Understanding Driver Ratings and How to Improve Them

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania as a professional driver is more than a change of scenery. It is a strategic career move into the heart of the European logistics network, where your digital reputation travels as fast as your cargo. Today, every mile you drive can be translated into data: punctuality scores, eco-driving metrics, customer feedback, delivery accuracy, and tachograph compliance. These metrics influence your pay, your route assignments, and your ability to switch employers or step up to better routes across the EU.

This guide demystifies driver ratings across platforms and employers, and shows you how to lift and protect your score. Along the way, you will find a practical roadmap to relocate to Romania, convert your license, obtain CPC and ADR certifications, align with EU rules, and integrate into local life. Whether you plan to haul internationally out of Timisoara, drive buses in Bucharest, deliver parcels in Cluj-Napoca, or run regional routes from Iasi, this comprehensive playbook will help you secure top ratings and top opportunities.

Why Romania?

Romania is an EU member with a fast-growing transportation sector, strategic location, and competitive costs. For Global drivers, it offers a smart balance: EU-level opportunities with a lower cost of living than Western Europe.

Strategic EU location

Romania borders EU and non-EU markets and connects Central Europe with the Balkans, the Black Sea, and Turkey.
Major corridors (A1, A2, A3) link Romania to Hungary and Bulgaria, enabling smooth international routing.

Strong driver demand

Growth in e-commerce and manufacturing keeps fleets hiring for long-haul, regional, last-mile delivery, and passenger transport.
Companies seek drivers with C, CE, and D categories, ADR certification, and digital tachograph proficiency.

Cost advantage and quality of life

Salaries for international trucking are competitive within Central-Eastern Europe, while rents and daily costs remain lower than in Western EU cities.
Romania offers vibrant cities, outdoor activities in the Carpathians, and a welcoming culture.

Digital adoption

Fleet telematics, driver scorecards, and ePOD systems are standard among modern employers.
4G/5G coverage is extensive across urban areas and major transport corridors, supporting reliable app usage on the road.

Job Market Overview

Romania's transportation and logistics market spans a wide spectrum of roles and employer types. Here are high-demand segments and typical employers.

International trucking (C/CE)

Work: Long-haul to EU destinations (Germany, Italy, France, Benelux), UK routes with ferry/tunnel procedures, and Southeast Europe.
Employers: International Alexander, DSV, DB Schenker, DHL, Aquila, Edy Spedition, Dumagas, Vos Logistics (local subsidiaries), and numerous mid-sized Romanian carriers.
Tools: Fleet telematics (eco score, idling, harsh events), ePOD, route optimization, and tachograph analytics.

Regional and domestic freight

Work: Distribution between Romanian cities, retail runs, industrial clusters around Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Bucharest.
Employers: Retail logistics for hypermarkets, FMCG distributors, and national forwarding companies.

Last-mile and courier/delivery

Work: Parcel delivery and express services in cities.
Employers: FAN Courier, Sameday, Cargus, DHL Express; gig platforms like Glovo and Tazz by eMAG for two- and four-wheel delivery.
Ratings: Customer and dispatcher ratings, on-time delivery, acceptance rate, and ePOD accuracy.

Passenger transport (D)

Work: Urban bus operations, intercity coach services, and international coach lines.
Employers: STB in Bucharest, CTP in Cluj-Napoca, STPT in Timisoara, operators in Iasi, and private intercity carriers including FlixBus partners.
Ratings: Passenger feedback, smoothness of driving, punctuality, and incident handling.

Heavy/special transport

Work: Oversized loads, heavy haul, and specialized cargo.
Employers: Holleman, specialized divisions within large carriers.
Ratings: Compliance, escort coordination, route planning precision, zero incident record.

Legal Requirements

If you are a Global (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) citizen, you must legalize your work and residence in Romania before driving professionally.

