How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're moving to Portugal from another EU country The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) recommends that you exchange your license prior to the risk of it being stolen or lost. Here's how to do it.
The process involves a medical exam. Here's the good news - you can apply online and speed up the process.
How do I apply
The process of obtaining an IMT driving license involves taking an assortment of theory and practical lessons. Comprar carta de condução da categoria A are taught by experienced instructors at government-licensed centers. The course consists of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of hands-on lessons. The classes are available at different prices, but you can save by signing up for classes in groups that cost less than 100 euros.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This test can be taken on the internet or at public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple choice questions that you have to complete on a computer. The questions are based on the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you have to answer correctly 27 questions.
After you have passed the theory test, you must take a test in the practical. This test can be taken at a private driving school or at the IMT. The exam costs EUR30 and the IMT gives you a temporary driving licence while you wait for your license.
You must bring an authentic passport or residence card, medical certificate and an attestation of your driving license from the country of origin. The embassy is also able to authenticate and notarize documents at an additional cost.
To exchange your foreign driver's permit to the Portuguese driving licence it is necessary to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes") office. It is advised to arrive early as the office is usually very packed. If possible, you should arrive an hour prior to the opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that lets drivers check when their driving license is due to renew. The platform is available by both Portuguese and foreign citizens. It also provides information about road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident in Portugal it is essential to swap your driving license for a Portuguese one as soon as possible. You could be fined heavily if you don't. It is recommended to begin this process as soon as you are able after you receive your residence permit. It is also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you'll use your previous license, as it is legally required.
You must visit an IMT with all the necessary documents. Bring your driver's license as well as proof of address, a residence card and a medical exam. The medical exam should be conducted by a doctor who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certification specific to your license and send it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
You can then proceed to the practical driving exam. This test lasts between 40 and 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by a teacher, the examiner and another person taking the exam. Be prepared to spend a long time driving back and back.
If you're from a nation without a bilateral arrangement then you'll have to provide an official translation. This can be done by the issuing entity or by the consular service. It should contain the categories that were determined through examination and those obtained through the process of equivalence. You'll also need a psychological evaluation certificate, which needs to be drafted by an experienced psychologist.
You will also need to provide an authenticated and certified abstract of your United States driving record. You can find a list of state authorities that are authorised to perform this service here. This document is vital to the driving license process and can take up to a month to get from the U.S. The process could take longer if there isn't a reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. It is also important to be aware that the IMT may be insufficiently staffed, and the processing time can be lengthy.
Fees
It can be expensive to obtain your first driving license. The cost of the driving classes and the practical test could be as high as EUR250. However, it's crucial to begin the process as soon as possible so that you can receive your new license before the deadline. You could be penalized for late payment if you fail to submit your application on time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service to allow citizens to obtain a certification. This new service is an excellent alternative to visiting IMT offices and is perfect for those looking to save time. The service is accessible to anyone who has a citizen card or digital mobile key, and permits drivers to save 10% off the fee that they normally have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which is designed with a an updated design 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 submit an application for the exchange of your driving license. You must provide the IMT with a record of driving history. This can be obtained from the government, or a private driving coach. The embassy can assist you with the process of obtaining this document, but you should ensure that the apostille is present on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you must change your driving license to one that is a Portuguese one within two years of taking up residency in the country. Along with your driving permit you must provide an unissued title document from your country. The embassy can assist you with this by legalising the document.
The test for theory comprises 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts about 30 minutes. To pass, you need to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are identical to those in preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, accompanied by an instructor and a candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for a long period of time if you want to exchange your license. You may also need to submit additional documents based on the country of your origin. If you aren't sure what documents you need, it is recommended to visit the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service called "My Driving License" which lets you verify the status of your driver's license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT has a mobile application that will help you start the process of converting your 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 you've lost or stolen your driving license you must turn it over to the IMT. You will receive a new one after you've submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
Once you have uploaded all of your required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT confirming that they have received your application. The IMT will process your application within a couple of weeks or days. After they have processed it, they will notify you of the results by email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted then you will be issued the paper that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will send you a new Portuguese driving license via post.
When you arrive in Portugal, it's best to make an appointment with the IMT. You might have to wait for a while if don't make an appointment. Bring your ID card as well as your NIF number with you.