Smooth Starts: Essential Tips for Your First Day as a Delivery Driver

Introduction: From India to Romania - Start Your New Driving Career With Confidence

Relocating from India to Romania to build a professional driving career is an exciting move. You are stepping into an EU member state with a fast-growing logistics sector, strong demand for drivers, and access to wider European opportunities. But big moves also come with questions: What do you need on day one? How do you navigate local rules and workplace culture? How can you make sure your first shift as a delivery driver sets the right tone with customers and managers?

This guide is designed specifically for experienced drivers in India who are relocating to Romania to work in delivery, trucking, or passenger transport. It covers what to expect on your very first day on the job, the essential gear to carry, and how to interact professionally with Romanian customers. Along the way, we will walk through the broader picture: Romania’s job market, salaries, cost of living, work permits and visas, license conversion, EU driving regulations (including CPC and the digital tachograph), and practical relocation steps.

By the end, you will have a workable plan to onboard quickly, meet compliance standards, handle common road challenges, and settle into life in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.

Why Romania?

1) EU Membership and Regional Access

Romania is an EU member, offering a stable regulatory framework and alignment with European transport standards.
Air and sea Schengen entry is in place (as of 2024), improving travel convenience; land Schengen implementation is pending, so plan for border checks on certain international road routes.
Located at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe, Romania serves as a strategic base for routes to Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, and Italy.

2) Competitive Pay With Lower Costs

Driver incomes have risen in recent years, particularly for international routes.
Cost of living is generally lower than Western Europe, so you can save more or support family back home.

3) Fast-Growing Logistics and E-commerce

E-commerce expansion has boosted last-mile and intra-city delivery.
Industrial and automotive supply chains create steady demand for HGV and CE-category drivers.

4) Lifestyle and Work-Life Balance

A friendly culture, vibrant city life in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, and calmer rhythms in Timisoara and Iasi.
Outdoor activities in the Carpathians, Black Sea coast travel, and rich historical sites for weekends.

Job Market Overview: Where a New Delivery Driver Fits In

Romania’s transportation and logistics sector offers multiple entry points for drivers arriving from India:

Delivery and Courier Services

Employers: FAN Courier, Urgent Cargus, Sameday, DPD Romania, GLS Romania, DHL eCommerce, TNT/FedEx service partners, eMAG Marketplace logistics partners.
Roles: Van delivery driver (B category), light truck driver (C1), route courier, evening hub sorter/driver hybrid roles.
Schedules: Typically daytime routes with a morning depot start and afternoon finish; peak loads around holidays and sales campaigns.

Domestic Trucking and Regional Distribution

Employers: Aquila, DB Schenker, DSV, Quehenberger, FM Logistics, KLG Europe, Yusen Logistics, and regional fleets serving FMCG and retail.
Roles: C/CE drivers for multi-drop distribution to supermarkets, warehouses, and retail parks.
Schedules: Early starts, often fixed circuits within a city region or intercity corridors.

International Long-Haul (C/CE)

Employers: European fleets with Romanian branches or Romanian carriers with EU operations.
Destinations: Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, and the Balkans.
Schedules: 2-4 weeks on the road, with rest at home or at company facilities; daily and weekly rest per EU rules.

Passenger Transport

Employers: STB (Bucharest public transport), CTP (Cluj-Napoca), STPT (Timisoara), and private coach companies including FlixBus partners.
Roles: Bus and coach drivers (D category) for city routes or intercity travel.

Hubs and Yard Roles

Jobs in sorting hubs and cross-dock facilities: yard shunter, forklift operator with integrated delivery shifts.

Where The Jobs Cluster

Bucharest: Largest volume of courier and distribution roles; many international routes dispatch here.
Cluj-Napoca: Strong tech and e-commerce presence; robust courier activity.
Timisoara: Industrial base with automotive supply chains; fast highway access to western borders.
Iasi: Growing e-commerce and retail logistics, with competitive housing costs.

What To Expect On Your First Day as a Delivery Driver

Your first day usually blends onboarding, safety checks, and a ride-along or monitored route. Expect the following sequence:

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive 20-30 minutes early. Bring your IDs, work permit/residence documents, Romanian driving license, CPC proof (code 95 on your license), and tachograph card if relevant.
Sign attendance and meet your supervisor/dispatcher.

