How to Get a Category D1 Driving Licence in Romania?

Romania notably built a specific loophole into full Category D: since 2 February 2023, you can obtain it from 21 instead of 24, but only with national code 100, restricting you to training and examination purposes for the CPI professional certificate, not for free general driving. D1 itself, without that restriction, remains straightforwardly available from 21. This piece covers what D1 authorizes and how the reciprocal entitlements with Category C1 actually work.

What Category D1 covers

D1 authorizes vehicles designed to carry more than 8 seated passengers in addition to the driver, up to a maximum of 16. You can also attach a trailer with a maximum permitted mass of up to 750 kg.

Minimum age

You need to be 21 to hold D1, the same threshold that applies to Category C, CE, and D1E.

Eligibility requirements

• Medical fitness to drive vehicles in the category and subcategory you're applying for
• No final conviction for road traffic offenses, or for murder, assault causing death, serious bodily harm, robbery, or vehicle theft

The 2023 exception for full Category D at 21

Here's the detail worth understanding. If you're aiming for the full bus license sooner than 24. Since 2 February 2023, under Law 385/2022, candidates can obtain Category D or DE from 21 instead of the standard 24, but this license carries national code 100, restricting its use exclusively to training and examination purposes for the CPI (professional attestation for passenger transport drivers). It doesn't grant free, general driving rights at 21; that comes only once you turn 24 or complete the CPI process.

The reciprocal entitlement between D1 and C1

Romanian law builds in a useful two-way relationship. A license valid for D1 or D1E also authorizes driving C1 or C1E-category vehicles, respectively. This works both ways in specific circumstances: C1E is also valid for D1E holders if they are at least 21.

Full Category D and CE automatically include D1

If you hold a full Category D, you're automatically entitled to drive D1-category vehicles too. Similarly, a CE license is valid in DE if the holder also holds a Category D license.

Documents and the exam process

You'll need to pass both the theoretical and practical exams appropriate for D1, as well as meet the medical fitness and clean-record requirements described above.

Automatic transmission

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

Where D1 sits in Romania's licensing system

Romania issues licences across the categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE, Tr, Tb and Tv. D1 sits below the full Category D (16+ years old regulars, above 8 seats, no upper limit) and is reserved for smaller passenger vehicles.

Age thresholds across the system

Romania's minimum ages run 16 for AM, A1 and B1; 18 for A2, B, BE, C1, C1E and Tr; 21 for C, CE, D1, D1E and motor tricycles in Category A; and 24 for D, DE, Tb and Tv with the notable exception described above for D and DE at 21 under the CPI training route.

Validity

Romanian driving licenses for D1 follow standard administrative validity periods appropriate to professional categories, subject to periodic medical fitness requirements.

Tips that actually help

• If your goal is to drive buses at 21, D1 is your straightforward route; full Category D at that age comes with the code 100 training restriction.
• If you already hold C1 or C1E, check whether the reciprocal D1/D1E relationship already covers you.
• Make sure your record is clear of the specific disqualifying offenses before applying.
• Confirm the current CPI requirements with your driving school if you're planning to do professional passenger transport work.

Where this fits going forward

D1 in Romania offers a genuine, straightforward route into passenger transport at 21, with useful reciprocal entitlements alongside Category C1. If your plans involve professional driving down the line, take a look at the driver section, browse current vacancies, or see which employers are hiring on FastDriver.eu, as well as our broader job guides. Our driving license in Romania and license eligibility 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. Always confirm current requirements with official Romanian sources, such as DRPCIV, before making a decision. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information.