How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport suggests that you change your license before it gets lost or stolen if moving to Portugal from an EU member state. Here's how you can do it.
The process involves an examination for medical reasons. You can order it online to save time.
How to Apply
The process of obtaining an IMT driving license involves taking an assortment of theoretical and practical classes. The classes are taught by experienced instructors in government-licensed centres. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The cost of these classes is different, but you can save money by signing up with an agency that provides group classes for less than $100.
The next step is the theory test. This test is available online or in public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, which you must answer with a computer. The questions are designed to be based on the syllabus that you studied in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you have to answer correctly 27 questions.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to pass the practical exam. Read the Full Write-up can take the test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The exam costs EUR30 and the IMT gives you temporary driving license while you wait for your license.
You need to have an authentic passport, residence card or medical certificate and an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize your documents for a fee.
To exchange your foreign driving license for 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 packed. It is recommended to arrive at least an hour prior to the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes created an online platform that allows drivers to verify their driving license renewal date. The platform is accessible to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information about road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident in Portugal it is crucial to swap your driving license to a Portuguese one as soon as you can. You could face a significant fine in the event that you don't. It is recommended to start this process as soon as possible after you receive your residence permit. It's also important to inform the institute of mobility that you'll use your previous license, since this is required by law.
You must go to an IMT with all required documents. You should bring your driver's license and proof of address, residence card, and medical exam. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT must be administered by a physician who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certification specific to your license. They will transmit it to the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
You will then be able to take the practical driving test. The test typically lasts between 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by an instructor along with the examiner as well as an additional person taking the test. You'll be asked to drive both ways so be prepared for an extended day!
If you are from a nation that doesn't have an agreement that is bilateral with Portugal in which case you'll need to provide an official translation of your driver's licence. This can be done by the entity that issued the license or by the consular service. It should contain the categories that were obtained through a test and those that were acquired via equivalents. You'll also need a psychological evaluation certificate, which needs to be drafted by an experienced psychologist.
It is also necessary to submit a certified abstract of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. You can find the list of states that are authorised to perform this service here. This document is essential to the process of obtaining a driving licence and it could take a month for the U.S. to send it. The process can take longer if there isn't a reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Also, be aware that the IMT is often understaffed and therefore the processing time may be long.
Fees
Getting your first driver's license can be expensive. The cost of the driving lessons and the practical test can be up to EUR250. It is crucial to begin the process as soon as you can to get your new license before the deadline. You may be charged a late fee for not submitting your application in time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that lets citizens to get an official certificate. The new service is a great alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a good idea for those who want to cut down on time. The service is available to all drivers with the digital mobile key or citizen card. It lets them save 10% on the amount they'd have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which is adorned with a new design, is valid for 6 months and can be verified by reading the QR CODE.
Once you have all of your documents in order, you are able to submit the request for the exchange of your driving license. You must submit the IMT with a copy of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government, or from a private driving instructor. The embassy can assist you with the process of obtaining 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 an EU or EEA country you have to change your driving licence to one that is a Portuguese one within two years of taking up residency in the country. Along with your driving licence, you will need to provide an unissued title document from your country. The embassy can assist you in this process by certifying the document.
The theory test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts about 30 minutes. You must answer at least 27 questions right to pass. The questions are similar to those on the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, with an instructor and another candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for an extended period of time if you want to exchange your licence. You may also need to submit additional documents based on your country of origin. If you're not sure the documents you require, it is best to look up the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a brand 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 also offers a mobile app that helps you begin the process of changing your American drivers license to a Portuguese one.
You can also report the theft or loss of your licence using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or stolen your driving license You must hand it over to the IMT. You will receive a replacement after you have submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email from the IMT after you've uploaded your documents. It may take some days or weeks for them to review your application. Once they have completed your application, you will be notified of the results via either email or telephone. If your driver's license is not accepted, a certificate will be issued that will permit you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will then send you a new Portuguese driving licence by post.
It is recommended to make an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. You might have to wait for a long time if you don't schedule an appointment. It's important to carry your ID card and NIF number with you when you go.