Work authorization and visa pathway

Job offer: Secure a contract or offer from a Romanian employer.
Work authorization (aviz de angajare): Your employer applies with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). You provide passport, proof of qualifications, medical certificate, criminal record, and other documents as requested. Processing often takes a few weeks.
Long-stay employment visa (D/AM): After the work authorization is issued, apply at a Romanian consulate for the D/AM visa.
Entry and residence permit: Enter Romania with the D/AM visa. Within the allowed period (typically 90 days), apply at IGI for your residence permit (single permit authorizing work and stay).
Family: Spouse and dependents may apply for family reunification once you hold residence.

Note: Some employers use relocation agents to coordinate paperwork. Always check current IGI guidance and consulate requirements for updated lists and timelines.

Right to drive and insurance

Until you are a resident, you may be able to drive with your valid foreign license (often alongside an International Driving Permit) within a short period after entry, depending on your status. Once you obtain Romanian residence, plan to exchange your license promptly if required.
Employers will provide commercial vehicle insurance coverage. Maintain your own health and personal liability coverage until your employment and public health insurance are active.

Certification & License Recognition

For professional driving in Romania and across the EU, you will need more than the base license.

Driving license categories

C: Trucks over 3.5 tons
CE: Truck with trailer (articulated)
D: Passenger transport (buses)
C1/C1E and D1/D1E exist for smaller vehicles but most jobs require C/CE or D

If your license is non-EU:

Exchange vs. re-test: Romania can exchange licenses from certain countries based on bilateral agreements. If no agreement exists, you may have to take theory and practical exams in Romania.
Authority: License exchange is handled by DRPCIV (Romanian Driving Licenses and Vehicle Registration authority). You will need a residence permit, medical exam, translations, and fees.

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) - Code 95

Required for professional drivers in the EU. Code 95 is printed on the license or on a qualification card.
If you do not have EU CPC, you must obtain it in Romania or another EU country. It consists of an initial qualification and 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.
Romanian Road Authority (ARR) oversees CPC training providers. Choose an accredited school and keep your certificates.

Digital tachograph driver card

Required to operate vehicles equipped with digital/smart tachographs.
Apply through the designated Romanian authority (commonly administered with ARR involvement). Provide identity documents, photo, and fee.
Smart tachograph v2 is mandatory in new vehicles and phased for international transport retrofits. Your driver card must be compatible.

ADR certification (hazardous goods)

Required to transport dangerous goods. Modules include Basic, Tanker, and specific classes (e.g., Class 1 explosives, Class 7 radioactive) as needed.
Training and exam are overseen by accredited centers. Valid for 5 years and renewable through refresher training.

Other endorsements and site cards

Some industrial clients require site safety inductions or forklift/warehouse interface training.
Keep physical and digital copies of all certificates organized and easily shareable with new employers.

Salary & Benefits

Romania offers competitive packages in the region, especially for international routes. Figures below are typical ranges; offers vary by employer, experience, route, and performance.

Truck drivers (CE) - international

Net monthly total: EUR 1,800 - 2,800 (RON 9,000 - 14,000) combining base salary plus tax-favored per diems for days abroad.
Components: Base net EUR 900 - 1,400 + per diem EUR 50 - 75 per day abroad + bonuses for eco-driving, safety, and on-time performance.

Truck drivers (C/CE) - domestic/regional

Net monthly total: EUR 900 - 1,300 (RON 4,500 - 6,500), plus overtime and occasional per diem.

Bus/coach drivers (D)

Net monthly total: EUR 800 - 1,200 (RON 4,000 - 6,000), plus shift allowances and extra for night or weekend work.

Courier/last-mile drivers

Net monthly total: EUR 700 - 1,000 (RON 3,500 - 5,000) plus performance bonuses; higher for owner-operators with their own vehicle.

Common benefits

Meal vouchers (tichete de masa).
Health insurance contributions and paid leave (often 21 - 25 days annually).
Accommodation or allowances while on the road.
Performance bonuses linked to ratings: on-time index, eco score, zero-incident record, customer feedback, and tachograph compliance.

