How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you exchange your license prior to it being lost or stolen if you're moving to Portugal from an EU member state. Here's how you can do it.
A medical test is required to begin the process. You can order it online to save time.
How do you apply
The process of obtaining an IMT driving license involves taking an assortment of theoretical and practical classes. The lessons are taught by qualified instructors in centres that are licensed by the government. The course consists of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. The cost of these classes differs, but you can save money by signing up with an agency that provides group lessons for less than 100 euros.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This test can be taken online or in public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. The exam is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to solve using the computer. The questions are designed to be based on the syllabus that you learned in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you need to answer 27 questions correctly.
After passing the theory test, you'll need to pass the practical exam. You can take this test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The test costs EUR30 and the IMT provides you with temporary driving licences while you wait for your licence.
You need to have a valid passport, residence card or medical certificate as well as an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize documents at an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driving licence to a Portuguese one, you need to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). It is advised to arrive early since the office is usually very crowded. If you can, be there an hour before opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that lets drivers check when their driving license is due for renewal. 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 citizen of Portugal it is imperative to switch your driving license for one that is a Portuguese one. You could be penalized heavily in the event of not doing so. It is best to begin this process as soon as you can after you receive your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you will be using your old license, as it is required by law.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license and proof of residence and residence card, as well as an examination for medical reasons. The medical exam must be conducted by a physician who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will then issue a certificate that's specific to your license. They will send it to the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
Once you've submitted all of these documents, you'll be able to take the practical driving test. The test typically lasts between 40 to 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by a teacher as well as the examiner and another person who is taking the test. You'll be asked to drive from and back, so be prepared for a long day!
If you're from a nation without a bilateral arrangement, you'll need to provide a certified translation. This is required either by the entity that issued the license, or by the consular service. It should include the categories that were obtained through a test and those that were acquired via equivalence. You'll also need a psychological evaluation certificate, which needs to be drafted by a psychologist.
You must also submit an authenticated certified abstract of your United States driving record. Here is Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1 with authorities in the state who are authorized to perform this service. This document is crucial to the driving licence process and it could take up to a month for the U.S. to mail it. The process can take longer if there's no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Also, you should take into consideration that the IMT could be understaffed and the processing time could be long.
Fees
It can be expensive to get your first driver's license. The cost of the driving lessons and the test on the road can be as high as EUR250. It is crucial to begin the process as fast as you can to get your new license before the deadline. You could be penalized for a late fee if you fail to submit your application by the deadline.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that will allow citizens to obtain an IMT certification. The new service is an excellent alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a great option for those looking to cut down on 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 have to 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 file an application for the exchange of your driving license. The IMT demands that you submit a record of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government, or a private driving instructor. The embassy can help you get this document. However, you need to ensure that the apostille appears on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you're 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 having moved to Portugal. Along with your driving license you must bring the lost title document from your country. The embassy can help you in this process by legalizing the document.
The theory test is composed of 30 multiple-choice answers and lasts approximately 30 minutes. You must answer at least 27 questions right to pass. The questions are the same as those on the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, accompanied by an instructor and another candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
If you're looking to transfer your driving licence be prepared for an extended period. Depending on the country in which you reside you may have to submit additional documents. If you are unsure of what documents you need, it is best to check the official website of the IMT.
The IMT is introducing a new service called "My Driving License." This online platform lets you check the status of your driving license and to determine when it's time for you to renew. The IMT also has an app on mobile that can help you begin the process of changing your American drivers license for an Portuguese one.
You can also make use of the My Driving License platform to report theft or loss of your driving license. If you've lost or taken your license, you'll have to surrender it to the IMT. Once you have submitted the psychotechnical certification and you will receive the new driving license.
Once you have uploaded all of your required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT to confirm that they have received your application. It will take several days or weeks for them to process your application. Once they have processed your application they will inform you of the results via email or via phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, a new document will be issued that will permit you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will send you your new Portuguese driving license by post.
When you arrive in Portugal it is best to make an appointment with the IMT. If you don't have an appointment, you may have to wait for a while to be seen. Bring your ID card and your NIF number.