Buy the IMT Driving License Online
The most effective thing to do if you plan to exchange your driving licence in Portugal is to begin the process as soon as you receive your residency card. This will help you save time and effort in the long run.
There are some conditions you have to meet, such as attending classes and passing taking a medical examination. Be assured that the medical exam isn't as complicated as you may think.
Requirements
If you're planning to relocate to Portugal, it is important to exchange your foreign driving license to one that is a Portuguese one as soon as you can. This will ensure that you have an official driver's license in case your vehicle is stolen or destroyed. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is fairly simple, but you will require a number of documents with you. This includes a medical exam and a translation of your foreign driving licence. You can employ a translator from lingoking to help you with this task.
You must also pass a driving theory test and complete a practical lesson. The lessons are held in licensed driving schools by the government. On the website of the IMT, you can find a complete listing of these driving schools. The theory test costs 30 euros, and the practical driving test will cost an additional 40 euros. You may need to take a an exam specifically designed for vehicles like buses and other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT website contains information on how to change your driving licence from another country in Portugal. There are different rules for each country, therefore it's essential to verify the IMT's website prior to making a move. Expats from the United States, for example have to present a proof of equivalence issued by their home state.
The IMT will need to see your passport or identification card before they will allow you to transfer your driving license. It will also require a certified copy of your driving record. You can get an official copy from the state you reside in, or from a public notary. The notary will charge you the cost of his service.
Fees
As of today it is reported that the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) has launched a new online service that allows citizens to get a driving license certificate. To avail the service, drivers have to have a citizen card or digital mobile key and log into the My Driving License portal. After registration, the certificate, which has an updated layout, can be issued in Portuguese or English and remains valid for six months. The authenticity of the certificate is verified by scanning the QR Code or by entering the verification codes.
Wait for IMT to indicate that you may go to their desk to sign up your application and provide biometric information. You will also be required to pay an exam fee that IMT will inform you about in the future.
Note that the process can take some time, particularly since the US does not have an automated system to exchange documents such as driver's licenses with Portugal. It may take IMT a few weeks to review and return your documentation once you have submitted it.
Be sure that the documents you send to IMT are clearly labelled with your name and address. It is also recommended to scan all documents before sending so that you can find them easily if necessary. If you have multiple family members who are applying for the license, be sure to label each document with a unique name to avoid any confusion. This will save time and avoid delays.
Timeframe
If you have an active driver's license issued by a country which is a member of the international road traffic convention, you can exchange it for one in Portugal. Portuguese one within 60 days of your arrival in Portugal. You can exchange your license online or at an IMT desk. To do so, you must present the proof of identity along with the completed Modelo 10 IMT form. Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1 must also register on the IMT site with your taxpayer number and password.
The cost for those who exchange their licenses will be higher. For example, if you hold a US license then you'll need to obtain an abstract from the state authorities and a doctor's certification declaring that you are fit enough to drive. The medical exam will be conducted by an expert doctor who will ask you a few general health questions and give you a summary neurological test.
The entire process can be time-consuming, but it's worth it in the end. It's recommended to get your license as soon as possible, before it gets lost or stolen.
When you apply for your license, make sure that all documents you submit are scanned and saved as separate files. If possible, give each file a different name to avoid confusion. Once you've completed your application, you'll receive an email confirmation from IMT informing you of the status of your request. You will also be offered an appointment to take the driving test at IMT.
Practical lessons
The driving lessons are given in centers that are licensed by the government and are overseen by qualified instructors. The learning period lasts between 28 and 32 hrs. You will need to take both theory classes and practical ones and pass both before you can take your test. The exam is held in the same center where you took the theory test, so it is important to be familiar with the setting by now. The test is comprised of 30 questions and you can make no more than three mistakes. The questions are based on the syllabus you learned during your preparation classes. The exams are not taken on the internet, but you can download the syllabus and practice the questions on several sites.
You can also opt for a private institute to take the exam, but you should remember that these are dependent on the availability of dates and experts. You'll also have to pay EUR30 and provide an official medical certificate that proves your ability to drive. Renewals can also require an eye test. You'll be issued your license via mail following your passing the exam.
On the IMT's website, you will also find a list of centers that are accredited. It is crucial to ensure that the center has an instructor who is qualified. If you're not satisfied with the performance of the instructor, don't hesitate to request a new one. The instructor will teach you how to drive the car and manage traffic. It is also necessary to know about the highway code as well as the road signs in Portugal. The cost of driving lessons in Portugal is different from center to center. It is recommended to visit the IMT website and compare prices to find the most affordable price.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) offers theory and practical driving classes. The IMT can only issue a driving license after passing both a theoretical and practical exam. It is also required to obtain a certificate of a positive psychological assessment. The theoretical test, or "exame of codigo", consists 30 questions that you must correctly answer in 35 minutes. It is offered at IMT or in private examination centers. If you are an international student you can request the IMT to translate your questions into English.
The practical driving test, or "exame de velocidade," runs between 40 and 50 minutes. It involves a test ride through a city road. You will be evaluated both by the examiner and by the instructor. If you pass the practical test then the IMT will issue a certificate to you by mail.
You must have completed at a minimum 28 theoretical classes, and 16 practical classes to be eligible for the theoretical and practical exam. You may choose to take the theoretical exam prior to taking the required number of practical classes. You will need to pay for the practical classes separately.
You can hire the car of a driving school if you don't want to spend the money for a brand new vehicle. This allows you to learn to drive without having to think about the cost of a new vehicle. Make sure to research all the schools in your area and select the one that is most suitable for you. If you are planning on renting a car, be sure to verify the insurance policy prior to making the reservation. If you don't possess the appropriate insurance, the rental company might decline your claim.