How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're planning to move to Portugal from another EU country The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) recommends that you exchange your license before you risk it getting lost or stolen. Here's how to do it.
A medical exam is required to start the process. Here's the good news - you can request it online and save time.
How to Apply
To obtain an IMT license, you'll be required to attend a series of in theory and practical courses. The lessons are taught by certified instructors in centres that are licensed by the government. The course consists of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. The classes are offered at various costs, but you can save money by enrolling in lessons in a group that cost less than 100 euros.
The next step is to take the test in theory (exame de codigo). This test is offered online and at public institutions, and takes about 30 minutes. The exam is comprised of 30 multiple choice questions, which you must answer using a computer. The questions are based on the syllabus you were taught in your preparation classes. You must get 27 of the questions correct to pass the exam.
After passing the theory test, you'll need to pass the practical exam. This test can be taken at a private driving school or at the IMT. The exam costs EUR30 and the IMT offers you temporary driving licences while you wait for your licence.
You must possess a valid passport, residence card or medical certificate, as well as an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy is also able to authenticate and notarize documents at an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's licence to the Portuguese driving license, you will need to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes") office. It is best to arrive early as the office is typically crowded. If possible, you should arrive an hour prior to the opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform to allow drivers to check their driving license renewal date. The platform is accessible by both Portuguese and foreign citizens. It also provides information on road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal it is imperative to exchange your driving license for a Portuguese one. You could face a significant fine in the event of not doing so. It is recommended to begin this process as soon as you can after receiving your residence permit. It is also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you will be using your old license, since this is required by law.
The first step is to go to an IMT office with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license as well as proof of address, residence card and a medical exam. The IMT must register a physician to conduct the medical exam. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license and send 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 practical driving test. The test takes between 40 and 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by an instructor, an examiner, and a third person taking the test. You'll be asked to drive both ways so be prepared for an extended day!
If you are from a country that doesn't have a bilateral agreement with Portugal in which case you'll need to submit an official translation of your driver's license. This is required either by the entity that issued the license, or by the consular service. It should include categories that were obtained through examination and those obtained by the process of equivalence. You'll also require a psychotherapy evaluation certificate, which should be drafted by a psychologist.
Comprar carta de condução categoria B will also need to provide an authenticated and certified abstract of your United States driving record. You can find the list of states who are authorized to provide this service here. This document is crucial to the process of getting a driving license, as it can take up to a month for it to be received from the U.S. The process can take longer if there's no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. You should also take into consideration that the IMT can be understaffed and the processing time can be lengthy.
Fees
It can be expensive to obtain your first driving license. The cost of driving lessons and the practical test can be as high as EUR250. However, it's important to start the process as soon as you can to ensure you get your new licence before the deadline. If you fail to do this, you might have to pay a penalty for late filing of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows residents to get an official certificate. This new service is a fantastic alternative to visiting IMT offices and is perfect for those looking to save time. The service is available to anyone who has a citizen card or digital mobile key and allows drivers to save 10% off the fee that they would otherwise have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which is designed with a an updated design is valid for six months and is verified by examining the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have all of your documents in order, you are able to make an application for the exchange of your driving license. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT requires you to provide an account of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government or a private driving instructor. The embassy will help you obtain this document. However, you need to ensure that the apostille appears on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country you must change your driving licence to one that is a Portuguese one within two years of taking up residence in the country. You will need to provide the lost title certificate from your country of origin together with your driving licence. The embassy can help you with this by legalising the document.
The theory test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts around 30 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are identical 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 an extended time if you want to exchange your license. You may also need to provide additional documents based on the country you are from. If you are unsure of what documents you need to submit, it is best to look up the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a 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 provides a mobile app that can help you begin the process of converting your American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also make use of the My Driving License platform to report theft or loss of your driving license. If you've lost or taken your license, you'll need to hand it over at the IMT. Once you have submitted the psychotechnical certification, you will receive an updated driving licence.
Once you have uploaded all your required documents and you have received an email from the IMT to confirm that they have received your application. It may take a few days or weeks for them to review your application. Once they have processed your application, they will notify you of the outcome via email or via phone. If your driver's license is not accepted, a certificate will be issued to allow you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will then send you a new Portuguese driving licence by post.
It is recommended to make an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. If you don't have an appointment, you might be waiting for a long time to be seen. Bring your ID card and your NIF number.