International Driving License: What You Need to Know

If you’re a professional driver in Dubai planning a career move to Europe, Romania is one of the most promising gateways into the EU logistics market. But before you map your route from the Arabian Gulf to the Carpathians, there’s a critical topic to clear up: what an International Driving License (more precisely, an International Driving Permit) can and cannot do for you—especially if your goal is to drive professionally in Romania and, potentially, across Europe.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack how international driving permits work, what Romania requires for professional drivers, how to convert or obtain the licenses you need, and exactly how to navigate the Dubai-to-Romania transition with confidence. We’ll cover regulations, employer expectations, training, visas, real-world routes and companies in Romania, plus on-the-ground living insights to help you settle fast and drive safely.

Note: Regulations can change. Always verify requirements with official authorities in both the UAE and Romania before making decisions.

Introduction: From Dubai’s Highways to Romania’s EU Corridors

You’ve built valuable driving experience in Dubai—a dynamic logistics hub where punctuality, safety, and customer service are non-negotiable. Romania offers you a new stage: EU access, major transport corridors linking Central and Eastern Europe, competitive earning potential (especially with international routes and per diem allowances), and a lower cost of living than many Western European countries.

Here’s the catch many drivers overlook: an International Driving Permit (IDP) is typically for tourists and short stays—not for professional, commercial driving. To work legally as a truck or bus driver in Romania, you need the EU-standard qualifications, Romanian paperwork, and an employer prepared to sponsor your work permit and help you transition.

This guide makes that journey practical, step by step.

International Driving Permit vs. EU Professional Requirements

What an IDP Actually Is (and Isn’t)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your national license into multiple languages, allowing authorities in other countries to interpret your credentials.
In Dubai/UAE, IDPs are typically issued by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE).
IDPs are designed for tourists and short-term visitors—not for professional, for-hire driving.
In Romania, as in most EU countries, an IDP does not qualify you to drive commercially. To be employed as a professional driver (truck, bus, coach), you must meet EU and Romanian professional standards.

Romania’s Professional Driver Framework (the EU Standard)

To legally drive a heavy vehicle for work in Romania, you typically need:

A valid Romanian (or other EU) driving license for the appropriate category:
- C for trucks, CE for trucks with trailers (articulated),
- D for buses/coaches.
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), indicated on your license by Code 95, and the relevant professional “atestat” issued in Romania.
A digital tachograph driver card for EU driving/rest compliance.
A valid work contract with a Romanian employer (and, for non-EU nationals, a work permit and residence permit).

Optional/role-specific add-ons include:

ADR (dangerous goods) certificate for hazardous materials,
Special permits for oversized loads (“agabaritic”),
Passenger transport “atestat” for D category.

Key EU Rules You’ll Work Under

Driving and rest times (Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and AETR standards):
- Daily driving usually capped at 9 hours (can be extended to 10 hours twice per week).
- Mandatory rest breaks (45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving, typically split).
- Weekly rest periods, with constraints on reduced and regular rest scheduling.
Tachograph: mandatory use of a digital tachograph card for recording driving times and rest.

Bottom line: An IDP is not a work license. Romania requires you to qualify under EU professional driving standards and, as a non-EU national, to secure the correct immigration status to be employed.

Can You Drive in Romania with a UAE License?

Short-Term Visits vs. Residency

If you are visiting Romania as a tourist or on short-term travel, you may be able to drive a private car using your UAE license together with an IDP.
If you become a resident in Romania (for work or longer-term stay), the rules change. Foreign licenses have limited validity once residency is established—often up to a specific period (commonly understood as up to 90 days). After that, you must exchange your license if a bilateral agreement exists or obtain a Romanian license.

License Exchange: UAE to Romania

License exchanges are possible when Romania has a reciprocity agreement with the issuing country. The UAE is typically not on Romania’s exchange list for direct conversion of professional categories (C/CE/D). That means:
- Expect to take the Romanian theory and practical exams if you want a Romanian license for trucks or buses.
- You will also need to complete medical and psychological evaluations and fulfill training requirements.

Always confirm the latest exchange list with Direcția Regim Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculare a Vehiculelor (DRPCIV), Romania’s driver licensing authority.

Professional Driving: Why Exchange Alone Isn’t Enough

Even if your private (B) license could be exchanged, professional driving requires:

The correct heavy vehicle categories (C/CE or D),
The EU CPC (Code 95) qualification,
A digital tachograph card,
Any role-specific certifications (ADR, passenger transport, etc.).

