- Category B covers cars and light vans up to 3500 kg MTMA, 8 seats.
- B allows trailers up to 3500 kg total, trailer up to 750 kg.
- Larger trailer setups can reach 4250 kg total with heavier trailers.
- Minimum age: 18 for B; 16 for B1, A1, AM; driving school and exam required.
The Category B driving license is the most widespread license type in Romania, offering the possibility to drive a wide range of vehicles on public roads. To drive legally on public roads, obtaining the license through an examination is mandatory, and Romanian law is very strict in this regard. Driving without a valid license during a routine traffic stop can expose the driver to a criminal case, with particularly severe penalties imposed by police authorities.
Beyond the legal aspect, a driving license provides freedom of movement, flexibility in daily activities, and the pleasure of driving your own vehicle. To obtain a valid license, you must attend courses at an authorized driving school and complete the minimum number of driving hours required by law, after which you can enroll for the exam.
What vehicles you can drive with a category b license
Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles
License holders with category B can drive on public roads vehicles with the following characteristics:
- Maximum authorized mass (MTMA) of up to 3500 kg
- Number of seats on the seats up to 8, excluding the driver
- Vehicles intended for transporting people or goods that fit within these limits
Within this category are the majority of passenger cars, mid-size SUVs, vans, and light commercial vehicles used for business purposes.
Vehicle combinations with trailers
Category B also allows towing trailers, but with clear limits:
Combinations up to 3500 kg:
- Category B vehicle with a trailer MTMA of up to 750 kg
- The total mass of the combination must not exceed 3500 kg
Combinations up to 4250 kg:
- Category B vehicle with a trailer MTMA greater than 750 kg
- The total mass of the combination can reach 4250 kg
- This configuration is useful for towing caravans or larger trailers
Combinations over 4250 kg:
- Category B vehicle with a trailer or semi-trailer MTMA up to 3500 kg
- The total mass of the combination can be greater than 4250 kg
- For commercial use or towing specialized equipment
From what age can you obtain the driving license
Category B - standard age
Traditionally, the minimum age for obtaining a category B license is 18 years. This remains the standard requirement for most young people who wish to drive cars on public roads.
Getting the driving license from age 16 - special categories
Category B1:
- Four-wheeled vehicles with a mass between 400 and 550 kg
- Net power up to 15 kW (roughly 20 HP)
- For electric vehicles, battery mass is not counted
- Ideal for quadricycles and small urban vehicles
Category A1:
- Motorcycles with engine capacity below 125 cm³
- Maximum power of 11 kW (roughly 16 HP)
- A popular license among young motorcycle enthusiasts
Category AM:
- Vehicles with two or three wheels
- Internal combustion or electric engine
- Maximum speed between 25 and 45 km/h
- Cylinder capacity up to 50 cm³
- Includes mopeds and small-displacement scooters
How to obtain the driving license at 16
Age and training requirements
To obtain the driving license in the desired category, teens must meet the following conditions:
Minimum age:
- 15 years and 9 months to enroll in a driving school
- 16 years old to take the exam
Theoretical and practical preparation:
- 24 hours of road traffic legislation
- 20 hours of practical driving
- Approximately 4 weeks of course attendance
Documents required
Future drivers must present the following documents:
- Valid identity card
- Psychological assessment issued by an authorized psychologist
- Medical certificate from the family doctor or an authorized clinic
- Criminal records certificate
- Written consent of both parents or legal guardians
Estimated costs
The average fee for attending a driving school in Romania is around 2000 RON. This price can vary depending on:
- The locality of the driving school
- The school’s reputation and equipment
- Additional services offered (extra driving hours, simulations, etc.)
- Exam fees are not included in this amount
Importance of abiding by traffic regulations
Driving a vehicle without a valid driving license is a serious offense in Romania. Penalties can include:
- A criminal case
- A substantial fine
- Vehicle confiscation in certain situations
- Inability to obtain the license for a specified period
Beyond the legal aspect, proper preparation through driving school is essential for your safety and that of other road users. Knowledge of traffic rules, understanding basic vehicle mechanics, and developing correct reflexes behind the wheel are skills that are gained through practice and education.
Conclusion
The Category B license offers the greatest flexibility for drivers in Romania, allowing the use of most cars and light commercial vehicles. For young car enthusiasts, the possibility of obtaining the license at 16 for certain categories represents an excellent opportunity to start road education earlier.
Regardless of age, complying with legal procedures and taking driving school seriously are essential to becoming a responsible and safe driver.
