How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you swap your license before it is lost or stolen if you're moving to Portugal from an EU member state. Here's how you can do it.
A medical exam is required to start the process. You can purchase it online to speed up the process.
How to Apply
To get an IMT license, you'll need to take a series theory and practical lessons. These lessons are taught by certified instructors in government-licensed centres. The course consists of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of hands-on lessons. The cost of these classes varies, but you can save money by signing up with an agency that offers group classes for less than $100.
The next step is to take 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 have to solve using a computer. The questions are based off the syllabus you were taught in your preparation classes. You must answer 27 of the questions correct to pass the test.
After passing the theory test then you are required to take a practical exam. This test can be taken at a driving school that is private or at the IMT. The test costs EUR30 and the IMT gives you temporary driving licences until you get your licence.
You must possess an authentic passport, residence card or medical certificate as well as an attestation from the country of birth. The embassy is also able to authenticate and notarize documents at an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's permit to an Portuguese driving licence, you will need go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes") office. It is best to arrive early because the office is usually crowded. 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 lets drivers verify when their driver's license is due to renew. The platform is accessible to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information on road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you are a resident of Portugal it is crucial that you exchange your driving license to one that is a Portuguese one. You could be fined heavily if you don't. The process is generally complicated, so it's recommended to start as soon as you receive your residence permit. Also, it's important to notify the institute of mobility and transportation that you'll be using your previous licence, since this is an obligation under the law.
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 exam. The doctor will issue a certificate that is specific to your license, and then send it directly to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
Once you've filled out all of these documents, you'll be eligible to take the practical driving test. This test usually lasts 40 to 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by an instructor, an examiner and a person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a lot of time driving back and forth.
If you're from a nation without a bilateral arrangement you'll need a certified translation. This must be completed by the entity that issued it or the consular servisse, and it should indicate the categories obtained through an examination as well as those obtained through the process of equivalence. In addition, you'll require a psychological assessment certificate which has to be signed by a licensed psychologist.
You also need to submit an authenticated, certified abstract of your United States driving record. Here is an official list of the state authorities that are authorized to conduct this service. This document is vital to the process of getting a driving license and can take up to a month to get from the U.S. The process can take longer if there is no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Additionally, you must take into account that the IMT is often understaffed and the processing time can be lengthy.
Fees
It isn't cheap to obtain your first driving license. Driving lessons aren't free, and the actual exam can cost you up to EUR250. However, it's essential to begin the process as soon as you can to ensure you get your new license before the deadline. If you don't then, you could be required to pay a penalty for late filing of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport launched an online service that will allow citizens to obtain the certification. This new service is a great alternative to visiting IMT offices and is ideal for those looking to cut down on time. The service is open to all drivers who possess an electronic mobile key or citizen card. It lets them save 10% off the fee they would have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which features new design, is valid for 6 months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can submit an application for the exchange of your driving licence. You must provide the IMT with a copy of your driving history. You can obtain this from the government or from a private driving school. The embassy can help you get this document. However, you must make sure that the apostille is visible on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you are a resident of Portugal and are a citizen of the EU or EEA You will have to exchange your driving licence to one of a Portuguese license within two years after moving here. Along with your driving permit, you will need to present a lost title document from your country of origin. The embassy can help you in this process by certifying the document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you must be able to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to the ones you will encounter in the preparation classes. The test is conducted in the car, with an instructor and a candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
If you are looking to exchange your driving licence be prepared for a long time. You may also be required to submit additional documents based on the country of your origin. If you are unsure of what documents you need, it is best to look up the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched 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 provides a mobile app which will assist you in the process of exchanging an American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also report the loss or theft of your license by using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or taken your license, you'll need to hand it over at the IMT. This Internet site will be issued a replacement after you have handed in the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email confirmation from the IMT once you have uploaded your documents. The IMT will review your application within a few weeks or days. Once they have processed your application they will inform you of the results via email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted then you will be issued a paper that will allow you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then send your new Portuguese driving license via post.
It is recommended to make an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. If you don't have an appointment, you may be waiting for a long time to be seen. It's important to bring your ID card along with your NIF number when you visit.