HR and Safety Briefings

Quick HR paperwork: emergency contacts, bank payment details if not provided earlier, uniform/PPE issuance.
Safety induction: depot layout, fire exits, first-aid kits, manual handling training, and company HSE rules.

Device Setup and Apps

Receive a handheld scanner or smartphone device with the delivery app.
Learn login procedures, route acceptance, navigation preferences, proof-of-delivery (POD) capture, photo-on-delivery, and failed-delivery codes.

Vehicle Allocation and Checks

Get your van or light truck. Perform the daily walk-around inspection.
Verify key documents: registration, insurance, rovinieta (national road vignette) for relevant routes, and company-specific paperwork.

Load Familiarization

Review manifests: stop count, priority deliveries, temperature-sensitive or fragile items.
Learn how the depot labels shelves and cages; understand return processes.

Ride-along or Supervised Route

Many companies assign a mentor or senior driver on day one.
Expect live coaching on parking, customer scripts, and device use.

End-of-Day Wrap-up

Return undelivered parcels, damaged or refused items, cash-on-delivery (COD) reconciliations, and your handheld device.
Quick debrief with your dispatcher: performance notes, common mistakes, and tomorrow’s start time.

Tip: Ask for a printed cheat sheet of delivery codes and exception reasons. Keep it in your pocket for the first week.

Essential Gear for Day One (What to Bring and Why)

Valid documents: Romanian driving license with relevant category, CPC (code 95) on the license, tachograph card (if applicable), work permit/residence card, and company ID.
PPE: High-visibility vest, safety shoes, work gloves, and weather-appropriate jacket.
Tools: Box cutter, small flashlight, bungee cords or straps, foldable hand truck if not provided.
Tech: Fully charged phone, power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh), car charger with fast-charging cable, and mount for hands-free navigation.
Comfort essentials: Water bottle, high-protein snacks, thermal flask in winter, sunscreen in summer, and a cap or beanie.
Paperwork kit: Pen, notepad, and a small folder for manifests or incident forms.
Winter add-ons (Nov-Mar or when conditions require): Ice scraper, de-icer spray, warm gloves, spare socks, and a compact shovel for snow.

Route Planning and Device Setup

Confirm your route: Check zone, number of stops, ETAs, and any time windows for business addresses.
Navigation: Use the company-preferred app. If allowed, cross-check with map apps for traffic and roadworks.
Avoid restricted streets: Some city centers restrict heavy vehicles; your dispatcher will indicate permits and acceptable streets. For vans, look for loading bays and legal short-stay parking.
Delivery sequence: Use the app’s optimized order, but re-cluster stops if you know a local bottleneck at a certain hour.
Communication: Save your dispatcher’s number. Learn the standard format for messaging failed deliveries, delays, or safety incidents.

Vehicle Checks and Safety Protocols

Your daily walk-around is not a formality. It prevents accidents, fines, and delays. Use this checklist before leaving the depot:

Exterior and body: Mirrors, windshield, wipers, and windows clean and intact.
Lights and indicators: Headlights, brake, reverse, and hazard lights work.
Tires and wheels: Adequate tread, correct pressure, no visible damage.
Brakes and steering: No warning lights on the dashboard; test at low speed.
Fluids: Engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid topped up.
Load area: Shelves secure, cargo straps available, and parcels arranged to avoid crush or spill.
Documentation: Registration, insurance, and rovinieta if you will use national roads. For trucks, ensure CMR forms for international loads.
Tachograph: If your role requires it, insert your digital tachograph card, perform start-of-day checks, and set the correct activity mode.
Safety kits: First-aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest, and fire extinguisher in good order.

If anything is unsafe, report it immediately. You are legally responsible for safe operation, and Romanian inspectors (ISCTR) and police take defects seriously.

Customer Interaction: Professional, Polite, and Efficient

Polite and clear communication improves delivery success rates and customer ratings. A few practical scripts and habits help you start strong.

