How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you swap your license before it gets 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. It is possible to order it online to speed up the process.
How to apply
To get an IMT license, you'll be required to attend a series of theoretical and practical classes. These lessons are held in government-licensed facilities and taught by qualified instructors. The course is made up of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of hands-on lessons. The cost of these classes differs, but you can save money by joining an agency that provides group lessons for less than 100 euros.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This test can be taken online or in public institutions and takes about 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple choice questions that you have to complete on the computer. The questions are based on the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. You must get 27 of the questions correct to pass the exam.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to pass the practical exam. This test can be conducted at a driving school that is private or at the IMT. The test costs EUR30, and the IMT offers you temporary driving license until you get your license.
You must possess a valid passport, residence card or medical certificate, as well as an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy can also notarize and authenticate documents for an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's permit to an Portuguese driving license it is necessary to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes") office. The office is usually very busy, so it is recommended to arrive early. If you can, go one hour before the opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes launched an online platform to allow drivers to check their driver's license renewal due date. The platform is available by both Portuguese and foreign citizens. It also provides information on road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident in Portugal it is essential to exchange your driving licence for one that is a Portuguese one whenever you can. Otherwise, you could face heavy penalties. This process is usually quite complicated, so it's recommended to start the process as soon as you get 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.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license, proof of address, residence card and a medical exam. The IMT must authorize a doctor to conduct the medical examination. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license. Then, they transmit it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
The next step is the driving test. The test typically lasts 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by a teacher as well as the examiner and another person taking the exam. Be prepared to spend a considerable time driving back and forth.
If you are from a country that doesn't have a bilateral agreement with Portugal, you will need to submit an official translation of your driver's license. This must be done either by the issuing organization or the consular service. It should contain the categories that were derived through a test and those that were acquired through the process of equivalence. You'll also need a psychological evaluation certificate, which must be drafted by an experienced psychologist.
You will also need to provide an authenticated and certified abstract of your United States driving record. Here you can find a list with state authorities who are authorized to provide this service. This document is crucial to the driving licence process and it could take up to a month for the U.S. to mail it. Furthermore, this process could be even longer if the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. Lastly, you should also consider that the IMT is often understaffed and therefore the processing time can be lengthy.
Fees
It isn't cheap to get your first license. The cost of driving lessons and the practical test can be as high as EUR250. It is nevertheless essential to begin the process as soon as you can to ensure that you receive your new driving license before the deadline. If you don't, you might have to pay a penalty for late filing of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service to allow citizens to obtain 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 available to anyone who has a citizen card or mobile key. It allows drivers to save 10% of the fee that they would otherwise pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which features an updated design and is valid for a period of six months and is verified by examining the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have your documents in order, you can make a request for an exchange of your driving license. The IMT requires you to provide proof of your driving record. This can be obtained from the government, or from a private driving instructor. The embassy can help you obtain this document. But, you must make sure that the apostille is visible on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you are a resident of an EU or EEA country you have to change your driving license to one that is a Portuguese one within two years of acquiring residence in the country. Along with your driving permit, you will need to present a lost title document from your country of origin. The embassy can assist you in obtaining a legalisation of your document.
The test for theory comprises 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts about 30 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to those that are taught in preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car with an instructor and a candidate.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for a long period of time if you wish to exchange your licence. Depending on your country you may have to submit additional documents. If you're unsure what documents you will require, make sure to go to the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service called "My Driving License" which lets you examine the status of your driving license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT provides a mobile app which will assist you in 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 Comprar a carta de condução do IMT have lost or stolen your driving license You must hand it over to the IMT. You will be issued a replacement after you have submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email from the IMT after you've uploaded your documents. The IMT will process your application within a couple of weeks or days. Once they have processed it they will inform you of the results via email or phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted and you are not accepted, you will receive a paper that will allow you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then send your new Portuguese driving license by mail.
It is recommended to make an appointment at the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. If you don't have an appointment, you might be waiting for a long time to be viewed. It is recommended to bring your ID card and NIF number with you when you go.