Buy the IMT Driving License Online
If you are looking to change your driving license in Portugal, the best thing to do is begin the process immediately after you have received your residency card. This will save you time and effort in the long run.
You'll have to fulfill certain requirements, like courses and a medical examination. However, don't worry about it - the medical exam is not as complicated as it may seem.
Requirements
If you are planning to relocate to Portugal and are planning to move there, it is crucial to exchange your foreign driving license for a Portuguese one as soon as possible. This will ensure that you have an official driver's license should your car is stolen or lost. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is quite straightforward, however you will need to bring a number of documents with you. These include a medical test and the translation of your foreign driving license. You can hire a professional translator to assist you.
You'll also need to pass a test on theory and take a practical driving course. These lessons are offered in government-licensed driving centers. You can find a list of these centers on the IMT website. The theory test will cost 30 euros and the practical driving test will cost 40 euros. You may be required to take tests specifically designed for cars such as buses and other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT's website has information on how to change a foreign driving license in Portugal. There are different rules for each country, therefore it's essential to verify the IMT's website prior move. Expats from the United States, for example need to submit a certificate of equivalence issued by their home state.
Before allowing you exchange your driving license The IMT will require your identity card or passport. It will also require a certified copy of your driving record. You can get an official copy of your driving record from your state of residence or from a notary public. The notary will charge you an amount for his services.
Fees
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has today launched a brand new online service that allows citizens to obtain their driver's license. To access the service, drivers need to have a citizen card or mobile key and log into the My Driving License portal. Once they have registered, the license can be issued in Portuguese or English. It is valid for six month. The authenticity of the certificate is verified either by scanning the QR Code or by entering the verification codes.
Wait for IMT to indicate that you may go to their office to sign up your application and provide biometric data. IMT will notify you whether there's an exam cost.
Note that the process can take some time, particularly because the US doesn't have an automated system to exchange documents such as driver's licenses with Portugal. Once you submit your documentation it could take several weeks for IMT to examine it and return it to you.
Make sure to label the documents you send to IMT with your name and contact information. It's also a good idea to scan all the documents before you send them to ensure that you can easily find them should you require them. If you are applying for a license on behalf of multiple family members, you should label each document separately to avoid confusion. This will help save time and prevent any potential delays.
Timeframe
If you arrive in Portugal with an original driving licence issued by a country which is a signatory to the international road transport convention, you are able to exchange it within 60 days to obtain the Portuguese driver's license. You can exchange your license online or at an IMT desk. To complete the process you need to present an identity proof and a completed Modelo 10 IMT form. In addition, you have to register on the IMT website with your taxpayer number and password.
People who are transferring their licenses from countries outside the EU will be required to pay additional fees. If you hold a US driving license, for example, you will be required to obtain an abstract from the authorities of your state as well as a doctor's certification stating that you are legally able to drive. A doctor will conduct the medical exam. He will ask you questions about your general health and then conduct a brief neurologic test.
The entire process can be time-consuming, but it's worth it in the end. It's also a good idea to get your license as soon as you can, before it gets lost or stolen.
When applying for your license, make sure all the documents you submit are scanned and saved as separate files. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT is recommended to have distinct names for each file as much as you can to avoid confusion. Once you've completed your application, you will receive an email 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 exam.
Practical lessons
The driving lessons are given in government-licensed centers and are overseen by qualified instructors. The learning period lasts between 28 and 32 hours. You must take theory lessons and practical ones and pass both before you are able to take your test. The test will be conducted in the same place where you took your theory test. It is therefore essential to be familiar with this environment. The exam consists of 30 questions, and you are not allowed to make more than three mistakes. The questions are based on the syllabus that you were taught in your preparation classes. The tests are not administered on the internet, but you can download the syllabus and test the questions on various sites.
You can also take the test at a private institution, but this is subject to availability of dates and the expertise of the instructors. Additionally, you'll need to pay an amount of EUR30 and submit the medical evidence that proves you're qualified to drive. In addition, renewals could require a vision test. You'll be issued your license via mail after passing the exam.
You can also find a list with certified centers on the IMT website. It is crucial to determine whether the centre has a trained instructor. If you're not happy with the quality of the instructor, don't hesitate to ask for a new one. The instructor will instruct you how to drive your vehicle and control traffic. You'll also need to know the code of highways in Portugal and the road signs. The cost of driving lessons in Portugal is different 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 theoretical and practical driving courses. It is possible to obtain an driver's license through the IMT only after passing a theoretical and a practical exam. A certificate of favorable psychological assessment is also required. The theoretical test, also known as "exame de codigo," consists of 30 questions to be correctly answered in 35 minutes. The theoretical exam is offered through IMT or privately-owned testing centers. If you are a non-native you can ask the IMT to translate the questions into English for you.
The test for driving practice or "exame of velocidade" takes between 40 and 50 minutes. It involves a test drive on an urban route. You will be rated by the examiner as well as the instructor. If you pass the test, the IMT will issue you a certificate by mail.
You must have completed at least 28 theoretical classes, and 16 practical classes in order to be qualified for the practical and theoretical exam. You can take the theoretical exam prior to taking the required number of practical classes. You'll have pay for the practical classes.
If you don't have the money to buy a car or lease one, you can get one from a driving school. This allows you to test your driving skills without having to think about the cost of purchasing a new vehicle. Make sure to research all the schools in your area before settling on the one that is most suitable for you. If you're planning on renting a vehicle, be sure to verify the insurance policy prior to making the reservation. The rental company might refuse to pay if you don't have the correct insurance.