These professional credentials must be issued/recognized in Romania and recorded appropriately on your license and/or certificates.

Pathway to a Romanian Professional License (C/CE/D)

If you’re relocating from Dubai and your UAE license cannot be exchanged for professional categories, here’s the common pathway in Romania.

1) Establish Legal Right to Stay and Work

To enroll in certain training and to take the tests, you typically need residence status in Romania. Employers often sponsor your work permit first, which then lets you obtain a residence permit.

2) Medical and Psychological Clearance

Obtain a medical certificate from an authorized occupational medicine clinic.
Obtain a psychological evaluation certificate from an authorized provider.
These are standard for professional categories and may need periodic renewal.

3) Driving School Enrollment

Choose a licensed driving school covering your desired categories (C/CE or D).
Ask if they offer English-language materials and instruction; some do, especially in larger cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara.
Training typically includes classroom theory and practical driving hours.

4) Theory and Practical Exams (DRPCIV)

You will sit a computerized theory exam (often available in multiple languages; verify English availability at your test center).
Practical test: a road test in the appropriate vehicle category.
Passing both is required to receive the Romanian driving license.

5) CPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence)

In Romania, CPC is managed through accredited centers and the Romanian Road Authority (Autoritatea Rutieră Română — ARR). The qualification reflects EU standards and will be marked on your license with Code 95.
Initial CPC (for new professional drivers) plus periodic training: 35 hours every 5 years.
Some employers will sponsor your CPC course once you join.

6) Digital Tachograph Driver Card

Apply for a digital tachograph driver card (issued in Romania; overseen by ARR) once you hold the proper license.
You must use this card when operating vehicles equipped with digital tachographs.

7) Optional Qualifications

ADR certification (dangerous goods): increases employability and pay potential.
Special permits for oversized transport.
Passenger transport atestat for D-category roles.

8) Keep Documents Current

Professional drivers must maintain valid medical/psychological certifications and complete periodic CPC training.
Your employer will usually help monitor renewal deadlines.

Work Permits, Visas, and Employment: From Dubai to Romania

As a non-EU national moving from Dubai, you’ll need the correct immigration status to work in Romania.

Typical Immigration Sequence

Secure a job offer from a Romanian employer. Many companies actively hire experienced international drivers.
Employer applies for a work permit on your behalf through the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). You will provide supporting documents (passport, photos, proof of qualifications/experience, police clearance, medical, etc.).
Once the work permit is approved, apply for a long-stay work visa at the Romanian Embassy/Consulate in the UAE (visa type often labeled D/AM or similar). Bring all required documents.
Travel to Romania with the visa; within the stipulated period, apply for a residence permit (issued by IGI). Your residence card is essential for living and working legally in Romania.

Note: Processing times vary. Employers with established recruitment programs can often guide you through the entire process efficiently.

Working Across Borders from a Romanian Base

Romania is an EU Member State. Many Romanian logistics firms operate pan-European routes, particularly to Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, and the Balkans.
As a non-EU national employed by a Romanian company, you may need additional visas or documentation for cross-border trips into Schengen countries, depending on your nationality and residence status. Your employer’s HR and compliance teams typically coordinate this.

Always confirm current visa rules for non-EU residents of Romania entering Schengen states, especially for land border crossings.

Romania-Specific Opportunities, Routes, and Employers

Romania’s logistics ecosystem has expanded rapidly, driven by nearshoring, e-commerce growth, automotive manufacturing in the West (Timișoara/Arad), and the Port of Constanța on the Black Sea.

Where the Freight Flows

Western Gateways to the EU:
- Nădlac and Borș crossings into Hungary connect directly to Central and Western Europe.
- A1 Motorway (Bucharest–Pitești–Sibiu–Deva–Arad–Nădlac) is a major freight artery.
- A3 sections (Transylvania Motorway) link Cluj area to the Hungarian border near Borș II (partial segments operational).
Southern Corridors:
- Giurgiu (to Bulgaria) for routes to the Balkans and Greece.
- A2 Motorway (Bucharest–Constanța) serving the port and Black Sea logistics.
Key Hubs:
- Bucharest and Ilfov (major depots, ring road A0 under development),
- Cluj-Napoca/Apahida (Transylvania distribution),
- Timișoara/Arad/Curtici (proximity to Hungary, large intermodal terminal at Curtici),
- Constanța (port operations, container and bulk cargo),
- Ploiești/Brașov corridors (industrial parks, FMCG).