Greetings and basics in Romanian:
- Hello/Good day: 'Buna ziua'
- Good morning: 'Buna dimineata'
- Thank you: 'Multumesc'
- Please: 'Va rog'
- Do you speak English?: 'Vorbiti engleza?'
- I have a parcel for you: 'Am un colet pentru dumneavoastra'
- Signature here, please: 'Semnatura aici, va rog'
Door approach:
- Park safely and legally, hazard lights on if needed.
- Keep parcels dry and upright; do not lean boxes on customer doors.
- Step back after knocking and announcing yourself to respect personal space.
Verifications and POD:
- Check name and address on label.
- For age-restricted items, verify ID as per company policy.
- Capture signature or photo-on-delivery clearly; no faces in pictures without permission.
COD and receipts:
- If COD applies (ramburs), handle cash carefully and count out loud. Use the POS terminal if provided.
- Reconcile COD at the depot before finishing your shift.
Handling refusals or damages:
- Stay calm and note the reason in the device (damaged, wrong item, late delivery, customer refused).
- Photo any visible damage and return the item to the depot as per policy.
Building access and offices:
- Ask for the designated receiving area. Respect sign-in procedures.
- Never block emergency exits or park in disabled spaces.

Small touches matter: a brief greeting in Romanian plus a smile goes a long way, even if the rest of the exchange is in English.

The Regulations You Must Know (EU and Romania)

As a professional driver, you must comply with EU-level rules and Romanian national laws. Key points:

EU Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)

Required for professional bus, coach, and truck drivers across the EU.
You need initial qualification and periodic training (35 hours every 5 years). In Romania, the CPC status appears as code 95 on your driving license.

EU Driving and Rest Time (Regulation 561/2006)

Daily driving: Up to 9 hours (can extend to 10 hours twice per week).
Breaks: 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving (can be split 15 + 30 minutes).
Weekly limits: Max 56 hours in a week and 90 hours over two consecutive weeks.
Daily rest: Usually 11 hours (can be reduced under set conditions).
Records: Managed via your digital tachograph card.

Note: Many last-mile delivery roles in vans under 3.5t may not require tachograph use. However, if you drive vehicles above tachograph thresholds or alternate with HGV duties, you must comply fully.

Digital Tachograph and Smart Tachograph

Keep your personal card secure. Insert it before driving and select the correct activity.
Regularly download card data per employer policies and legal intervals.

Romanian Road Laws

Road traffic is regulated by the Romanian Road Code (OUG 195/2002 and subsequent amendments) and related orders. Expect firm enforcement on speed, alcohol, seat belts, and mobile phone use.
Drive on the right side of the road.
Typical car speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on national roads, 100 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways (lower limits apply to heavy vehicles). Always follow posted signs.
Zero-tolerance for drink-driving is strongly enforced for professional drivers. Never drink before driving.

Tolls and Vignettes

Rovinieta (national road vignette) is required for vehicles using national roads. Heavy vehicles pay a different tariff. Motorways may include additional bridge or tunnel tolls (for example, A2 bridge fees around Fetesti-Cernavoda).
For international trips, learn border-specific fees and lanes. At busy borders like Nadlac II (to Hungary), plan for potential waiting times.

ADR for Hazardous Goods

If you transport dangerous goods, ADR certification is required. Carry the ADR kit and ensure vehicle placarding as per the load.

Stay updated: Employers and the Romanian Road Authority (ARR) will brief you. Keep a copy of company policies and the latest compliance notes on your phone or in your glove box.

Common Challenges For Newcomers (And How to Beat Them)

Switching sides: Driving on the right may feel strange at first. Practice turns in a quiet area. Pay special attention at roundabouts and when reversing.
Winter roads: Use winter tires when conditions require them. Increase following distance, brake gently, and clear ice from all windows. Carry a warm kit.
Urban parking: In Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, some streets are tight and busy. Learn legal loading bays and avoid fines that cut into your day.
Toll and vignette rules: Confirm your vehicle’s rovinieta status before leaving the depot.
Language gaps: Learn a few Romanian phrases and keep a printed phrase card. Most young customers speak some English, but not all.
Working time discipline: Use breaks wisely. Never skip rest to chase ETAs; it risks safety and penalties.

