How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you exchange 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. Here's the good news - you can request it online and speed up the process.
How to Apply
To obtain an IMT license, you will be required to attend a series of in theory and practical courses. The lessons are taught by qualified instructors at government-licensed centers. The course is made up of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. The cost of these lessons varies but you can save money by joining an agency that offers classes in groups for less than $100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This test is offered on the internet and at public institutions, and it lasts about 30 minutes. The exam consists of 30 multiple choice questions that you need to answer using the computer. The questions are based on the syllabus that you studied during your preparation classes. To pass the test, you need to answer 27 questions correctly.
After passing the theory test then you are required to take a practical exam. You can take this test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The exam costs EUR30, and the IMT will provide you with a temporary driving license to use while you wait for your new license.
You must have an authentic passport or residence card, a medical certificate, and an attestation of your driving license from the country of origin. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize documents at a fee.
To exchange your foreign driving license to one that is a Portuguese one, you must go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). The office is usually very busy, and it is recommended to go early. 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 allows drivers to verify their driving license renewal due date. The platform is accessible to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information about road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal, it's essential to change your driving license to one in Portuguese one as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could face severe fines. It is best to begin this process as soon as you can when you have received your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you'll use your previous license, as it is legally required.
You must go to an IMT with all the necessary documents. You should bring your driver's license, proof of address, a residence card, and medical exam. The medical exam should be conducted by a physician who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license. Comprar carta de condução da categoria A will transmit it to the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
You will then be able to take the practical driving exam. The test takes between 40 and 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by an instructor as well as the examiner and another person who is taking the test. You'll be asked to drive both ways so be prepared for a long day!
If you're from a nation that doesn't have a bilateral agreement with Portugal in which case you'll need to provide a certified translation of your driver's license. This must be performed by the issuing entity or consular servisse, and it must include the categories derived through examinations and those that were derived through equivalent means. In addition, you'll need a psychological assessment certificate that must be signed by a licensed psychologist.
You also need to submit an authenticated, certified abstract of your United States driving record. You can find the list of state authorities who are authorized to provide this service here. This document is essential to the driving license process, as it can take up to a month for it to be received from the U.S. Moreover, this process can be even longer when 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 the processing time can be lengthy.
Fees
It isn't cheap to get your first license. The cost of the driving lessons and the practical test could be up to EUR250. It is important to begin the process as fast as you can in order to get your new license before the deadline. You could be penalized for a late fee if you fail to submit your application by the deadline.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows citizens to get the certificate. This new service is a fantastic alternative to visiting IMT offices and is ideal for those who are looking to cut down on time. The service is accessible to all drivers who possess a digital mobile key or a citizen card. It allows them to save 10% on the cost they would have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which features 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 file an application for the exchange of your driving license. The IMT requires that you provide proof of your driving history. You can obtain this from the government or an individual driving school. The embassy can assist you in getting this document, however, you must ensure that the apostille is present on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you are a resident of an EU or EEA country you must change your driving license to one that is a Portuguese one within two years of acquiring residence in the country. You'll need to submit the lost title certificate from the country of origin, together with your driving license. The embassy will help you by legalising your document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and takes about 30 minutes. You must answer at least 27 correct answers to pass. The questions are similar to the ones you will encounter on the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car with an instructor and the candidate.
Timeframe
If you're planning to transfer your driving licence, be prepared to wait an extended period. Based on the country you reside in, you may need to submit additional documents. If you're unsure what documents you'll require, you can go to the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a new online service dubbed "My Driving License" which lets you examine the status of your driving license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT has a mobile application that can help you begin the process of converting your American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also report the loss or theft of your license using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost your license, you'll need to give it back to the IMT. After you have submitted the psychotechnical verification and you will receive an updated driving licence.
Once you have uploaded all your 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 completed your application, you will be informed of the outcome via email or by phone. If your driver's license is not accepted, a certificate will be issued that will allow you drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will mail you a new Portuguese driving license via post.
It's best to schedule an appointment with the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. If you don't have an appointment, you may need to wait a while to be viewed. Bring your ID card as well as your NIF number with you.