Employers and Sectors Hiring Drivers

Examples (for research, not endorsements):

International 3PLs with Romanian operations: DB Schenker, DSV, Kuehne+Nagel, DHL Supply Chain, Transmec.
Romanian and regional carriers: Dumagas, International Alexander, Aquila, Sameday (parcel/express), FAN Courier, Cargus.
Automotive logistics near Timișoara/Arad (including car carriers operating in the region).
Intermodal operators and depot-linked fleets around Curtici and Ploiești.

Tip: Smaller regional carriers often offer faster onboarding for motivated drivers; larger multinationals may provide structured training, safer equipment, and clearer progression paths.

Pay and Conditions Snapshot (Varies by Employer)

Domestic routes: base salary with overtime; often lower than international but more home time.
International routes (EU): base salary plus per diem (daily allowance) in EUR; many drivers report significantly higher take-home on international circuits.
ADR or specialized transport: generally higher rates.

Important: Compensation structures vary widely. Request written breakdowns (base salary, per diem, mileage bonuses, layover pay, holiday pay, insurance, and equipment condition) before signing.

Everyday Life and Cultural Integration in Romania

Climate and Driving Conditions

Four seasons. Winters can be cold, with snow and ice, especially in mountain regions (Transylvania, Carpathian passes). Summer heat is milder than Dubai but can still reach 30–35°C.
Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered in snow/ice. Trucks may be required to carry chains in certain regions or conditions—your company will brief you.
Some rural roads pass through villages with pedestrian and animal traffic. Defensive driving is key.

Language and Workplace Culture

Romanian is the national language; it’s a Romance language with Latin roots. English is increasingly used in logistics and by younger staff.
Many companies accommodate English-speaking drivers, especially in multinational fleets. Learning basic Romanian accelerates onboarding and expands employer options.
Cultural norms: punctuality, straightforward communication, respect for procedures and documentation. Roadside checks are common; ensure immaculate paperwork.

Cost of Living and Housing

Generally lower than Western Europe, higher than some neighboring countries—but almost always more affordable than central Dubai.
Bucharest: highest rents; vibrant expat scene and most driving schools with English options.
Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, and Brașov: good quality of life, growing logistics hubs, reasonable costs.
Consider living near logistics parks: e.g., Bucharest (Popești-Leordeni, Mogoșoaia), Cluj (Apahida), Timișoara (Ghiroda), Arad (Vladimirescu/Curtici).

Banking, Tax, and Admin

You’ll typically need a residence permit to open standard bank accounts. Many employers help with payroll setup.
Romania has a flat personal income tax rate and social contributions. Some parts of driver per diem may receive preferential tax treatment within legal limits. Always request professional tax guidance.
Keep copies (physical and digital) of your contracts, permits, and certificates.

Best Practices and Tips for Romania

Learn the essentials of Romanian driving vocabulary: road signs, customs/transport terms, and border slang used by dispatchers.
Prepare for winter: invest in quality thermal gear, gloves, and insulated boots; carry a flashlight, scraper, and antifreeze rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Know your corridors: A1 for West-bound freight, A2 for port operations, A3/A10/A7 segments expanding—you’ll hear route codes daily.
Build a parking map: identify safe, well-lit truck stops on the A1 and near major cities; ask colleagues and use driver apps for real-time reviews.
Keep paperwork spotless: license with Code 95, tachograph card, CPC proof, medical/psych certificates, vehicle documents, CMR/e-CMR.
Practice EU rest-time planning: pre-plan weekly rest at safe, comfortable locations with facilities; avoid last-minute scrambles.
Talk to HR about cross-border entries: ensure you have the correct visas/permissions before dispatch to Schengen territory.
Consider ADR certification: it’s a small investment that can significantly boost your opportunities and pay.
Network in Romania: join driver groups, attend CPC refreshers proactively, and get referrals to reputable carriers.

Common Challenges and Practical Solutions

Licensing and Language Barriers

Challenge: Theory exams and CPC training might be in Romanian; not all centers offer English.
Solution: Choose cities and schools known for English support (Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara). Use bilingual study guides and practice tests. Consider a short Romanian prep course focused on transport vocabulary.

Winter Driving

Challenge: Snow and ice, mountain passes, fog.
Solution: Take a winter driving workshop. Keep chains and learn proper installation. Slow early, brake gently, and increase following distance. Discuss routes with dispatch to avoid high-risk passes during storms.

