regular weekly rest of 45 hours; reduced rests allowed with compensation.
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Tachograph compliance (Regulation 165/2014)
- Always use your digital tachograph card.
- Keep printouts when inspectors request them, and annotate exceptional circumstances.
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CPC (Directive 2003/59/EC)
- Initial qualification and 35 hours periodic training every 5 years.
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Romanian road transport laws
- Mandatory vehicle equipment: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, and reflective vest.
- 112 emergency line: national number for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: Zero-tolerance culture for professional drivers, with strict penalties.
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Employer policies
- Report incidents promptly.
- Follow post-incident drug and alcohol testing if required.
Practical Steps to Relocate
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Research job opportunities
- Identify target cities: Bucharest for major logistics, Cluj-Napoca for e-commerce delivery, Timisoara for cross-border freight, Iasi for regional routes.
- Shortlist employers with strong safety programs and CPC support.
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Validate your licenses and certifications
- EU drivers: Check Code 95 validity and tachograph card status.
- Non-EU drivers: Contact DRPCIV regarding license exchange requirements and consider enrolling in a Romanian driving school if exams are needed.
- Plan ADR and first aid courses if they will improve your job prospects.
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Secure a job offer
- Prepare a CV highlighting categories (C, CE, D), ADR, tachograph experience, winter driving, and emergency response training.
- Ask about diurna, vehicle type, routes, and rotation schedule.
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Handle immigration steps (non-EU)
- Employer applies for work permit.
- You apply for the D/AM visa at the Romanian consulate.
- Travel to Romania and obtain your residence permit at IGI.
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Set up housing and banking
- Short-term rental platforms for initial months; then longer-term leases.
- Open a Romanian bank account to receive salary in RON or EUR if the employer offers.
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Healthcare and insurance
- Ensure your employment contract provides enrollment in the national health insurance system.
- Consider private health insurance for faster access to specialists.
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Prepare for the road
- Acquire or refresh first aid certification.
- Assemble a professional emergency kit.
- Learn the 112 protocol and memorize key Romanian phrases for emergencies.
Success Tips From Other Expats
- Choose employers that invest in training: Look for companies offering CPC modules with practical first aid and emergency drills.
- Practice winter driving: If you come from a warm climate, book a winter-driving module or practice with an instructor before peak season.
- Keep documentation tight: Maintain a folder with your license, CPC, ADR, tachograph card, employment contract, and medical certificates. It saves time at inspections and border crossings.
- Plan your schedule: Respect weekly rest. If an emergency causes deviation, annotate your tachograph and notify dispatch right away.
- Network locally: Connect with Romanian colleagues for route tips, safe rest areas, and service stations with reliable facilities.
- Learn the basics of Romanian: Simple phrases can calm passengers and build trust during emergencies.
- Update your kit seasonally: Add sunscreen and extra water in summer; thermal blankets and hand warmers in winter.
Job Opportunities Spotlight by City
- Bucharest: High volume of international departures, cargo consolidation centers, municipal bus operator roles (STB), and airport logistics.
- Cluj-Napoca: Delivery and city logistics; opportunities with tech-supported fleets; regular CPC training providers.
- Timisoara: Proximity to the EU Schengen area by land enhances cross-border freight; recruiters often seek CE with ADR.
- Iasi: Regional routes and intercity passenger services; cost-effective living for drivers starting out.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Driving on the right side: Most drivers adjust quickly. Practice in low-traffic zones and consider a short refresher with an instructor.
- Winter driving: Use winter tires, chains where required, and slow down. Maintain longer stopping distances.
- Toll systems: Romania uses rovinieta (road vignette) for national roads; check requirements for your vehicle category. International routes will have additional tolls.
- EU working time directives: Use tachograph correctly. Plan routes with legal breaks; coordinate with dispatch to avoid violations.
- Language barrier: English works in many companies, but for passenger roles, Romanian basic proficiency is a strong advantage.
Conclusion: Be Ready, Be Safe, Be Employable
Medical emergencies are not everyday occurrences, but when they happen, the preparedness of a professional driver can be the difference between life and death. Romania offers a supportive ecosystem: unified 112 services, SMURD responders, EU-aligned safety laws, and employers that increasingly value well-trained drivers. Combine that with robust job demand, competitive earnings, and a lower cost of living, and you have a compelling destination for your next career step.
Take action today: identify employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, or Iasi, renew your CPC and first aid credentials, and assemble a proper emergency kit. Arrive in Romania not just compliant, but confident and ready to protect your passengers, cargo, and community.
FAQ
1) What is the emergency number in Romania, and who responds?
Dial 112 for any emergency. The dispatcher routes medical calls to ambulances and SMURD emergency response teams. Police and fire services are coordinated through the same number as needed.
2) Am I legally protected if I give first aid as a driver?
Yes, Romania provides Good Samaritan protections for individuals offering emergency aid in good faith within their competence. Act reasonably, follow your training, and avoid gross negligence. Always call 112 to activate professional care.
3) What should my vehicle emergency kit include by law and best practice?
Romania requires a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, and reflective vest. Best practice adds gloves, extra dressings, a CPR mask, thermal blanket, flashlight, water, and a phone power bank. ADR drivers should also carry a spill kit and PPE per the load class.
4) Can I exceed driving time limits during a medical emergency?
Yes, EU rules allow limited deviation for safety reasons. If you must continue to a safe stopping area or to meet an ambulance, do so minimally and annotate your tachograph with the reason under Article 12. Inform your dispatcher as soon as possible.
5) Do I need Romanian CPC if I already have CPC from another EU country?
EU CPC (Code 95) is recognized across the EU. If your Code 95 is valid and shown on your driving license, you can drive in Romania. Ensure periodic training remains up to date. Some employers may still ask for local refreshers.
6) How do salaries for drivers in Romania compare to my home country?
On international routes, many drivers earn 1,800 - 2,700 EUR net monthly with diurna, competitive with several EU markets. Domestic roles pay less but align with Romania's lower cost of living. Evaluate offers in both EUR and RON and consider benefits like housing support or meal vouchers.
7) How do I handle a passenger who collapses on my bus?
Stop safely, secure the bus, assess responsiveness and breathing, and call 112. Begin CPR if needed, use an AED if available, and assign a passenger to guide responders. Keep other passengers calm and avoid unnecessary evacuation unless there is danger such as fire or traffic risk.
8) What should I do if my co-driver shows stroke symptoms during a run?
Use FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time). Pull over safely, call 112 immediately, note the time symptoms started, keep your co-driver comfortable, and do not give food or drink. Stroke treatment is time-critical.
9) I am a non-EU citizen. How long does it take to get a Romanian work permit?
Timelines vary, but 4 - 12 weeks is common from application to visa issuance if documents are complete. Start early, ensure official translations, and respond quickly to information requests from IGI and the consulate.
10) Is first aid training mandatory for drivers in Romania?
First aid training is strongly encouraged and often required by employers, especially in passenger transport and ADR. CPC periodic training can include first aid modules. Carry proof of training and refresh it regularly.