How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're moving to Portugal from an EU country The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) recommends exchanging your license to avoid it being stolen or lost. Here's how to do it.
The process involves the taking of a medical exam. Here's the good news - you can request it online and speed up the process.
How to Apply
To get an IMT license, you will be required to attend a series of in theory and practical courses. These lessons are held in government-licensed facilities and taught by certified instructors. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The cost of these lessons differs, but you can save money by signing up with an agency that offers group lessons for less than $100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This exam is available online and at public institutions and is about 30 minutes long. It consists of 30 multiple choice questions that you must answer on your computer. The questions are designed to be based on the syllabus that you studied in your preparation classes. You must get 27 correct answers to pass the test.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to take the practical exam. You can take the test at private driving schools or at the IMT office. The test costs $30, and the IMT will provide you with a an interim driver's license to use while waiting for your new licence.
You must have a valid passport, residence card or medical certificate, as well as an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy is also able to authenticate and notarize documents at an additional cost.
To exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a Portuguese one, you need to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). The office is usually very busy, therefore it is recommended that you go early. If you are able, be there an hour before opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes created an online platform that allows drivers to check their driver's license renewal date. The platform is available by both Portuguese and foreign citizens. It also provides information on road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal, it is essential that you exchange your driving license to a Portuguese one. If you don't, you could be subject to massive fines. It is best to start this process as soon as possible when you have received your residence permit. Also, it's important to inform the institute of mobility and transport that you'll be using your previous license, as it is an obligation under the law.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the required documents. You must bring your driver's license as well as proof of address, a residence card, and a medical examination. Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1 must be administered by a physician registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certification specific to your license. They will transmit it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
You will then be able to take the practical driving test. This test lasts between 40 and 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by an instructor along with the examiner as well as an additional person taking the test. You'll be required to drive going and returning, so be prepared for an extended day!
If you're from a country that doesn't have an agreement bilaterally with Portugal, you will need to submit the translation of your driver's license. This must be done either by the entity that issued the license or by the consular service. It should contain the categories that were obtained through examination and those obtained through equivalents. Additionally, you'll require an assessment of psychological quality, which must be written by a licensed psychologist.
You must also submit a certified abstract of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. You can find the list of states who are authorized to provide this service here. This document is crucial to the process of getting a driving license and could take up to a month to receive from the U.S. The process can take longer if there is no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. It is also important to consider that the IMT could be understaffed and the processing time may be long.
Fees
Getting your first driver's license can be expensive. The cost of the driving lessons and the practical test can be up to EUR250. However, it is important to start the process as soon as you can to ensure that you receive your new driving license before the deadline. If you fail to do this, you might have to pay a fine for late submission of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows citizens to get an IMT certification. The new service is an excellent alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a great option for those who want to save time. The service is accessible to all drivers who possess an electronic mobile key or citizen card. It allows them to save 10% off the cost they would have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which has a new layout, is valid for six months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have your documents in order you can file a request for an exchange of your driving licence. You must submit the IMT with proof of driving history. You can obtain this through the government or a private driving school. The embassy will 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 licence to one in Portugal. Portuguese one within two years of taking up residency in the country. You must provide an unissued title certificate from your country of origin, together with your driving license. The embassy will assist you by legalising your document.
The theory test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that last approximately 30 minutes. You must answer at least 27 questions right to pass. The questions are similar to those on the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a vehicle with an instructor and an applicant.
Timeframe
If you're planning to exchange your driving licence be prepared for for a long time. Based on the country you reside in you might need to submit additional documents. If you're not sure what documents you will need, you should check the IMT website.
The IMT is introducing a new service dubbed "My Driving License." This online platform allows you to view the status of your driving license and see when it is time for you to renew. The IMT offers a mobile application that can help you begin the process of exchanging an American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also report the loss or theft of your licence using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or taken your license, you'll have to hand it over at the IMT. Once you have submitted the psychotechnical verification and you will receive an updated driving licence.
You will receive an email from the IMT after you've uploaded your documents. It could take several days or weeks for them to process your application. Once they have processed your application and notified you of the results via email or by phone. If your driver's license is not accepted, a document will be issued that will allow you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will send you your new Portuguese driving license by post.
It is recommended to make an appointment with the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. You might have to wait for a while if don't schedule an appointment. Bring your ID card as well as your NIF number with you.