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 an EU member state. Here's how to do it.
A medical exam is required to start the process. The good news is that you can apply online and save time.
How to apply
To get an IMT license, you'll need to take a series theory and practical lessons. These lessons are taught by qualified instructors in centres that are licensed by the government. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The classes are offered at various costs, but you can save by signing up for lessons in a group that cost less than EUR100.
The next step is the theoretical test. This test is offered 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 with computers. The questions are in line with the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. You must answer 27 correct answers to pass the exam.
After passing the theory test, you will need to pass the practical exam. You can take this test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The test costs $30, and the IMT will issue you with a temporary driving license to use while you wait for your new license.
You need to have an authentic passport, residence card or medical certificate and an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy is also able to notarize and authenticate documents for an additional cost.
To exchange your foreign driver's licence for an Portuguese driving license, you will need to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes") office. The office is usually very busy, and it is recommended to start early. 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 determine when their license is due to renew. The platform is available to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese 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 one that is a Portuguese one. You could face a significant fine if you don't. 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 the old licence, since this is legally required.
The first step is to go to an IMT office with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license and proof of address, a residence card and a medical exam. The IMT must enlist a physician to conduct the medical exam. The doctor will issue a certification specific to your license and transmit it to the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
After you've completed all these documents, you can take the practical driving test. The test will last between 40 and 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 back.
If you're from a nation that doesn't have a bilateral agreement with Portugal, you will need to submit an official translation of your driver's license. This is required either by the issuing organization, or by the consular service. It should include the categories that were derived through an examination as well as those that were obtained through equivalents. Additionally, you'll require a psychological assessment certificate, 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 a list with state authorities who are authorized to perform this service. This document is essential to the process of obtaining a driving licence as it can take a month to get the U.S. to deliver it. Additionally, the process could be extended in the event that the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal agreement with the European Union. Also, you should consider that the IMT can be understaffed and the processing time may be lengthy.
Fees
It isn't cheap to obtain your first driving license. The cost of driving lessons and the test on the road can be as high as EUR250. However, it's essential to begin the process as soon as you can to ensure you get your new driving license before the deadline. You could be penalized for a late fee if you fail to submit your application in time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online platform to allow citizens to obtain the certification. This new service is an excellent alternative to going to IMT offices and is perfect for those who are looking to cut down on 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 amount they'd have incurred at IMT offices. The certificate, which has an updated design and is valid for 6 months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can file a request for an exchange of driving license. You must submit the IMT with a copy of your driving history. You can get this from the government or from a private driving school. The embassy can assist with the process of obtaining this document, but you must ensure that the apostille has been placed on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you're a resident of Portugal, and a citizen of the EU or EEA, you will need to exchange your driving licence for the Portuguese license within two years after having moved to Portugal. Along with your driving permit, you will need to present an unissued title document from your country. The embassy can assist you in this process by certifying the document.
The test for theory comprises 30 multiple-choice questions that last about 30 minutes. To pass, you need to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. 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 are looking to transfer your driving licence, be prepared to wait for a long time. You may also need to submit additional documents depending on the country you are from. If you're not sure what documents you'll require, you can look up the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a 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 also has an app for mobile devices that can help you get started with the process of changing your American drivers license to a Portuguese one.
You can also report the theft or loss of your license by using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or stolen your driving licence, you must hand it over to the IMT. You will receive a new one after you have handed in the psychotechnical certificate.
After you have uploaded all of your required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT to confirm that they have received your application. The IMT will process your application within a couple of weeks or days. After they have completed your application, you will be informed of the results via either email or telephone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, you will be given the paper that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). Comprar carta de condução categoria B will mail you a new Portuguese driving license by post.
If you are arriving in Portugal, it's best to make an appointment with the IMT. It is possible to wait for a long time if you don't schedule an appointment. It's also a good idea to bring your ID card and NIF number with you when you go.