Tax note: Romania has a flat income tax and social contributions. Many employers structure per diems to be tax-advantaged within legal limits. Ensure your contract details base pay, allowances, and overtime rules clearly.

Cost of Living

Romania's cost of living is lower than Western EU countries, with regional differences across cities.

Housing (monthly rent, unfurnished 1-bedroom)

Bucharest: EUR 400 - 700 (RON 2,000 - 3,500)
Cluj-Napoca: EUR 350 - 600 (RON 1,750 - 3,000)
Timisoara: EUR 300 - 500 (RON 1,500 - 2,500)
Iasi: EUR 300 - 450 (RON 1,500 - 2,250)

Utilities and connectivity

Utilities (electricity, gas, water, garbage) for 1-bedroom: EUR 80 - 150/month
Mobile plan with high data: EUR 6 - 12/month
Home internet (fiber typical in cities): EUR 7 - 12/month

Daily expenses

Groceries per person: EUR 150 - 250/month (moderate diet)
Public transport pass: EUR 10 - 20/month depending on city
Fuel: Market-based EU pricing; company usually covers fuel for work vehicles

Example monthly budgets

Single in Timisoara: EUR 900 - 1,300 total (rent EUR 350, utilities EUR 100, food EUR 200, transport EUR 15, incidentals EUR 100, savings/leisure remainder)
Family of 3 in Bucharest: EUR 1,800 - 2,600 (2-bedroom rent EUR 700 - 900, utilities EUR 150, food EUR 450 - 600, transport EUR 40, childcare/schooling varies)

Cultural Integration

Language basics

Romanian is a Romance language. Basic phrases like "Buna ziua" (hello), "Multumesc" (thank you), and "Va rog" (please) go a long way.
In logistics and urban areas, many colleagues speak English. Learn key transport terms in Romanian: "incarcare" (loading), "descarcare" (unloading), "aviz de insotire" (waybill), "CMR", "vama" (customs).

Workplace culture

Punctuality and reliability are respected. Document everything and communicate early if delays occur.
Hierarchy exists, but operational teams are pragmatic. Good manners, clear updates, and solution-focused communication help your rating and reputation.

Driving culture and safety

Romania drives on the right. Expect mixed road standards: modern motorways and narrower regional roads.
Winter conditions can be severe in the mountains. Use winter tires and chains as required.
Do not offer or accept bribes. Fines are handled officially. Keep documents organized for roadside checks.

Driver Technology and Apps: How Ratings Work

Your rating is no longer just a 1 to 5 star number. Modern fleets and platforms compute multi-dimensional scorecards. Understanding the components helps you improve them systematically.

Key rating categories across platforms

On-time performance
- Pickup/delivery punctuality vs. ETA
- Checkpoint compliance (border, ferry, warehouse slots)
Service quality
- Customer feedback (cleanliness, courtesy, communication)
- Handling of goods and POD accuracy
Driving behavior (telematics)
- Harsh braking/acceleration, cornering
- Speed compliance and idle time
- Fuel consumption and eco-driving score
Compliance
- Tachograph usage and working time directives
- Rest breaks and weekly rest observance
- Vehicle check records and defect reporting
Platform reliability (for gig/marketplaces)
- Acceptance and cancellation rates
- Response time and app connectivity uptime
- Documentation completeness (photos, signatures, barcodes)

Where ratings appear

Employer dashboards: Dispatchers see driver scorecards and allocate premium routes to high scorers.
Freight marketplaces: Platforms like Trans.eu, Timocom, and similar systems display company-level reliability and may internally score drivers.
Courier apps: Glovo, Tazz by eMAG, and similar services display internal performance tiers driven by customer ratings, on-time rate, acceptance/cancellation.
Ride-hailing (if you pivot into passenger ops): Uber/Bolt driver ratings, acceptance/cancellation, and incident reports influence earning bands.

