However, they can only use cars with very small engine capacity, which usually do not exceed 45 kilometers per hour. Sellers say demand is increasing and driving schools confirm increased interest in courses.

Rucsandra is 17 years old and, after obtaining her driver's license, her parents bought her a small car so she could get to school faster in Iași. She already has five thousand kilometers behind the wheel.

According to the General Directorate of Driving Licenses, there are almost five thousand teenagers, aged between 16 and 18, driving on Romania's roads. Their number has doubled in the last five years. To obtain a driver's license, teenagers undergo practical and theoretical courses similar to those taken by adults applying for category B.

Alexandra just got her license.

Alexandra Racu, student: "I'm becoming part of what traffic means in a city. My parents supported me, encouraged me".

The cars teenagers can drive fall into category AM of the license or category B1.

The first category includes those with a maximum power of 4 kilowatts and which reach a maximum of 45 kilometers per hour. In the second category, the maximum power is 15 kilowatts and they can reach higher speeds.

Throughout the country, there are over three thousand cars registered with a B1 license. In addition to these, there are those in the AM category, which are registered at city halls. In Iași alone, there are 880. Those at specialized schools talk about an increase in demand from teenagers.

Marius Daniel Huțuleac, driving instructor: "On average, we have somewhere around 15 to maybe even 20 candidates per month".

The increase in the number of teenagers obtaining a driving license is also reflected in the sales of cars they can drive.

Claudiu Balonyi, manager of an auto company: "The most purchased are generally the cheapest, with low autonomy".

Driving instructors point out that teenage drivers are an additional responsibility for adult drivers.

Daniel Soponaru, driving instructor: "These cars are mostly made of plastic, unlike theirs, which are powerful cars resistant to shocks".

Teenagers who obtain a license at 16 must go through courses and exams again when they turn 18 to obtain a category B license.