How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're moving to Portugal from an EU country The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) suggests that you change your license before you risk it getting lost or stolen. Here's how you can do it.
The process requires an examination for medical reasons. You can order it online to speed up the process.
How to apply
To obtain an IMT license, you'll need to take a series theory and practical lessons. The lessons are taught by qualified instructors in centres that are licensed by the government. The course is made up of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. The classes are offered at various costs, but you can save money by enrolling in classes in groups that cost less than $100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This exam is available online and at public institutions, and takes about 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you must complete on your computer. The questions are designed to be based on the syllabus that you studied in your preparation classes. You must answer 27 of the questions right to pass the exam.
After passing the theory test, you will need to pass the practical exam. You can take this test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The test costs $30, and the IMT will provide you with a a temporary driver's licence to use while you wait for your new license.
You must have an authentic passport, residence card or medical certificate, as well as an attestation from the country of birth. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize your documents for an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driving license to the Portuguese one, you need to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). The office is usually very busy, so it is recommended that you start early. If possible, you should go one hour before the opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that allows drivers to determine when their license is due to renew. The platform is accessible by both Portuguese and foreign citizens as well as foreign. It also provides information on road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident in Portugal, it's essential to change your driving license for one that is a Portuguese one as soon as possible. If you don't, you could be subject to severe penalties. It is recommended to begin this process as soon as possible after you receive your residence permit. It is also important to notify the institute of mobility and transport that you'll be using your old licence, since this is an obligation under the law.
The first step is to go to an IMT office with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license as well as proof of residency, residence card, and an examination. The medical exam must be administered by a physician 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 can take the practical driving test. This test usually lasts 40 to 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by an instructor, an examiner and another person who is taking the test. You'll be required to drive from and back so be prepared for an extremely long day!
If you're from a country that does not have a bilateral agreement, you'll need to provide an official translation. This must be performed by the entity that issued it or the consular servisse. It must include the categories derived through an examination as well as those obtained through the process of equivalence. You'll also need a psychological evaluation certificate, which needs to be written by an experienced psychologist.
Comprar a carta de condução do IMT must also submit a certified abstract of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here is an official list of the state authorities who are authorized to perform this service. This document is vital to the process of getting a driving licence as it can take a month to get the U.S. to mail it. This process can take even longer if there is no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. You should also consider that the IMT may be insufficiently staffed, and the processing time could be long.
Fees
It isn't cheap to obtain your first driving license. The cost of the driving lessons and the practical test could be as high as EUR250. It is nevertheless essential to begin the process as soon as possible to ensure that you receive your new licence before the deadline. You could be penalized for a late fee for not submitting your application in 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 who are looking to save time. The service is accessible to anyone with a Citizen card or digital mobile key and allows drivers to save 10% of the cost they would otherwise pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which features an updated design is valid for six months and can be verified by reading the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have your documents in order you can make an application for the exchange of your driving licence. You must provide the IMT with a record of driving history. You can get this from the government or from a private driving school. The embassy can assist in obtaining this document, but you should ensure that the apostille is on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you are a resident of Portugal, and a citizen of the EU or EEA, you will need to exchange your driving license to one of a Portuguese license within two years after moving here. You will need to provide an unissued title certificate from your country of origin, together with your driving license. The embassy will assist you by legalising your document.
The theory test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that last around 30 minutes. You must answer at least 27 right to pass. The questions are similar to the ones you will encounter on the preparation classes. The test is taken in the car, with an instructor and another candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
If you're looking to exchange your driving license be prepared for a long time. You may also need to provide additional documents based on your country of origin. If you're not sure what documents you need to submit, it is recommended to visit the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a new online service dubbed "My Driving License" that allows you to examine the status of your driving license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT has a mobile application that can help you begin the process of converting your American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also report the theft or loss of your licence using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or taken your license, you'll need to surrender it to the IMT. After you have submitted the psychotechnical verification and you will receive the new driving license.
You will receive an email from the IMT once you have uploaded your documents. It will take a few days or weeks for them to process your application. Once they have processed your application you will be notified of the results via either email or telephone. If your driver's license is not accepted, you will be given a paper that will allow you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then send your new Portuguese driving license via post.
If you are arriving in Portugal it is best to schedule an appointment with the IMT. It is possible to wait for a while if don't schedule an appointment. It is also a good idea to bring your ID card along with your NIF number when you go.