- Medical and psychological exams required before starting driving school
- Theory: 24 hours; Practical: 30 hours
- 2022 costs: large cities 2400–2600 RON; small towns 2000–2200
- Base price covers theory, practice, materials, certificate, and exam guidance
To drive legally on public roads in Romania, obtaining a Category B driving license is mandatory. This process involves completing a series of precise steps and paying specific fees. In the following sections, you will learn everything you need to know about the costs involved, the necessary conditions, and the steps you must follow to obtain your driving license.
Whether you are getting your first license or looking to add a new category, it is important to understand all financial and legal aspects of this process to plan accordingly.
The mandatory requirements for obtaining a driving license
Medical and psychological examinations
The first step in obtaining a driving license is to demonstrate medical and psychological fitness. These checks are carried out by specialized doctors who will issue a certificate confirming that you are fit to drive a vehicle.
Medical verification includes:
- Vision and hearing assessment
- Control of reflexes and coordination
- Evaluation of overall health
- Screening for conditions that could affect driving ability
The psychological test evaluates:
- Reaction time
- Concentration ability
- Emotional stability
- Skills necessary for safe driving
Completing driving school courses
After obtaining the medical certificates, you must enroll in an accredited driving school. Courses are divided into two categories:
Theoretical courses:
- 24 hours of mandatory theory
- Learning road traffic legislation
- Road signaling
- Rules of circulation
- Procedures in case of an accident
Practical courses:
- 30 hours of mandatory driving
- Learning basic maneuvers
- Parking techniques
- Driving in real traffic
- Preparation for the practical exam
Documents required for the enrollment file
For enrollment to the exam, you must prepare the following documents:
- Criminal record certificate - not older than 6 months, with no entries for road offenses
- Enrollment form - obtained at the end of driving school courses, valid for 12 months
- Standardized enrollment application form - available online on official websites
- Copies of identity documents - identity card and birth certificate
- Proof of payment - evidence of payment of the exam fee (online or at CEC banks)
- Existing driving license - only if requesting an additional category
The cost of Category B driving school courses
Prices by locality
Prices for driving courses have risen significantly in recent years. In 2022, costs are in the following ranges:
- Large cities (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Constanta): 2,400–2,600 RON
- Medium-sized cities: 2,200–2,400 RON
- Small towns and communes: 2,000–2,200 RON
What’s included in the base price
The standard tariff includes:
- 24 hours of theoretical courses
- 30 hours of practical driving
- Educational materials (manual, tests)
- Completion certificate
- Guidance for the exam
Payment options
Most driving schools offer flexible payment options:
- Full payment at enrollment: 5–10% discount
- Payment in installments: 2–3 installments, no interest
- Staggered payment: 50% at enrollment, the rest halfway through the course
Costs for extra training hours
When extra hours are needed
There are two main situations:
-
Voluntary extra preparation:
- When you do not feel ready for the exam
- When a long time passes between finishing the courses and the exam
- To consolidate knowledge
-
Mandatory hours after failing the exam:
- Minimum 3 hours of practice
- 30-day waiting period for reexamination
Rates for extra hours
- Additional theoretical hours: most schools offer them free
- Additional practical hours: 100–120 RON/hour (60–90 minutes)
- Additional tests: free at most schools
- Additional materials: included in the tariff
Other costs associated with obtaining the license
Medical fees
- Medical consultation: 100–150 RON
- Psychological test: 100–120 RON
- Additional analyses: 50–100 RON (if required)
- Total medical checks: 250–370 RON
Administrative fees
- Criminal record certificate: 16 RON
- Photos for the file: 15–20 RON
- Legalized copies of documents: 10–15 RON
- Total administrative fees: 40–50 RON
Fees for taking the exam
- Theoretical exam: free
- Practical exam: 68 RON (per attempt)
- Vehicle reservation fee: 0–200 RON (depending on the school)
Costs in case of a failed attempt
- 3 mandatory practical hours: 300–360 RON
- New fee for the practical exam: 68 RON
- Additional preparation hours: 100–120 RON/hour
- 30-day wait: no extra cost
Total cost calculation for Category B
Best-case scenario (pass on the first attempt)
- Driving school courses: 2,000–2,600 RON
- Medical checks: 250–370 RON
- Administrative fees: 40–50 RON
- Practical exam fee: 68 RON
- Total: 2,358–3,088 RON
Scenario with a fail
- Base costs: 2,358–3,088 RON
- 3 mandatory practical hours: 300–360 RON
- New exam fee: 68 RON
- Additional preparation hours: 200–400 RON
- Total: 2,926–3,916 RON
Tips to reduce costs
Choosing the right driving school
- Compare prices across several schools
- Check pass rates
- Read other trainees’ reviews
- Choose schools with proven experience
Efficient preparation
- Study theory at home to be better prepared
- Use mobile apps with practice tests
- Practice with online simulators
- Pay attention to practical lessons to avoid extra hours
Financial planning
- Set aside money for potential retakes
- Take advantage of discounts for full payment
- Avoid schools with suspiciously low prices
- Also calculate ancillary costs, not just the courses
Obtaining a Category B driving license represents a significant investment, but it is essential for mobility in modern society. With proper preparation and adequate financial planning, you can reduce costs and increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.
