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 exchanging your license before you risk it being stolen or lost. Here's how you can do it.
The process requires an examination for medical reasons. It is possible to order it online to cut down on time.
How to apply
The process of getting an IMT driving license involves taking the following theoretical and practical classes. The lessons are taught by certified instructors in centres that are licensed by the government. It takes 28 hours of theory lessons and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The cost of these classes is different but you can save money by joining an agency that provides classes in groups for less than EUR100.
The next step is to take the theoretical test. The test is available online and at public institutions, and takes about 30 minutes. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you need to solve using a computer. The questions are based on the syllabus that you studied during your preparation classes. You must get 27 of the questions right to pass the exam.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to pass the practical test. You can take the test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The test costs EUR30, and the IMT offers you temporary driving license until you get your licence.
You must bring a valid 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 a fee.
To exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a Portuguese one, you must go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes"). It is best to arrive early because the office is usually busy. You should arrive at a minimum of an hour before the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes launched an online platform that allows drivers to check their driver's license renewal due 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's essential to exchange your driving licence for one that is a Portuguese one whenever you can. You could face a significant fine in the event of not doing so. It is recommended to start this process as soon as possible after receiving your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility and transportation that you'll be using the old license, as it is legally required.
You must visit an IMT with all the required documents. You must bring your driver's license, proof of address, a residence card, and a medical examination. The IMT must authorize a doctor to conduct the medical examination. The doctor will issue a certification specific to your license and transmit it to the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
You can then proceed to the practical driving exam. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT lasts between 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by an instructor 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 does not have an agreement that is bilateral with Portugal, you will need to present a certified translation of your driver's license. This should be done by the issuing agency or consular servisse, and it must indicate the categories that were obtained through examinations and those obtained through equivalence. In addition, you'll require a psychological assessment certificate, which must be written by a licensed psychologist.
You 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 driving licence process and it could take a month to get the U.S. to deliver it. Furthermore, this process could be even longer if the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal agreement with the European Union. Additionally, you must be aware that the IMT is usually understaffed, so the processing time could be long.
Fees
Getting your first driver's license may be costly. The cost of driving lessons and the test on the road can be up to EUR250. However, it's crucial to begin the process as soon as you can to ensure you get your new driving license before the deadline. If you fail to do this submit your application on time, you may have to pay a fine for late submission of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows residents to obtain the certificate. The new service is an excellent alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person, and is a great option for those who want to reduce time. The service is accessible to anyone who has a citizen card or digital mobile key. It allows drivers to save 10% off the fee that they would otherwise have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which has new design and is valid for a period of six months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have your documents in order you can make an application for the exchange of your driving licence. You must provide the IMT with a copy of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government or from a private driving instructor. The embassy can assist you with the process of getting this document, however, you must ensure that the apostille is present 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 one of a Portuguese license within two years after having moved to Portugal. Along with your driving permit, you will need to provide a lost title document from your country of origin. The embassy can assist you with this by legalising the document.
The test for theory is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions and takes about 30 minutes. To pass, you need to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to those on the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a vehicle with an instructor and an applicant.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for a a long period of time if you plan to exchange your licence. Based on the country you reside in you may have to provide additional documents. If you're not sure of the documents you will require, you can check the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a new service dubbed "My Driving License." This online platform lets you check the status of your driving licence and determine when it is time for you to renew. The IMT also has an app for mobile devices that can help you start the process of converting your American drivers license for a Portuguese one.
You can also use the My Driving License platform to report the loss or theft of your driving license. If you've lost your licence, you need to surrender it to the IMT. You will be issued a replacement after you have submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email confirmation from the IMT after you have uploaded your documents. The IMT will process your application within a few weeks or days. Once they have completed your application, you will be notified of the results via either email or telephone. If your driver's license is not accepted, a certificate will be issued to permit you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will then send you a new Portuguese driving licence by post.
If you are arriving in Portugal, it's best to make an appointment with the IMT. If you don't have an appointment, you might have to wait for a while to be seen. It is recommended to bring your ID card and NIF number when you visit.