Buy the IMT Driving License Online
The best thing to do when you are planning to change your driving license in Portugal is to begin the process as soon as you get your residency card. This will save time and effort.
You'll need to meet certain requirements, like courses and a medical examination. However, don't worry about it that the medical exam is not as difficult as it may seem.
Requirements
If you are planning to move to Portugal it is essential that you exchange your foreign driving licence to the Portuguese driving licence as soon as possible. You will have an authentic driving license in the case that your car is lost or stolen. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is easy however a few papers are required. This includes a medical exam and a translated version of your driving licence from abroad. You can hire a lingoking translator to help you.
You'll also need to pass a theory exam and take a practical driving course. Comprar carta de condução categoria B are taught in driving centers that are licensed by the government. On the IMT's website you will find a complete list of these driving centers. The theory test will cost 30 euros, while the practical driving test will cost an additional 40 euros. You may need to take a special test for vehicles that are specially designed such as buses or other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT's website contains details on how to exchange a 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 the equivalent of their home state.
The IMT will need to see your identification card or passport before allowing you to exchange your driving license. They will also require you to examine a certified copy your driving record. You can get a certified copy of your driving record from your state of residence or from a notary public. The notary public will charge fees for their services.
Fees
As of today it appears that the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) has launched a new online service that enables citizens to obtain a driving license certificate. To be able to use the service drivers must have their digital mobile key or citizen card in order to access IMT's "My Driving License" portal. Once registered the certificate, which features the latest layout can be issued in Portuguese or English and is valid for a period of six months. The authenticity of the certificate can be confirmed by scanning the QR code or entering the verification code.
Wait for IMT to notify you that you may go to their desk to complete your application and provide biometric information. IMT will notify you whether there's an exam cost.
It is important to note that the process could take some time, particularly since the US does not have a system that automatically exchanges documents like driver's licenses with Portugal. It could take IMT a few weeks to review and return your documentation once you have submitted it.
Be sure to clearly label the documents that you send to IMT with your name and contact information. You should also scan all documents prior to sending them so that you can find them easily if necessary. If you have several family members who are applying for the license, be sure to label each document with a different name to avoid confusion. This will save you time and prevent any delays.
Timeframe
If you arrive in Portugal with a valid driving license issued by a nation that is a signatory to the international road transport convention, you can exchange it within 60 days to get a Portuguese driver's licence. You can exchange your license online or at an IMT desk. You must also bring the Modelo 10 IMT completed form and a proof of identification. Additionally, you need to sign up on the IMT website with your taxpayer number and password.
Anyone who is exchanging their licenses from non-EU countries will be required to pay additional fees. If you have an US driving license, for instance, you will be required to obtain an abstract from the state authorities and an official doctor's certificate confirming that you are able to drive. A doctor will conduct the medical examination. He will ask you general health questions and perform a summary neurologic test.
The process is time-consuming but worth it. It's recommended to obtain your license as soon as possible in order to avoid losing it or stolen.
When you apply for your license, make sure all the documents you submit are scanned and saved as separate files. It is best to have different names for each document If you can, to avoid confusion. Once you've completed your application, you'll receive an email confirmation from IMT informing 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 held in licensed government-approved centers and are only supervised by qualified instructors. The learning time is between 28 and 32 hours. Before you can sit for an exam, you must complete both the theoretical and practical classes. The exam will be held at the same location as you took your theory test. It is therefore essential to know the location. The test comprises 30 questions, and you're permitted to make three mistakes. The questions are in line with the syllabus you studied in your preparation classes. The tests are not conducted online, but you can download the syllabus and practice the questions on several sites.
You may also opt to take the test at a private institution, but this is contingent on the availability of dates and the expertise of the instructors. You'll also have to pay EUR30 and submit an official medical certificate proving your ability to drive. Renewals may also require an eye test. If you pass the test you'll receive your certificate via mail.
On the IMT's website, you can also view a list of centers that are certified. It is important to verify that the center has an instructor who is certified. If you're not satisfied with the caliber of the instructor, don't hesitate ask for a new one. The instructor will teach you how to drive the vehicle and control traffic. You'll also have to learn about the highway code as well as the road signs in Portugal. The cost of driving lessons in Portugal differs from center to center. Compare prices on the IMT website to find the best price.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) offers theory and practical driving classes. It is possible to obtain an official driver's license from the IMT only after passing a theory and an exam in the practical. A certificate of favorable psychological assessment is also required. The theoretical test, or "exame of codigo" is comprised of 30 questions to which you must correctly answer in 35 minutes. The exam can be taken through IMT or through private testing centers. If you are an international student you can request the IMT to translate your questions into English.
The test for driving practice, or "exame de velocidade," is between 40 and 50 minutes. It is a test drive on an urban route. You will be rated by the examiner and by the instructor. If you pass the practical exam you will be able to take the exam again. IMT will send you a license by mail.
To be able to pass the theoretical and practical exams you must complete at least 28 of your theoretical classes and 16 practical classes. You can choose to take your theoretical exam before taking the required number of practical classes. You'll have to pay for the practical classes separately.
If you don't have the money to purchase a vehicle or lease one, you can get one from a driving academy. You can practice your driving without worrying about the cost of a new car. Make sure to research the various schools in your area to determine the one that is best for you. Make sure you know the insurance policy of the vehicle you plan to rent before making a reservation. If you don't possess the proper insurance, your rental company may deny your claim.