How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you exchange your license before it is 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 begin the process. This is a good thing - you can request it online and save time.
How to Apply
To obtain an IMT license, you'll have to complete a series of in theory and practical courses. These lessons are taught by qualified instructors in government-licensed centres. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The cost of these classes varies but you can save money by signing up with an agency that offers group lessons for less than EUR100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This exam is available on the internet and at public institutions and is about 30 minutes long. The exam is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that you need to answer using computers. The questions are based off the syllabus that you studied in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you have to answer correctly 27 questions.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to pass the practical test. This test can be conducted at a private driving school or at the IMT. The test costs EUR30 and the IMT provides you with a temporary driving licence until you get your license.
You must carry an authentic passport or residence card, medical certificate, and an attestation of your driving license from your country of origin. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize documents at cost.
To exchange your foreign driving license for the Portuguese one, you must go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes"). It is recommended to arrive early because the office is usually crowded. You should arrive at least an hour before the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that allows drivers to check when their driving license is due to renew. The platform is accessible to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information about road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal it is crucial to change your driving license for one in Portuguese one whenever you can. Otherwise, you could face severe penalties. It is best to start this process as soon as you are able when you have received your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility and transport that you'll be using your previous licence, as this is an obligation under the law.
You must go to an IMT with all the necessary documents. Bring your driver's licence as well as proof of residency, residence card, and a medical examination. The medical exam must be conducted by a doctor who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license and forward it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
Once you've submitted all of these documents, you'll be eligible to proceed to the driving test. The test typically lasts between 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by an instructor, an examiner and another person who is taking the test. You'll be asked to drive going and returning so be prepared for an extended day!
If you're from a country without a bilateral arrangement you'll need a certified translation. This should be performed by the issuing entity or consular servisse, and it must indicate the categories that were obtained by examination and those obtained through the process of equivalence. In addition, you'll need an assessment certificate for psychological testing, which must be written by a licensed psychologist.
You will also need to provide an authenticated, certified abstract of your United States driving record. Here you can find the list of state authorities who are authorized to perform this service. This document is crucial to the driving license process and can take up to a month for it to be received from the U.S. Moreover, this process can be longer in the event that the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. Lastly, you should also take into account that the IMT is often understaffed and therefore the processing time may be long.
Fees
The first time you get your driver's license is expensive. The cost of the driving lessons and the test on the road can be up to EUR250. It is nevertheless important to start the process as soon as you can to ensure that you receive your new driving license before the deadline. You may be penalized for a late fee in the event that you do not submit your application in time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that lets citizens to obtain an official certificate. This new service is a great alternative to going to IMT offices and is perfect for those looking to cut down on time. The service is accessible to anyone who has a citizen card or digital mobile key. It allows drivers to save 10% off the fee that they would otherwise pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which is adorned with a a new design is valid for six months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can submit an application for the exchange of driving license. The IMT requires that you provide proof of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government, or from 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 an EU or EEA country, you must change your driving license to a Portuguese one within two years of taking up residency in the country. Along with your driving licence you will have to present a lost title document from your country. The embassy can help you in this process by legalizing the document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. You must complete at least 27 correct answers to pass. The questions are similar to those in the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car with an instructor and a candidate.
Timeframe
If you're planning to exchange your driving license be prepared for an extended period. Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1 may also have to submit additional documents based on the country you are from. If you are unsure of what documents you need, it is best to look up the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service called "My Driving License" which lets you verify the status of your driver's license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT offers a mobile application that will help you start the process of exchanging an American drivers license for one from Portugal.
You can also report the theft or loss of your license using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost your license, you'll have to give it back to the IMT. After you submit the psychotechnical verification and you will receive the new driving license.
After you have uploaded all of your required documents and received all the required documents, you will receive 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 you will be notified of the results by email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted then you will be issued a paper that will allow you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then send you a new Portuguese driving licence by post.
It is recommended to make an appointment with the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. It is possible to wait for a while if don't schedule an appointment. Bring your ID card and your NIF number with you.