How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're planning to move to Portugal from an EU country, the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) recommends exchanging your license to avoid losing it or being stolen. Here's how to do it.
A medical test is required to begin the process. More Material can order it online to speed up the process.
How to Apply
The process to obtain an IMT driving license requires a series of theoretical and practical classes. These lessons are held in government-licensed facilities and taught by certified instructors. The course consists of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. The cost of these classes varies but you can save money by joining an agency that provides group lessons for less than EUR100.
The next step is to take the theory test. This test is offered on the internet and at public institutions, and lasts about 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple choice questions, which you must answer using a computer. The questions are designed to be based on the syllabus that you were taught in your preparation classes. You must answer 27 of the questions correct to pass the test.
After passing the theory test, you'll need to take the practical exam. This test can be conducted at a private driving school or at the IMT. The test costs EUR30 and the IMT offers you a temporary driving licence until you get your license.
You must bring a valid passport or residence card, medical certificate, and an attestation of your driving license from the country of origin. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize documents at cost.
To exchange your foreign driving licence to one that is a Portuguese one, you must go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). It is advised to arrive early because the office is usually crowded. You should arrive at least an hour prior to the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that allows drivers to verify when their driver's license is due for renewal. The platform is accessible to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information on road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident in Portugal it is crucial to exchange your driving licence for one that is a Portuguese one as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could face severe penalties. It is recommended to start this process as soon as you can when you have received your residence permit. It's also important to inform the institute of mobility that you will use your previous license, as it is required by law.
You must visit an IMT with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license and proof of residence or residence card, as well as an examination. The IMT must register a physician to conduct the medical examination. The doctor will issue a certificate that is specific to your license and send it directly the IMT using their online medical certificate platform.
The next step is the driving test. The test typically 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 both ways, so be prepared for an extremely long day!
If you're a citizen of a country that does not have a bilateral agreement, you'll need to provide an official translation. This is required either by the issuing entity or the consular service. It should include categories that were derived through examination and those obtained by equivalence. You'll also require a psychological evaluation certificate, which must be drafted by a psychologist.
You must also submit an authenticated, certified abstract of your United States driving record. You can find the list of states that are designated to perform this service here. This document is vital to the process of obtaining a driving licence as it can take up to a month for the U.S. to mail it. Moreover, this process can be even longer if the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. Lastly, you should also consider that the IMT is usually understaffed and the processing time may be long.
Fees
It can be costly to get your first driver's license. The cost of driving classes and the practical test can be up to EUR250. It is essential to start the process as soon as possible in order to receive your new license before the deadline. If you don't, you might have to pay a penalty for late filing of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that lets citizens to obtain the certificate. This new service is an excellent alternative to going to IMT offices and is ideal for those who are looking to save time. The service is accessible to anyone with a Citizen card or digital mobile key, and permits drivers to save 10% of the cost they would otherwise have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which has new design and is valid for six months and is verified by examining the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have all your documents in order, you are able to submit a request for the exchange of your driving license. The IMT demands that you submit proof of your driving history. You can get this from the government or an individual driving school. The embassy can assist you in obtaining this document, but you should ensure that the apostille is present 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 have to exchange your driving licence for one of a Portuguese license within two years of having moved to Portugal. Along with your driving license you will have to bring a lost title document from your country of origin. The embassy will assist you in obtaining a legalisation of your document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice responses and lasts approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to those in preparation classes. The test is conducted in a vehicle with an instructor and a candidate.
Timeframe
If you are looking to exchange your driving licence, be prepared to wait for a long time. Based on the country you reside in, you may need to submit additional documents. If you aren't sure what documents you need to submit, it is best to check the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service called "My Driving License" that allows you to verify the status of your driver's license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT provides a mobile app which will assist you in the process of exchanging an American drivers license for one in Portugal.
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 stolen your driving license, you must hand it over to the IMT. You will receive a new one after you've submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
After you have uploaded all the required documents and you have received an email from the IMT to confirm that they have received your application. The IMT will review your application within a few weeks or days. Once they have completed your application, you will be notified of the results by email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, you will be given a paper that will allow you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then mail you a new Portuguese driving license via post.
When you arrive in Portugal, it's best to make an appointment with the IMT. If you don't have an appointment, you may be waiting for a long time to be viewed. Bring your ID card and your NIF number with you.