How to Get a Category D1 Driving Licence in Moldova?

Moldova’s D1 license, issued under Government Decision HG181/2022 implementing EU Directive 2006/126/CE, extends the standard examination framework to include diplomatic mission members and their families applying to drive in the country. This piece covers what D1 authorizes, the specific requirements, and how it fits into Moldova’s broader licensing system.

What Category D1 covers

D1 authorizes vehicles intended for passenger transport with a maximum capacity of 16 passengers in addition to the driver. You can also attach a trailer with a maximum authorized total mass of up to 750 kg.

Minimum age

You need to be 21 to hold a D1; the same threshold applies to Category C, CE, and specialized categories F and I.

Documents you’ll need

• Your identity card, valid for at least three more months
• A narcological opinion (form 092-1/e)
• A medical certificate (form 083/e)
• Your military booklet or recruit certificate, where applicable
• Two photographs, 3.5 x 4.5 cm

The theory and practical exams

You’ll need to pass a theory exam covering traffic rules specific to passenger vehicle categories, followed by a practical exam assessing your genuine ability to handle a D1-category vehicle safely.

D1E: adding a heavier trailer

D1E authorizes combinations of D1-category vehicles with a trailer whose total mass exceeds 750 kg, provided the vehicle meets D1’s minimum age of 21.

Diplomatic personnel can also apply.

Genuinely notable: members of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, and foreign consular offices accredited in Moldova, along with their family members, can be examined for D1 and other categories under the same procedure that applies to Moldovan citizens.

What full Category D requires

Full Category D authorizes passenger vehicles with more than 16 seats and generally requires a minimum age of 24, along with professional training and a practical examination for those pursuing commercial passenger transport work.

C1E holders get D1E automatically with D1

If you already hold a valid C1E license and separately obtain D1, you’re automatically entitled to drive D1E combinations too, without a separate application.

Speed limits for new drivers

Vehicles operated by drivers with less than a year of experience, or by candidates still completing practical training, are subject to a speed limit that is 20 km/h below the standard limit for their category outside built-up areas.

EU Directive alignment

Moldova’s driving license regulation, HG181/2022, was created specifically to implement EU Directive 2006/126/CE of 20 December 2006, part of a wider effort to harmonize Moldovan road safety standards with those of the European Union.

Automatic transmission

As with other EU-aligned systems, testing on an automatic-transmission vehicle typically restricts the resulting license to automatic machines only.

Registering for your exam

After you complete your driving school course, you register for the exam online through programaredl.asp.gov.md or by phone.

Unlimited exam attempts

As with other categories in Moldova, you can attempt the D1 exam unlimited times throughout the year if needed.

Who administers driving licenses in Moldova?

The Agenția Servicii Publice (ASP, Public Services Agency) administers both licensing and exams, with the specific territorial subdivision determined by which office your driving school falls under.

Validity

A national Moldovan driving license, including D1, is valid for 10 years from the date of issue, unless a shorter restriction applies to the specific holder.

Tips that actually help

• Gather your narcological and medical certificates early, since both are required documents.
• If you already hold C1E, remember that obtaining D1 automatically includes D1E.
• Take advantage of the unlimited exam attempts if you don’t pass the first time.
• Make sure your identity card has at least 3 months of validity remaining before your exam date.

Where this fits going forward

D1 in Moldova offers a genuine, well-regulated route into passenger transport, implementing EU driving license standards directly into domestic law. If you plan to drive professionally later, review the driver section, browse current vacancies, or see which employers are hiring. EU guidelines, alongside driver guides, oldova, a guides, and license-receiving pages, provide a broader picture.

Declaration

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Fees, training requirements, and administrative rules can change and may vary by driving school in Moldova. Always confirm current requirements with official Moldovan sources before making decisions, such as the Agenția Servicii Publice (ASP). FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information.