Why ratings matter in Romania

Better route assignments: High scores get longer, better-paying international runs or priority shifts.
Pay and bonuses: Eco-driving, zero-incident, and punctuality bonuses can add hundreds of euros per month.
Mobility: Clean digital history speeds up hiring when switching employers or cities.

EU Regulations That Influence Ratings

EU drivers' hours and rest (overview)

Daily driving: 9 hours (can extend to 10 hours twice a week)
Weekly driving: 56 hours max; 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks
Breaks: 45 minutes after 4.5 hours driving (can split 15 + 30)
Daily rest: 11 hours (reducible to 9 hours within limits)
Weekly rest: 45 hours (reduced rest rules apply with compensation)

Violations hit your compliance score, trigger fines, and hurt employability.

Digital/smart tachograph usage

Use the correct activity mode (driving, work, availability, rest).
Keep driver card inserted and ensure proper border entry marking on smart tachographs when crossing countries.
Store records: You must keep recent records in the cab; employers archive data per legal requirements.

Romanian transport specifics

Rovinieta (road tax) is mandatory for national roads; employers or fleet cards usually handle this.
Certain bridges and motorways have separate tolls (e.g., over the Danube). Follow company instructions for payment.
Winter: Use winter tires when roads are snow- or ice-covered; chains may be required in mountain areas.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this step-by-step plan to move from Global to Romania and start work smoothly.

Map your target role and city
- International CE driver based in Timisoara for EU routes? Courier in Bucharest? Bus driver in Cluj-Napoca? Define role and base.
- Research employers and their technology stack: telematics vendor, app workflows, bonus scorecards.
Prepare documents
- Valid passport (18+ months recommended)
- Education and training certificates (C/CE/D, ADR, CPC)
- Employment references and clean criminal record (recent)
- Medical certificate and driving history if available
- Translations into Romanian or English where requested
Secure a job offer
- Apply to carriers and logistics firms. Highlight ratings, eco-driving awards, low incident history, and tachograph expertise.
- Ask about onboarding: CPC support, tachograph card application, ADR sponsorship, and accommodation during training.
Employer obtains work authorization
- Provide requested documents promptly for the IGI work permit application.
- Stay reachable for consulate appointments.
Apply for the long-stay employment visa (D/AM)
- Submit required documents to your local Romanian consulate.
- Track processing; prepare for interview if scheduled.
Travel and register residence
- Enter Romania; complete medical checks or safety inductions.
- Apply for residence permit (single permit) at IGI before your visa period expires.
Sort your driving credentials
- Exchange non-EU license with DRPCIV if required.
- Enroll in CPC if Code 95 is missing or expired; complete periodic training.
- Apply for the Romanian tachograph driver card.
- Enroll in ADR if your job requires it.
Set up the essentials
- Open a bank account (passport, residence permit; some banks accept employment contract).
- Get a local SIM with generous data for navigation and apps.
- Install work apps: navigation (Sygic Truck, PTV Navigator), traffic (Waze), translation, document scan, fleet telematics client, ePOD.
Housing and logistics
- Short-term stay near your depot during probation.
- Consider long-term rental once you know your rotation and rest schedule.
First 90 days on the job

Focus on clean digital history: attend training, follow checklists, over-communicate, collect 5-star feedback.
Ask for weekly scorecard reviews to spot improvement areas immediately.

How to Improve Driver Ratings: A Playbook

1) Nail the basics before ignition

Pre-trip checklist: Tires, lights, fluids, tachograph status, load securing. Photograph critical checks.
Route planning: Confirm restrictions for heavy vehicles; avoid low bridges using truck-specific navigation.
Weather and roadworks: Check forecasts, mountain passes, and national road authority updates.
Docs ready: CMR/waybill, permits, ADR documents, emergency instructions (if ADR), border files.

