Buy the IMT Driving License Online
If you are thinking of changing your driving license in Portugal, the best thing to do is start the process immediately after you have received your residency card. This will help you save time and effort in the long run.
There are some requirements you must be able to meet, for example, taking classes and an examination for medical reasons. Be assured that the medical exam isn't as complicated as you think.
Requirements
If you are planning to move to Portugal it is important to exchange your current foreign driving license to one that is a Portuguese driving licence whenever you can. This will ensure that you have a valid driver's license in case your vehicle is stolen or lost. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is simple however, a few documents are required. These include a medical test and an English translation of your driving license. You can employ a translator from lingoking to assist you with this task.
You must also pass a driving theory test and take a practical driving lesson. These lessons are provided at driving schools licensed by the government. You can find the list of these locations on the IMT website. The test for theory costs 30 euros, and the practical driving test will cost an additional 40 euros. You may be required to take a special test for vehicles with special requirements like buses or other big passenger vehicles.
The IMT website contains details on how to exchange your foreign driving license in Portugal. It is important to verify the IMT's website prior to moving as there are different rules for each country. For example, expats from the United States must submit a certificate of equivalent status from their home state.
The IMT will need to see your identification card or passport before they will allow you to exchange your driving license. It will also need to have a certified copy of your driving record. You can get an official copy of your driving record from your state of residence or from a notary public. The notary public will charge a fee for their service.
Fees
As as of today it appears that the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) has launched an online service that enables citizens to obtain a driver's license certificate. To access the service, drivers must have their digital mobile key or citizen card and access the IMT's "My Driving License" portal. Once they have registered, the license is issued in Portuguese or English. It is valid for a minimum of six months. The authenticity of the certificate is verified by scanning the QR Code or by entering the verification codes.
Once you've completed the form, wait for IMT's signal to visit one of their desks to register your application and provide your biometric information. You will also be required to pay a fee for your exam that IMT will inform you about later on.
It is important to keep in mind that the process can take some time, particularly because the US has no system that automatically exchanges documents such as driver's licenses with Portugal. Once you've submitted your documents it may take some time for IMT to check the document and return it to you.
Make sure to label the documents that you send to IMT with your name and contact details. It's recommended to scan all documents before sending them so you can find them should you require them. If you have several relatives applying for the license, be sure to label each document with a distinct name to avoid any confusion. This will save you time and prevent any delays.
Timeframe
If you arrive in Portugal with an official driving license issued by a nation that is a signatory of the international road transport convention, you are able to exchange it within 60 days to get the Portuguese driver's license. You can exchange your license online or at an IMT desk. To complete the process you will need to show the proof of identity along with an completed Modelo 10 IMT form. In addition, you must sign up on the IMT website using your taxpayer number and password.
The fees for those who exchange their licenses will be greater. For example, if you have a US license, you will need to obtain an abstract from the state authorities and a doctor's certificate declaring that you are fit enough to drive. A doctor will conduct the medical examination. He will ask you general health questions and then conduct a brief neurologic test.
The process is time-consuming but worth it. It's important to get your license as soon as you can, before it gets lost or stolen.
If you're applying for a license, make sure to scan and save each document in separate. It is recommended to use distinct names for each file as much as you can to avoid confusion. IMT will send you an email confirmation once you have submitted your application. It will inform you of the status of your application. You'll also receive an appointment at the IMT office to take your practical driving test.
Practical lessons
The driving lessons are conducted in government-licensed centres and are only supervised by certified instructors. The learning period is between 28 and 32 hours. Before you can take a test, you must complete both the theoretical and practical lessons. The exam will be held in the same place where you completed your theory exam. You should therefore already know the location. The test is 30 questions long, and you're allowed to make three errors. The questions are in line with the syllabus you studied in your preparation classes. The exams are not taken on the internet, but you can download the syllabus and test the questions on various sites.
You can also take the test at a private institute however this is subject to availability of dates and professionals. In addition, you'll have to pay an amount of EUR30, and provide the medical evidence that proves you're able to drive. Moreover, renewals may require these details . You'll get your license by mail once you have passed the test.
You can also find a list of accredited centers on the IMT website. It is important to check whether the centre has a trained instructor. If you're not happy with the caliber of the instructor, don't hesitate to request a new one. The instructor will help you pass the practical driving test by guiding you in how to drive and navigate traffic. It is also necessary to know about the highway code as well as the road signs in Portugal. The cost of driving lessons in Portugal can differ from centre to centre. Check prices on the IMT website to get the best price.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport offers both theory and practical driving lessons. It is possible to get an driver's license through the IMT only after passing a theoretical as well as an exam in the practical. A valid certificate of psychological assessment is also required. The theoretical test, also known as "exame of codigo," consists of 30 questions that must be completed correctly within 35 minutes. The exam can be taken through IMT or private testing centers. If you are an international student you can ask the IMT to translate your questions into English.
The test for driving practice also known as "exame de velocidade" is between 40 and 50 minutes. The test involves the driving test in an urban area. You will be evaluated by the examiner and the instructor. If you pass the test, the IMT will issue a certificate to you via mail.
To be able to pass the theoretical and practical exams you must take at least 28 of your theoretical classes and 16 practical classes. You can take your theoretical exam before finishing the required number of practical classes. You will need to pay for the practical classes separately.
If you don't have the funds to purchase a car You can lease one from a driving academy. You can learn to drive without worrying about the expense of buying a brand new car. Make sure to research all the schools in your area and select the one that is most suitable for you. Check the insurance policy of the car you're planning to rent prior booking. Your rental company could decline your claim if they don't have the proper insurance.