The Ministry of Internal Affairs has officially changed the procedure for obtaining a driver's license, after the publication of the new rules in the Official Gazette. The changes are aimed at drivers and motorcyclists who already have experience and want to obtain higher categories without taking the theory test.
Experienced drivers go directly to the practical test PHOTO freepik
The new provisions were introduced by MAI Order no. 69/2026, which amends the regulation regarding the examination for obtaining a driving license. The measures complement Law no. 240/2025 and determine exactly who can benefit from the theoretical exam exemption.
Who can get a new license category more easily?
One of the changes concerns young people who already hold a category B1 permit, obtained at 16 or 17 years old. If they have at least one year of driving experience, they will be able to pass to category B without taking the theoretical exam.
The changes also benefit motorcyclists.
People who hold an A1 category license and have at least two years of experience will be able to obtain the A2 category without the theory test. The same rule applies to those who have category A2 and want to move to category A.
The authorities claim that the measures are aimed at simplifying procedures for applicants who already have experience in traffic and know the rules of the road.
New facility for drivers with category B license
The MAI order introduces an additional provision for persons who had a category B permit on December 27, 2025.
They will be able to obtain categories A or A2 without a theoretical exam, provided they complete the theoretical and practical training courses required for the desired category.
In practice, the system aims to eliminate repeated sitting of the theory test for drivers who already have experience and knowledge of road traffic laws.
How the exam will be conducted for those exempted from the hall
Candidates who benefit from the new exemptions will be scheduled directly for the practical test, depending on the available places and the order in which applications are submitted.
According to the new rules, both those admitted to the theoretical exam and those exempt from this test will be able to take the route during the validity period of the training courses.
For the rest of the candidates, the standard procedure remains unchanged and involves taking the theory test and the practical test on separate days.