2) Master time management

Build buffers around ports, borders, and warehouse appointment slots.
Respect EU hours and anticipate rest locations with secure parking.
Share early warnings: If you are trending late, message dispatch with a new ETA and options.

3) Drive like a pro (and let telematics prove it)

Smooth inputs: Gentle acceleration and braking. Maintain safe following distances.
Speed discipline: Obey limits for heavy vehicles. Use cruise control where appropriate.
Idle control: Shut down during long waits unless needed for ADR or climate control rules.
Anticipation: Read traffic flow to avoid harsh events that lower eco scores.

4) Communicate clearly and politely

With customers: Confirm loading bay, safety rules, and documentation steps. Thank them and ask for feedback.
With dispatch: State facts, not excuses. Offer alternatives: "I can reroute via Arad and still make the window if we swap the next pickup."
With colleagues: Share hazard info and tips. Team reputation lifts individual ratings.

5) Perfect your ePOD and documentation

Scan barcodes, capture legible signatures, and take photos of sealed loads or damages.
Name files properly and upload within platform SLAs (e.g., within 15 minutes after delivery).
For ADR: Keep placards, documents, and emergency kits compliant; log checks.

6) Build a 5-star customer experience

Clean cab and vehicle exterior at the start of each shift.
Wear high-visibility gear, arrive presentable, and follow site rules without argument.
Use simple English or Romanian phrases to confirm instructions.
Do not smoke near cargo or loading zones.

7) Protect your acceptance and cancellation rates

On gig platforms, accept strategically. If you must cancel, do it early with a valid reason.
Keep the app online only when available to take jobs, so your response metrics stay strong.

8) Zero-incident mindset

Slow down in bad weather. Use chains when required.
Do not improvise with load securement; request proper equipment.
After any incident, follow the reporting protocol step by step and provide complete evidence.

9) Leverage your data

Request your weekly scorecard: eco-driving, on-time, compliance, customer feedback.
Set micro-goals: "Reduce idle time by 10%" or "Zero harsh braking events this week."
Ask for targeted coaching on weak spots.

10) Reputation recovery plan

Had a bad week? You can claw back:

Ask for routes you know well to rebuild on-time stats.
Request refresher on tachograph rules.
Proactively share your improvement plan with dispatch; managers often respond well to ownership and effort.

Apps and Tools for High Ratings in Romania

Navigation and routing

Sygic Truck or PTV Navigator: Truck-aware routing, bridge heights, weight limits.
Waze and Google Maps: Real-time traffic, hazards, police, and closures. Cross-check with truck navigation.

Fleet telematics and scorecards

Systems used by Romanian fleets include leading European providers. Ask your employer how to view your eco-driving and safety scores and how they feed into bonuses.

Freight and courier platforms

Trans.eu, Timocom: B2B spot loads and visibility; your company reputation matters.
Glovo, Tazz by eMAG: Apps for last-mile gig work with customer-based ratings.

Tachograph and compliance helpers

Digital tachograph companion apps for activity planning and infringement alerts.
EU rest area finders and parking apps.

Documentation and translation

CamScanner-like apps for crisp ePODs.
Google Translate for quick Romanian-English support with customers.

Payments and tolls

Fuel networks with wide coverage: OMV Petrom, MOL, Rompetrol, Lukoil.
Vignettes and bridge tolls are often handled by the employer or fuel card; keep receipts and confirmations.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

Driving on the right

If you come from left-side driving countries, practice in low-traffic areas.
Use lane-keeping and mirror checks deliberately at turns and roundabouts.

Winter driving in the Carpathians

Fit winter tires when conditions require and carry chains.
Keep de-icer, blankets, water, and a power bank.
Follow weather alerts and do not risk mountain passes when warnings are active.

Toll systems and vignettes

Romania requires a vignette (rovinieta) for national roads and separate tolls for certain bridges/highways.
Keep digital proof of payment on your phone or in your documents pack.