Bureaucratic Delays

Challenge: Work permit, visa, residence card, and license appointments can take time.
Solution: Start documentation early. Ask your employer to pre-book DRPCIV and medical appointments. Keep immaculate document sets to avoid rejections.

Cross-Border Paperwork

Challenge: Entering Schengen countries from Romania as a non-EU national may require additional visas.
Solution: Coordinate with HR/compliance in advance. Keep copies of posted worker documentation and visas. Do not accept loads that require crossings you’re not authorized for.

Equipment and Maintenance Expectations

Challenge: Varying fleet ages; some regional carriers may have older trucks.
Solution: During interviews, request fleet details (truck make/age, maintenance intervals, breakdown support). Inspect your assigned vehicle. Report issues immediately and document via company channels.

Cost of Settling In

Challenge: Upfront costs for housing deposits, training, and local transport.
Solution: Negotiate relocation support—some carriers cover initial accommodation, CPC fees, or tachograph card costs. Budget 2–3 months of expenses.

Industry Insights: Romania’s Logistics Landscape in 2025

Gateway Strategy: Romania positions itself as a gateway between Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Western EU, with competitive costs and growing infrastructure.
Port of Constanța: Increasing volumes in containers and bulk, feeding inland distribution via A2/A3/A0 corridors.
Western Hubs: Timișoara, Arad, and the Curtici intermodal terminal connect rail and road to Western Europe, improving reliability and cutting lead times.
E-Commerce: Domestic parcel networks (FAN Courier, Cargus, Sameday) continue to expand next-day and same-day coverage, creating demand for B-category vans and C-category urban trucks.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Ongoing motorway and ring road projects (A0 around Bucharest, A7 in Moldova region) will gradually reduce bottlenecks and improve transit times.
Compliance and Digitization: Wider adoption of e-CMR, stricter enforcement of driving/rest times, and enhanced road checks mean documentation and tachograph discipline are non-negotiable.

For professional drivers from Dubai, this environment combines opportunity with a strong emphasis on EU-standard safety and compliance—skills you can master with the right preparation.

Practical Action Steps: Your Dubai-to-Romania Roadmap

Follow this checklist to accelerate your move:

Assess Your Profile

Gather your UAE driving history (categories held, years of experience, accident-free record, employer references).
Decide your target role: domestic Romania (more home time) or international EU routes (higher earnings via per diem).

Research Employers and Routes

Shortlist Romanian carriers in your preferred segment (FMCG, automotive, container, ADR).
Look for companies with experience hiring non-EU drivers and offering English support.

Validate Paperwork from the UAE

Obtain a police clearance certificate and authenticate it per Romanian consulate requirements.
Get certified translations of key documents (license, experience letters) as requested by prospective employers.

Secure a Job Offer

Apply with a complete CV highlighting international-ready skills: safe driving record, on-time delivery, basic English, digital tachograph familiarity (if applicable), and ADR exposure.
Request a clear compensation package in writing.

Work Permit and Visa

Provide all documents your employer requests for the Romanian work permit.
After approval, apply for the long-stay work visa at the Romanian Embassy in the UAE.

Arrive and Settle

Book short-term accommodation near your employer or training center.
Register your address and apply for your residence permit within the specified window.

Licensing and Training

Enroll in a driving school for the required category (C/CE or D) and confirm language options.
Complete medical and psychological evaluations.
Prepare for and pass the DRPCIV theory and practical exams.
Enroll in CPC (Code 95) and request ADR if you plan to specialize.

Tachograph Card and Employment Onboarding

Apply for your digital tachograph card through ARR.
Attend employer induction: safety procedures, paperwork, load securing, and EU driving/rest rules refresher.

Build Your Network

Join driver groups and forums. Ask about safe parking, good service stations, and preferred border crossings.

Keep Growing

After 6–12 months, consider upgrading (ADR, oversized, international lanes) to improve your earnings and profile.

Best Practices and Tips (Romania-Specific)

Keep a flexible route plan: weather and traffic can change quickly across the Carpathians.
Align with dispatch: proactively share your tachograph hours to optimize load planning.
Document every border nuance: keep a personal log of which crossings are fastest at different times and days.
Care for your vehicle: pre-checks matter more in winter—coolant, battery, tires, wipers, lights.
Respect local speed and village zones: many rural roads have stepped speed limits entering/exiting towns; enforcement is active.
Use recognized fuel stops: maintain receipts for compliance and expense claims.
Master e-CMR apps your employer uses: they can speed up turnarounds and reduce disputes.