Legal Requirements: Work Permits and Visa Process for India-to-Romania Moves

Non-EU citizens need a work permit and a long-stay visa for employment before they can work legally in Romania. The sequence typically looks like this:

Job Offer and Employer Sponsorship

You first secure a job offer from a Romanian employer. They initiate the work permit (aviz de munca) application with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).

Work Permit Application (Employer-led)

Documents usually include your passport copy, CV, education/qualification proofs, medical certificate, and criminal record certificate. The employer provides the labor contract and proof of their compliance.
Processing time: About 30-45 days, depending on quotas and completeness of files.

Long-Stay Employment Visa (D-type) from India

With the work permit issued, you apply for a D-type employment visa at the Romanian Embassy or Consulate in India (for example, in New Delhi). Submit passport, work permit, proof of accommodation or invitation, medical insurance for travel, and fees.
Processing time: Commonly 10-20 working days.

Entry to Romania and Residence Permit

After arrival, within 30 days you must apply for the residence permit (permis de sedere) with IGI. Your employer can guide you. This card is vital for banking, rentals, and administrative tasks.

Family Reunification

After you obtain your residence permit and meet income and housing criteria, you can apply to bring family members on a reunification basis.

Tip: Keep digital scans of all documents in a secure cloud folder and carry print copies to every appointment.

Certification and License Recognition: Converting or Requalifying in Romania

Can you drive professionally with an Indian license?

Personal driving: If you are a new arrival and not yet a resident, some non-EU licenses can be used for a limited period with an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, rules vary and companies rarely allow non-EU licenses for professional duties.
Professional driving: To work as a delivery, truck, or bus driver in Romania, you will typically need a Romanian or EU driving license of the correct category and CPC (code 95). Romanian employers almost universally require this.

Exchange vs Requalification

Romania does not generally exchange Indian professional licenses for Romanian ones. Plan to re-qualify locally.

Steps to Obtain Romanian Categories

Enroll in a licensed driving school (scoala de soferi) for the category you need (B for vans, C/CE for trucks, D for buses).
Pass the medical and psychological evaluation (standard for professional categories).
Complete theory and practical training.
Pass the official exams (theory + road test).
Obtain your Romanian license with the correct category.

Driver CPC (Code 95) and Driver Qualification Card (DQC)

Complete initial CPC qualification through an approved provider.
On success, code 95 is added to your license, and you receive a DQC where applicable.
Periodic training (35 hours every 5 years) keeps your code 95 valid.

Digital Tachograph Card

Apply through ARR (Autoritatea Rutiera Romana). You will need your Romanian license, residence card, ID photo, and the fee. Processing commonly takes 2-3 weeks.

ADR Certification (Optional but Valuable)

Training at accredited centers for basic ADR and specializations (tanks, classes).
Exams typically administered under ARR oversight.
Validity is time-limited; refreshers are needed.

Time and Cost Snapshot (indicative)

C/CE training: 2,500 - 5,000 RON per category, depending on city and school.
CPC initial: 2,000 - 3,500 RON.
Medical/psychological: 250 - 500 RON.
Tachograph card: around 150 - 200 RON.
ADR basic: 700 - 1,200 RON; add-ons cost extra.

Always check current fees and timelines with local providers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, or Iasi.

Salary and Benefits: Realistic Figures in 2025-2026

Note: Salaries vary by employer, city, vehicle category, and route type. The following ranges are illustrative and subject to change. Approximate conversion: 1 EUR ~ 5 RON.

Last-mile delivery (B category vans) in major cities:
- Net monthly: 3,500 - 5,500 RON (700 - 1,100 EUR) + performance bonuses or overtime.
- Extras: Fuel and vehicle provided, phone allowance, uniforms, occasional meal vouchers.
Domestic distribution (C category trucks):
- Net monthly: 4,500 - 7,000 RON (900 - 1,400 EUR) + overtime and meal vouchers.
International long-haul (C+E):
- Base salary often modest but with significant daily allowances (diurna) on international trips.
- Typical total net: 1,500 - 2,500 EUR per month (7,500 - 12,500 RON), depending on routes and days away.
Bus and coach drivers (D category):
- City networks: 4,500 - 7,000 RON net (900 - 1,400 EUR), with benefits like transport passes and stable rosters.
- Intercity or international: Ranges increase with night or weekend premiums.
Benefits commonly offered:
- Meal vouchers (tichete de masa) worth around 20-40 RON per workday, depending on company policy.
- Paid leave as per Romanian labor law (usually a minimum of 20 working days annually, plus public holidays).
- Health insurance through social contributions, plus optional private plans.
- Bonuses for safe driving, fuel efficiency, on-time performance, or customer ratings.