EU working time directives

Understand differences between driving time, working time, and availability.
Use tachograph modes correctly to avoid infringements.

Success Tips From Other Expats

Start in a city with strong logistics clusters like Timisoara or Bucharest for more route options.
Join driver communities on social media for parking intel and border wait updates.
Keep a personal dashboard: weekly on-time percentage, eco score, customer compliments, and any fines or incidents.
Learn 20 transport-related Romanian phrases. Clear communication prevents costly misunderstandings.
Ask for a mentor driver in your first month. Shadow their routines.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Your rating is your passport to better routes, higher earnings, and long-term stability in Romania's logistics ecosystem. By aligning with EU rules, mastering telematics, and delivering consistent service quality, you will unlock premium assignments and strong references that travel with you across the EU. If you are ready to take the next step, shortlist Romanian employers, line up your documents, and start your CPC/tachograph card plan today. The sooner you build a clean digital record on Romanian roads, the faster the best jobs will find you.

FAQ

1) How long does it take to get a Romanian work permit and visa?

Timelines vary by region and season, but a common range is 4 to 8 weeks for the work authorization plus visa processing. Your employer submits the work permit application first. After approval, you apply for the D/AM employment visa at a Romanian consulate. Plan several months ahead and keep all documents ready to avoid delays.

2) Can I drive professionally in Romania with my non-EU license?

If you are visiting short-term, you may be able to drive with your valid foreign license (often alongside an International Driving Permit) within a limited period. However, once you obtain residence, you will need to exchange your license if required by Romanian rules. Professional driving also requires EU CPC (Code 95) and a digital tachograph card, so plan to complete those in Romania if you do not already have them.

3) What is Code 95 and how do I get it in Romania?

Code 95 indicates CPC compliance for professional drivers in the EU. If you do not have CPC, enroll with an accredited Romanian training provider for the initial qualification or periodic 35-hour training, depending on your status. On completion, your license or qualification card will carry Code 95. Keep your certificates for audits and employer onboarding.

4) Are dashcams legal in Romania?

Dashcams are generally allowed for personal use, but follow privacy laws. Do not publish footage that reveals personal data without consent. Mount the device without obstructing your view and follow company policies. Dashcam evidence can help resolve incidents and protect your rating when used responsibly.

5) How are driver ratings used in Romania for pay and assignments?

Most modern fleets and platforms use ratings to prioritize drivers for premium routes, international runs, and bonus pools. A strong eco score, clean compliance record, high on-time percentage, and positive customer feedback typically earn higher per-trip payouts, monthly bonuses, or first pick of schedules.

6) What are typical base locations for international trucking?

Bucharest, Timisoara, and Cluj-Napoca are popular due to highway access and industrial clusters. Iasi serves Moldova and Northeast routes. Choose a base with your employer's depot, maintenance support, and convenient rest options.

7) How do I handle Romanian vignettes and bridge tolls?

In company vehicles, your employer normally manages the rovinieta and bridge tolls via fleet accounts or fuel cards. Keep proof of valid vignette and toll receipts. If you are responsible personally (e.g., courier in your own van), buy the vignette online or at fuel stations and save digital confirmations.

8) What apps should I install before starting work?

For navigation and compliance: Sygic Truck or PTV Navigator, Waze, a tachograph companion app, and secure parking finder. For documentation: a scanner app and cloud storage. For communication: your company's dispatch app and a translation app. If doing gig work: Glovo or Tazz by eMAG as applicable.

9) I had a poor rating month. Can I recover?

Yes. Ask for a performance review and your detailed scorecard. Target the weakest metric first: if on-time is low, request familiar routes and build buffer times; if eco score is poor, take eco-driving coaching and avoid harsh events; if compliance slipped, refresh tachograph rules. Consistency over 4 to 6 weeks usually restores platform and employer confidence.