How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you swap your license prior to it being lost or stolen if moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how you can do it.
A medical exam is required to start the process. This is a good thing - you can request it online and avoid waiting.
How to apply
The process of obtaining an IMT driving license requires a series of practical and theory-based lessons. The lessons are taught by certified instructors in centres that are licensed by the government. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The classes are available at various prices, however you can save money by enrolling in a group lesson that costs less than 100 euros.
The next step is to take the test in theory (exame de codigo). The test is available on the internet and at public institutions and is about 30 minutes long. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you must answer on a computer. The questions are based on the syllabus you learned during your preparation classes. To pass the test, you have to complete 27 questions correctly.
After passing the theory exam, you must take a test in the practical. You can take this test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The test costs EUR30, and the IMT provides you with temporary driving license until you get your license.
You must possess a valid passport, residency card or medical certificate, as well as an attestation from the country of birth. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize documents for an additional cost.
To exchange your foreign driving license for the Portuguese one, you have to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes"). It is advised to arrive early as the office is usually packed. It is recommended to arrive at least an hour before the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that lets drivers determine when their license is due to renew. The platform can be used by both Portuguese and foreign citizens as well as foreign. It also provides information about road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident of Portugal it is essential to swap your driving license for one that is a Portuguese one whenever you can. You could face a significant fine in the event that you don't. The process is typically complicated, so it's recommended to start the process as soon as you get your residence permit. It is also important to inform the institute of mobility and transport that you'll be using the old license, as it is legally required.
The first step is to go to an IMT office with all the required documents. You should bring your driver's license as well as proof of address, residence card, and medical exam. The IMT must authorize a doctor to conduct the medical exam. The doctor will issue a certification specific to your license. Then, they send it to the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
You will then be able to take the practical driving test. Comprar carta de condução da categoria A lasts 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied with an instructor, an examiner and another person who is taking the test. You'll be required to drive from and back, so be prepared for an extremely long day!
If you're from a country without a bilateral arrangement then you'll have to provide an official translation. This must be done by the issuing agency or consular servisse, and it must include the categories derived by examination and those that were derived through equivalence. In addition, you'll require an assessment certificate for psychological testing that must be signed by an authorized psychologist.
You must also submit an authenticated, certified abstract of your United States driving record. You can find a list of state authorities that are designated to perform this service here. This document is crucial to the process of getting a driving license and could take up to a month for it to be received from the U.S. This process can take even longer if there isn't a reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Lastly, you should also be aware that the IMT is often understaffed, so the processing time may be lengthy.
Fees
It can be expensive to get your first driver's license. The cost of driving lessons and the practical test could be as high as EUR250. It is nevertheless crucial to begin the process as soon as you can to ensure that you receive your new license before the deadline. You could be penalized for a late fee in the event that you do not submit your application in time.
Comprar a carta de condução do IMT of Mobility and Transport has launched an online platform to allow citizens to obtain a certification. This new service is a fantastic alternative to going to IMT offices and is perfect for those who want to cut down on time. The service is accessible to all drivers who have a digital mobile key or a citizen card. It allows them to save 10% off the fee they would have incurred at IMT offices. The certificate, which has new design, is valid for 6 months and can be checked by reading the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can make an application for the exchange of driving license. You must submit the IMT with a record of driving history. This can be obtained from the government or a private driving instructor. The embassy can assist in getting this document, but you should make sure that the apostille has been placed on the document before sending it to the IMT.
If you are a resident of Portugal and a citizen of the EU or EEA, you will need to exchange your driving licence to the Portuguese license within two years of moving to Portugal. You'll need to submit a lost title certificate from your country of origin along with your driving license. The embassy can help you with this by legalising the document.
The test is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts about 30 minutes. You must get at least 27 correct answers to pass. The questions are similar to those in preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, with an instructor and another candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for a a long period of time if you want to exchange your licence. You may also be required to provide additional documents based on the country of your origin. If you're not sure the documents you require, it is best to check the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service dubbed "My Driving License" which lets you verify the status of your driver's license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT also has an app on mobile that can help you start the process of converting your American drivers license for an Portuguese one.
You can also use the My Driving License platform to report theft or loss of your driving license. If you've lost or taken your licence, you need to hand it over at the IMT. You will be issued a replacement after you've submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
Once you have uploaded all the required documents and you have received an email from the IMT informing you that they have received your application. The IMT will process your application within a few weeks or days. Once they have processed your application they will inform you of the results by email or phone. If your driver's license is not accepted then you will be issued an official document that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then mail you a new Portuguese driving licence by post.
It's best to schedule an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. You might have to wait for a long time if you don't schedule an appointment. It is also a good idea to bring your ID card and NIF number with you when you go.