Taxes and contributions: Romanian payslips typically show gross salary, employee social contributions, income tax (10% flat rate for most employees), and employer contributions. International drivers often receive non-taxed per diems under specific legal provisions; your employer and payroll will explain the structure.

Cost of Living: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi

Indicative monthly budgets for a single driver renting a one-bedroom apartment. Costs vary by neighborhood and season.

Rent (1BR):
- Bucharest: 500 - 900 EUR in central areas; 350 - 600 EUR outside center.
- Cluj-Napoca: 450 - 800 EUR central; 350 - 650 EUR outside center.
- Timisoara: 400 - 700 EUR central; 300 - 600 EUR outside center.
- Iasi: 350 - 650 EUR central; 250 - 500 EUR outside center.
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage): 80 - 150 EUR/month (higher in winter if heating is electric or central).
Internet/mobile: 10 - 20 EUR/month for fiber internet; 5 - 10 EUR/month for mobile plans (Digi, Orange, Vodafone).
Groceries: 150 - 250 EUR/month for a budget-conscious single person.
Transport: 15 - 25 EUR/month for public transport pass in big cities.
Eating out: 7 - 12 EUR for a simple restaurant meal; 2 - 3 EUR for a coffee.

Sample monthly budget (Bucharest, modest lifestyle):

Rent (outside center): 450 EUR
Utilities + internet + mobile: 120 EUR
Groceries and household: 220 EUR
Transport and occasional taxi: 40 EUR
Eating out and leisure: 120 EUR
Miscellaneous (clothes, health, subscriptions): 70 EUR
Total: approx. 1,020 EUR

Compared with many Indian metros, rent is higher in prime Romanian city centers but still far below Western European capitals. Savings potential improves if you share accommodation or live near your depot to cut commuting.

Cultural Integration: Language and Workplace Norms

Language: Romanian is a Romance language with many Latin roots. English is common in cities, particularly among younger people. Learn daily phrases and delivery-specific lines.
Politeness: Use formal address with customers (dumneavoastra). A brief greeting and thank you is expected.
Punctuality: Be on time for shifts and route dispatch. Inform your dispatcher early if delays occur.
Safety culture: Managers expect strict adherence to safety and legal norms. Never compromise HSE standards to save a few minutes.
Social life: Colleagues often bond over coffee breaks. Accepting a coffee can help you integrate, but do not let breaks impact delivery windows.

Practical Steps to Relocate: A Step-by-Step Guide

Research roles and pick your target city (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi).
Prepare a professional CV highlighting your driving experience, clean accident record, and any ADR/tachograph exposure.
Apply to Romanian employers or international fleets with Romanian bases. Consider agencies that support non-EU hires.
Secure a job offer and ask the employer to start the work permit process.
Gather documents for the D-type employment visa: passport, work permit, accommodation or invitation, medical insurance, and background checks.
Apply for the visa at the Romanian Embassy/Consulate in India and track processing.
Plan your arrival: temporary accommodation for 2-4 weeks via reputable platforms; schedule your residence permit appointment after landing.
Start license requalification (if needed): choose a driving school, complete medical and psychological checks, and book training.
Book CPC initial training, then apply for your tachograph card once you have the Romanian license category.
Open a bank account (BCR, BT, ING) using your residence permit; set up mobile service with Digi, Orange, or Vodafone.
Register with healthcare (CNAS) through your employer; choose a family doctor.
Begin work with a robust first-day kit; ask for a mentor or ride-along during your first week.

Success Tips From Other Expats (What Works in Romania)

Keep a phrase card in your pocket for the first month.
Photograph parking signs and delivery entrances for future reference.
Maintain your own daily checklist to ensure nothing slips during peak season.
Build a good relationship with your dispatcher; early communication about delays wins trust.
In winter, slow down and plan longer routes with extra buffer time.
Keep an expense and mileage log for your own tracking.
Join local driver forums or social groups on Facebook for tips about neighborhoods and regulations.

