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 another EU member state. Here's how to do it.
The procedure involves the taking of a medical exam. You can purchase it online to cut down on time.
How to Apply
To obtain an IMT license, you will be required to attend a series of theoretical and practical classes. These lessons are held in government-licensed centers and taught by qualified instructors. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The cost of these lessons varies but you can save money by signing up with an agency that offers group classes for less than 100 euros.
The next step is to take the test in theory (exame de codigo). This test is available online or at public institutions and takes about 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you need to answer with a computer. The questions are based off the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. You must get 27 of the questions right to pass the exam.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to pass the practical exam. This test can be conducted at a private driving school or at the IMT. The test costs EUR30 and the IMT gives you temporary driving licences while you wait for your licence.
You must have an authentic passport or residence card, a medical certificate and an attestation of your driving license from your country of origin. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize documents for cost.
To exchange your foreign driver's permit to the Portuguese driving licence it is necessary to 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 typically crowded. You should arrive at a minimum of an hour before the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes created an online platform to allow drivers to verify their driving renewal date for their license. The platform is available by both Portuguese and foreign citizens as well as foreign. It also provides information about road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident in Portugal, it's essential to change your driving license for a Portuguese one as soon as you can. You could face a significant fine in the event of not doing so. It is recommended to begin this process as soon as you are able when you have received your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility and transportation that you'll be using your old licence, since this is a legal requirement.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the necessary documents. You must bring your driver's license and proof of address, residence card, and a medical examination. The IMT must authorize a doctor to conduct the medical examination. The doctor will then issue a certificate that's specific to your license and forward it to the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
After you've completed all these documents, you'll be able to proceed to the driving test. This test usually lasts 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by an instructor, an examiner and a third person taking the test. You'll be required to drive from and back so be prepared for an extended day!
If you are from a country that does not have an agreement bilaterally with Portugal You will have to present a certified translation of your driver's license. This should be done by the issuing agency or consular servisse, and it should indicate the categories obtained through examinations and those that were derived through the process of equivalence. Additionally, you'll require an assessment certificate for psychological testing, which must be written by an authorized psychologist.
You must also submit an authenticated certified abstract of your United States driving record. Here you can find the list of state authorities who are authorized to conduct this service. This document is vital to the process of obtaining a driving license, as it can 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. Lastly, you should also consider that the IMT is often understaffed, so the processing time could be lengthy.
Fees
The process of getting your first driver's license is expensive. Driving lessons aren't free, and the actual exam can cost up to 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 may be penalized for a late fee in the event that you do not submit your application on time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport launched an online service to allow citizens to obtain a certification. The new service is a great alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a good idea for those who want to save time. Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1 is available to all drivers who possess the digital mobile key or citizen card. It allows them to save 10% off the amount they'd have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which has an updated design, is valid for 6 months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have all your documents in order, you are able to make an application for the exchange of your driving license. The IMT requires you to provide a record of your driving record. You can get this from the government or an individual driving school. The embassy can assist you with the process of getting this document, but you must ensure that the apostille is present on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you're a resident of Portugal and are a citizen of the EU or EEA you will need to exchange your driving licence for one of a Portuguese license within two years of moving here. Along with your driving permit you must bring an unissued title document from your country of origin. The embassy can assist in this process by certifying the document.
The test for theory comprises 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you need to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are identical to those that are taught in preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, with an instructor and another candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
If you're planning to exchange your driving license, be prepared to wait a long time. You may also be required to provide additional documents based on the country you are from. If you are unsure of what documents you need to submit, it is best to check the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a new service dubbed "My Driving License." This online platform lets you check the status of your driving licence and determine when it is time to renew. The IMT also offers an app for mobile devices that can help you get started with the process of exchanging your American drivers license to a Portuguese one.
You can also report the loss or theft of your license by using the My Driving License platform. If you have lost or stolen your driving license You must hand it over to the IMT. After you have submitted the psychotechnical certification you will be issued an updated driving licence.
After you have uploaded all of your required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT informing you that they have received your application. It may take some days or weeks for them to review your application. After they have processed your application, you will be notified of the outcome via email or phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted then you will be issued an official document that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then mail you a new Portuguese driving license by mail.
It is best to schedule an appointment at the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. You might have to wait for a long time if you don't make an appointment. It is important to bring your ID card and NIF number with you when you go.