How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you exchange your license before it is lost or stolen if you're moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how to do it.
The procedure involves an examination for medical reasons. The good news is that you can request it online and avoid waiting.
How to Apply
The process to obtain an IMT driving license involves taking an assortment of theory and practical lessons. The lessons are taught in government-licensed facilities and taught by experienced instructors. The course consists of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. These classes are offered at different prices, but you can save by enrolling in classes in groups that cost less than $100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This test can be taken online or at public institutions and lasts around 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple choice questions, which you must answer with a computer. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT are based off the syllabus you learned in your preparatory classes. To pass the test, you need to answer correctly 27 questions.
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 an interim driver's license to use while you wait for your new license.
You must bring a valid passport or residence card, medical certificate, and an attestation of your driving license from the country of origin. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize documents at an additional charge.
To exchange your foreign driver's licence to a Portuguese driving license it is necessary to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes") office. It is recommended to arrive early because the office is usually very packed. You should arrive at a minimum of an hour prior to the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes created an online platform to allow drivers to verify their driving license renewal date. The platform is available by both Portuguese and foreign citizens as well as foreign. It also provides information on road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a resident in Portugal, it's essential to exchange your driving licence for one in Portuguese one as soon as you can. You could be penalized heavily if you don't. This process is usually quite formal, so it's best to start as soon as you get your residence permit. Also, it's important to notify the institute of mobility and transportation that you'll be using your previous license, as it is legally required.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the necessary documents. Bring your driver's licence as well as proof of residency and residence card, as well as a medical examination. The medical exam should be conducted by a physician who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certification specific to your license and forward it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
The next step is the driving test. The test typically lasts 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied with an instructor, an examiner, and a person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a lot of time driving back and back.
If you're from a country that does not have an agreement that is bilateral with Portugal in which case you'll need to submit an official translation of your driver's license. This is required either by the issuing entity or by the consular service. It should contain the categories that were derived through examination and those obtained via the process of equivalence. Additionally, you'll require an assessment of psychological quality, which must be written by an authorized psychologist.
You must also submit a certified copy of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. You can find a list of state authorities that are authorised to perform this service here. This document is essential 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's no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. You should also be aware that the IMT could be understaffed and the processing time could be long.
Fees
The process of getting your first driver's license is expensive. The cost of driving classes and the practical test can be as high as EUR250. It is important to begin the process as soon as you can in order to get your new license before the deadline. You could be charged a late fee in the event that you do not submit your application on time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows citizens to get an official certificate. This new service is a great alternative to going to IMT offices and is ideal for those who want to save time. The service is accessible to anyone with a citizen card or digital mobile key, and permits drivers to save 10% off the cost they would otherwise pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which is adorned with a new design is valid for six months and can be verified by reading the QR CODE.
Once you have all of your documents in order, you are able to submit a request for the exchange of your 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 with the process of getting this document, but you should make sure that the apostille is present on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you must exchange your driving license for a Portuguese one within two years after establishing residency in the country. You will need to provide an unissued title certificate from the country of origin, together with your driving licence. The embassy will help you with legalizing your document.
The test for theory is comprised of 30 multiple-choice responses and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. You must get at least 27 right to pass. The questions are the same as those on the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car with an instructor and an applicant.
Timeframe
If you're looking to exchange your driving license be prepared to wait for a long time. Depending on your country, you may need to provide additional documents. If you are unsure of what documents you need, it is best to look up the official website of the IMT.
The IMT is introducing a new service dubbed "My Driving License." This platform online lets you check the status of your driving licence and see when it is time to renew it. The IMT also offers an app on mobile that can help you get started with the process of exchanging your American drivers license to an Portuguese one.
You can also report the theft or loss of your license by using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or stolen your licence, you need to give it back to the IMT. Once you have submitted the psychotechnical certification, you will receive a new driving licence.
You will receive an email confirmation from the IMT once you have uploaded your documents. The IMT will process your application within a few weeks or days. Once they have processed your application and notified you of the results via email or phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, a document will be issued to permit you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will then send your new Portuguese driving license via post.
It's best to schedule an appointment at the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. You may have to wait for a while if you do not make an appointment. It's also a good idea to bring your ID card along with your NIF number when you visit.