Extra: First-Day Timeline You Can Copy

07:30 - Arrive, collect PPE and device. Check in with dispatcher.
07:40 - Safety briefing; confirm route and COD items.
07:50 - Vehicle walk-around; log defects if any.
08:05 - Scan and load priority parcels first; cluster stops geographically.
08:20 - Device test: navigation, signatures, delivery codes.
08:30 - Depart depot. Stick to planned order unless traffic dictates otherwise.
12:30 - Take a proper break. Hydrate.
13:15 - Afternoon push; call ahead to offices with fixed receiving times.
16:30 - Final stops; contact customers for missed attempts.
17:15 - Return to depot; reconcile returns and COD.
17:45 - Debrief with dispatcher; note improvements for tomorrow.

Handling Exceptions Like a Pro

Customer not home: Try neighbors if allowed, place in safe place only if company policy permits, or schedule a reattempt. Always log accurately.
Wrong address: Call the number on the label or contact dispatcher for correction.
Damaged parcel discovered on route: Photograph, mark as damaged, and return to depot.
Accident or breakdown: Ensure safety first, call emergency services at 112 if needed, notify dispatcher, and follow company reporting protocol.
Police or ISCTR roadside checks: Provide license, CPC (code 95), tachograph card, vehicle docs, and comply politely.

Conclusion: Your Smooth Start Begins With Preparation

Your first day as a delivery driver in Romania sets the tone for your entire relocation. Arrive early, bring the right gear, complete thorough safety checks, and communicate clearly with customers and your dispatcher. Understand EU regulations, get your Romanian license and CPC in place, and learn local routines in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, or Iasi. With steady planning and a professional attitude, you will find Romania a rewarding base for a long and successful driving career in Europe.

If you are ready to take the next step, start your employer search now, line up your work permit and visa, and book your licensing and CPC path. The road to a stable job and better work-life balance is open.

FAQ: 9 Detailed Answers for Newcomer Drivers

Can I work as a delivery driver in Romania with my Indian license?

For professional work, expect to re-qualify. Romanian employers require a Romanian/EU license in the correct category and CPC (code 95). Non-EU licenses are not typically accepted for professional roles beyond any short visitor allowances.

How long does it take to get my Romanian C/CE or D license and CPC?

Timelines vary by city and training capacity. Plan 2-4 months for training and exams after you start the process, plus time to receive your physical license and CPC code 95 update. Fast-tracking is possible with full-time study.

Do delivery drivers always use a tachograph in Romania?

Not always. If you drive vans under the tachograph threshold and your role is strictly last-mile, you may not use a tachograph daily. But if you switch to heavier vehicles or international routes, full tachograph and EU rest-time compliance applies.

What is a realistic first-month salary as a new van delivery driver in Bucharest?

A typical net range is 3,500 - 5,500 RON (about 700 - 1,100 EUR), depending on company, route density, and performance. Bonuses and overtime can increase take-home pay.

Is ADR certification necessary for first-day delivery roles?

Not for standard e-commerce delivery. ADR is valuable if you intend to move into specialized transport of dangerous goods, which usually pays more.

What should I wear and carry on day one?

Wear safety shoes, bring a high-vis vest and weather-appropriate jacket, carry gloves, a box cutter, a power bank, and water/snacks. Keep all relevant documents and your phone with a hands-free mount.

How do I manage winter driving in cities like Cluj-Napoca or Iasi?

Fit winter tires when required by conditions, clear all glass before moving, use gentle inputs on snow and ice, increase following distance, and carry a winter kit (scraper, de-icer, gloves, warm hat). Add 15-30 minutes to your route plan in bad weather.

How do I interact politely with Romanian customers?

Greet with 'Buna ziua', use 'va rog' for please and 'multumesc' for thank you, and maintain formal address (dumneavoastra). Keep exchanges brief and professional.

What is the visa path from India to Romania for drivers?

Get a job offer first, your employer secures the work permit, then you apply for a D-type employment visa at the Romanian embassy/consulate in India. After arrival, apply for the residence permit within the required timeframe.