In Bulgaria, the driving licence (Bulgarian: Свидетелство за управление на моторно превозно средство(Certificate for driving a motorized vehicle), abbreviated СУМПС) is a governmental right given to those who request a licence for any of the categories they desire. It is required for every type of motorized vehicle. The minimum age to obtain a driving licence is: 16 years for a motorcycle, 18 years for a car, and 21 years for buses and cargo vehicles.
In addition to the plastic card, each holder of a Bulgarian driving licence is in possession of a second document, named control card (контролен талон). It is made of blue paper, is filled in by hand and is stamped. When a driver is fined for road violation, the counterfoil is taken by the authorities and is replaced by а breach act (акт за нарушение). The driver may continue driving for a limited period of time, stated in the document. The check counterfoil is returned only after the fine is paid.
Since 1999, the Bulgarian driving licence format was changed from that of a pink booklet to a credit-card sized card. The pink booklet had been used for several decades and thus the driving licence was and still is informally called in Bulgarian: шофьорска книжка(driver's booklet).
Obtaining a driver's licence
The Bulgarian driving licence can be obtained after finishing a driving school and passing a two-stage test, the theory test and road test. A first aid course for drivers and a primary school diploma is also required to obtain valid driver's licence. A medical certificate by a GP is also necessary.