Common Challenges and Solutions (Focused on Relocating to Romania)

Weather Shock (Dubai to Romanian winter)
- Solution: Ask for winter-driving mentoring, carry warm layers, and plan routes avoiding high passes during storms. Keep de-icer and a shovel in the cab.
Language Gaps
- Solution: Learn 20–30 essential Romanian phrases for police checks, warehouse instructions, and fueling. Pair with apps and flashcards during rest periods.
Paperwork Overload
- Solution: Create a binder with labeled sleeves for license, Code 95, tachograph card, residence permit, insurance, and contracts. Keep cloud backups.
Visa/Cross-Border Complexity
- Solution: Only accept international dispatches once HR confirms your visa status. Keep contact numbers for HR and border brokers in your phone.
Adapting to EU Rest Rules
- Solution: Use tachograph planning tools. Set reminders for breaks. Book secure parking spots ahead when possible.
Budgeting the First 90 Days
- Solution: Request employer advances if offered. Choose shared accommodation initially. Cook at home and use discount supermarkets (e.g., Lidl, Kaufland).

Conclusion: Your EU Driving Career Starts in Romania—Plan It Right

Romania offers a powerful combination: EU market access, growing logistics infrastructure, and a cost of living that lets your earnings stretch further. For Dubai-based professional drivers, it’s an achievable step-up—provided you approach it strategically.

Remember: an International Driving Permit is not a license to work. To drive professionally in Romania, you’ll need a Romanian (or EU) license for your vehicle category, CPC (Code 95), a tachograph card, and the correct immigration status. Partner with a supportive employer, leverage English-friendly training centers, plan for winter operations, and build your local network. Within months, you can be hauling on the A1 toward Hungary, moving containers from Constanța, or running steady domestic lanes around Bucharest and Cluj.

Ready to start? Shortlist employers today, gather your UAE documents, and reach out to Romanian driving schools that offer English support. Your EU career is closer than you think—and Romania is a smart place to begin.

FAQ: Working and Living in Romania as a Professional Driver

1) Is an International Driving Permit (IDP) enough to work as a driver in Romania?

No. An IDP is primarily a translation of your home license for tourist/short-term use. To work as a professional driver in Romania, you need a Romanian/EU license for the correct category (C/CE or D), CPC (Code 95), and a digital tachograph card. You also need a valid work contract, work permit, and residence permit if you’re a non-EU national.

2) Can I exchange my UAE driver’s license for a Romanian one?

Romania exchanges licenses with certain countries, but the UAE is typically not on the direct exchange list for professional categories. Expect to complete the Romanian theory and practical exams and meet medical/psychological requirements. Always verify the current exchange list with DRPCIV.

3) What’s the typical salary for truck drivers in Romania?

It varies by role and company. Domestic routes generally offer a base salary with overtime; international EU routes add per diem allowances that can significantly increase take-home pay. ADR or specialized transport often pays more. Ask for a written breakdown of base pay, per diem, bonuses, and benefits before signing.

4) Do I need to speak Romanian to get hired?

Many carriers, especially multinationals, hire drivers who speak basic English. However, learning fundamental Romanian phrases—especially transport and safety vocabulary—greatly improves your job options and daily efficiency, and may be required by some employers and training centers.

5) How long does the full process take—from job offer to first day on the road?

Timelines vary. Work permit and visa processing can take several weeks to a few months. Licensing steps (training, medicals, exams, CPC) depend on appointment availability and your preparation. With organized employers and English-capable training providers, many drivers are road-ready within 2–4 months after arrival, but this can be longer.

6) What should I know about winter driving requirements in Romania?

When roads are covered with snow or ice, winter tires are required. Chains may be mandatory or strongly recommended in certain areas. Companies typically provide winter operation guidelines and equipment. Plan extra time, maintain safe distances, and be cautious in mountainous regions.

7) Can my Romanian employer send me on international routes into Schengen countries?

Yes, many Romanian carriers operate into Schengen. As a non-EU national, you may need additional visas or documentation beyond your Romanian residence card to enter Schengen areas, especially by land. Your employer’s HR/compliance team should arrange the correct paperwork before dispatch.

Always verify current requirements with Romanian authorities (DRPCIV, ARR, IGI) and your prospective employer. With the right preparation, Romania can be your springboard to a rewarding EU driving career.