How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you swap your license before it is lost or stolen if moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how to do it.
A medical exam is required to begin the process. It is possible to order it online to speed up the process.
How do you apply
The process to obtain an IMT driving license requires the following theoretical and practical classes. These lessons are taught by certified instructors in government-licensed centres. The course consists of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. The cost of these lessons varies, but you can save money by signing up with an agency that offers group classes for less than $100.
The next step is to take the test in theory (exame de codigo). This test can be taken online or at public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer with computers. The questions are based on the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you must complete 27 questions correctly.
After passing the theory test, you will need to take the practical exam. The 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 until you get your license.
You must bring an authentic passport or residence card, medical certificate, and an attestation of your driving license from your country of origin. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize documents at an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's license to a Portuguese driving license it is necessary to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes") office. It is best to arrive early as the office is usually packed. If possible, you should be there an hour before opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes created an online platform to allow drivers to check their driving license renewal due date. The platform is available to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT provides information about road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal it is essential to change your driving license for one that is a Portuguese one whenever you can. Otherwise, you could face severe fines. It is best to begin this process as soon as you can after receiving your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you will be using your old license, as this is legally required.
You must go to an IMT with all required documents. Bring your driver's license as well as proof of address, residence card and a medical exam. The medical exam must be conducted by a physician who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate that is specific to your license and then send it directly to the IMT using their online medical certificate platform.
After you've completed all these documents, you'll be able to proceed to the driving test. This test usually lasts 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by a teacher along with the examiner as well as another person taking the exam. Be prepared to spend a lot of time driving back and forth.
If you are from a nation that doesn't have an agreement bilaterally with Portugal, you will need to present a certified translation of your driver's license. This must be completed by the issuing agency or consular servisse, and it must indicate the categories that were obtained through an examination as well as those that were obtained by the process of equivalence. You'll also need a psychological evaluation certificate, which needs to be drafted by an experienced psychologist.
You must also submit an authenticated certified abstract of your United States driving record. Here you can find an official list of the authorities in the state who are authorized to provide this service. This document is crucial to the process of getting a driving licence, since it can take a month to get the U.S. to send it. Furthermore, this process could be extended when the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. It is also important to be aware that the IMT could be understaffed and the processing time may be lengthy.
Fees
It isn't cheap to get your first driver's license. The cost of driving lessons and the practical test could be up to EUR250. It is nevertheless important to start the process as soon as possible to ensure that you receive your new driving license before the deadline. If you don't, you might have to pay a fine for late filing of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport launched an online service that allows citizens to get the certification. This new service is an excellent alternative to visiting IMT offices and is ideal for those who are looking to save time. The service is open to all drivers who possess an electronic 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 features new design and is valid for 6 months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have all of your documents in order, you are able to make an application for the exchange of your driving license. The IMT requires that you provide a record of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government or from an individual driving school. The embassy can help you obtain this document. But, you must make sure that the apostille is visible on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country you have to change your driving license to one in Portugal. Portuguese one within two years after establishing residency in the country. You will need to provide a lost title certificate from your country of origin, together with your driving license. The embassy can help you in this process by certifying the document.
The test for theory is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are the same as those on the preparation classes. The test is taken in a car, with an instructor and another candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
If you are looking to exchange your driving licence be prepared for an extended period. You may also be required to provide additional documents based on the country of your origin. If you're not sure what documents you need, it is best to check the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a new service called "My Driving License." This platform online lets you check the status of your driving license and to determine when it's time to renew. The IMT also offers an app for mobile devices that can help you get started with the process of changing your American drivers license for a Portuguese one.
You can also report the loss or theft of your license by using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or stolen your license, you'll have to surrender it to the IMT. Once you have submitted the psychotechnical certification and you will receive a new driving licence.
You will receive an email confirmation from the IMT once you have uploaded your documents. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT may take some days or weeks for them to complete your application. Once they have processed it, they will notify you of the results via email or phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, you will be given the paper that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will mail you a new Portuguese driving license by post.
When you arrive in Portugal it is best to schedule an appointment with the IMT. You might have to wait for a long time if you do not make an appointment. Bring your ID card and your NIF number.