How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you swap your license prior to it being lost or stolen if you are moving to Portugal from an EU member state. Here's how to do it.
A medical exam is required to begin the process. You can order it online to speed up the process.
How to Apply
To obtain an IMT license, you'll have to complete a series of in theory and practical courses. These classes are taught by experienced instructors at government-licensed centers. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The classes are offered at various prices, however you can save by enrolling in lessons in a group that cost less than $100.
The next step is to take the test in theory (exame de codigo). This test is offered on the internet and at public institutions, and it lasts about 30 minutes. It is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer using a computer. The questions are based on the syllabus that you studied in your preparation classes. You must answer 27 correct answers to pass the exam.
After you have passed the theory exam then you are required to take a test in the practical. You can take this test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The test costs EUR30 and the IMT will provide you with a an interim driver's license to use while you wait for your new licence.
You must have a valid passport, residence card or medical certificate as well as an attestation from the country of birth. Comprar carta de condução da categoria A can also authenticate and notarize documents for an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driving licence for one that is a Portuguese one, you need to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes"). It is advised to arrive early as the office is typically busy. If possible, you should arrive an hour prior to the opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes created an online platform that allows drivers to verify their driving renewal date for their license. The platform is available to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information about road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal, it is essential that you exchange your driving license to one that is a Portuguese one. You could be fined heavily in the event of not doing so. It is recommended to begin this process as soon as you can when you have received your residence permit. It is also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you'll be using your old license, since this is required by law.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the necessary documents. You must bring your driver's license as well as proof of address, residence card, and a medical examination. The medical exam must be administered by a doctor who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license. Then, they send it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
Once you've filled out all of these documents, you'll be able to take the practical driving test. This test lasts between 40 and 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by an instructor as well as the examiner and an additional person taking the test. You'll be asked to drive from and back so be prepared for an extended day!
If you're from a country that does not have a bilateral agreement, you'll need to provide an official translation. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT should be done by the entity that issued it or the consular servisse. It must indicate the categories that were obtained through examinations and those that were obtained by the process of equivalence. You'll also require a psychotherapy evaluation certificate, which should be drafted by a psychologist.
It is also necessary to submit a certified abstract of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here you can find the list of state authorities who are authorized to provide this service. This document is essential to the process of obtaining a driving license, as it can take up to a month for it to be received from the U.S. Furthermore, this process could be longer in the event that the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal agreement with the European Union. Lastly, you should also be aware that the IMT is often understaffed, so the processing time may be long.
Fees
It can be expensive to get your first license. The cost of driving lessons and the test on the road can be up to EUR250. It is essential to start the process as fast as you can in order to receive your new license before the deadline. If you don't then, you could be required 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 an official certificate. This new service is an excellent alternative to visiting IMT offices and is ideal for those who want to cut down on time. The service is open to all drivers with the digital mobile key or citizen card. It allows them to save 10% on the amount they'd have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which has new design is valid for six months and can be checked by reading the QR CODE.
When you have all your documents in order, you can submit a request for the exchange of a driving license. You must submit the IMT with proof of driving history. This can be obtained from the government or a private driving instructor. The embassy can assist you with the process of getting this document, but you should make sure that the apostille has been placed on the document before sending 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 license for one of a Portuguese license within two years after having moved to Portugal. You must provide an unissued title certificate from the country of origin together with your driving licence. The embassy can help you with this by legalising the document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice answers and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. You must answer at least 27 questions right to pass. The questions are identical to the ones in preparation classes. The test is taken in a car, with an instructor and a second candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for a a long period of time if you wish to exchange your license. You may also have to provide additional documents based on your country of origin. If you're unsure what documents you'll require, make sure to look up the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service dubbed "My Driving License" which lets you check your driving license status and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT also offers a mobile app that helps you start the process of changing your American drivers license for an Portuguese one.
You can also make use of the My Driving License platform to report your loss or theft of your driving license. If you have lost or stolen your driving license you must turn it over to the IMT. You will receive a replacement after you've submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email from the IMT after you've uploaded your documents. The IMT will process your application within a few weeks or days. After they have processed it they will inform you of the results by email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, you will be given an official document that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will send you a new Portuguese driving license via postal mail.
It is recommended to make an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. You might have to wait for a while if you don't schedule an appointment. It is important to carry your ID card and NIF number when you visit.