Buy the IMT Driving License Online
If you're looking to change your driving license to Portugal the best thing you can do is begin the process when you receive your residency card. This will help you save time and effort in the end.
You will need to complete certain requirements, including courses and a medical examination. Be assured that the medical exam isn't as complicated as you think.
Requirements
If you are planning to move to Portugal it is essential that you exchange your foreign driving licence to one that is a Portuguese driving licence as soon as you can. This will ensure that you have an authentic driver's license in case your vehicle is stolen or destroyed. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is straightforward however a few papers are required. This includes a medical examination and a translation of your driving licence from abroad. You can get a lingoking translator to help you.
You will also need to pass a test on theory and take a practical driving course. These lessons are taught in driving centers that are licensed by the government. On Comprar carta de condução da categoria C will find a complete list of these driving centers. The theory test costs 30 euros, while the driving test in practice will cost you an additional 40 euros. You may be required to take an exam specifically designed for vehicles such as buses and other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT website provides details on how to change your driving licence from another country in Portugal. It is essential to check the IMT's site before moving because there are different rules for every country. Expats from the United States, for example need to submit a certificate of equivalence that is issued by their home state.
Before allowing you exchange your driving licence, the IMT will require your identification card or passport. It will also need to examine a certified copy your driving record. You can get a certified copy of your driving record from the state you reside in or from a notary public. The notary will charge you the cost of his service.
Fees
As as of today it appears that the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) has launched a new online service that enables citizens to get a driving license certificate. To access the service, drivers must have their digital mobile key or citizen card and access IMT's "My Driving License" portal. Once registered, the certificate, which includes a new 'layout', can be issued in either Portuguese or English and is valid for six months. It is possible to verify its authenticity by scanning the QR code or entering the verification code.
Wait for IMT to indicate that you may visit their desk to sign up your application and submit biometric data. You'll also be required to pay an exam fee, which IMT will inform you of at a later date.
Note that the process can take some time, particularly since the US does not have an automated system for exchanging documents like driver's licences with Portugal. Once you submit your documentation, it may take a few weeks for IMT to check it and return it back to you.
Make sure to label the documents you send to IMT with your name and contact details. It is also recommended to scan all documents before sending so that you can find them easily in the event of need. If you have multiple relatives applying for the license, be sure to label each document with a distinct name to avoid confusion. This will save you time and prevent any delays.
Timeframe
If you arrive in Portugal with an original driving licence issued by a country that is a signatory of the international road transport convention, you may exchange it within 60 days for the Portuguese driver's license. It is possible to do this online or at an IMT desk. You must also present the Modelo 10 IMT completed form and a proof-of-identity. Additionally, you need to register on the IMT website using your taxpayer number and password.
The costs for those who switch their licenses will be more. If you hold a US driving license, for example, you will be required to get an abstract from the state authorities as well as the doctor's approval that you are able to drive. A doctor will conduct the medical examination. He will ask you questions about your general health and conduct a summary neurologic test.
The whole process can be time-consuming, but it's worth it in the end. It's also a good idea to get your license as quickly as possible, so that it doesn't go missing or stolen.
When you apply for your license, ensure that all documents you submit are scanned and saved as separate files. It is best to have different names for each file as much as you can to avoid confusion. Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive an email confirmation from IMT advising you of the status of your request. You'll also receive an appointment at the IMT office to take your practical driving test.
Practical lessons
The driving lessons are conducted in licensed government-approved centers and are only supervised by qualified instructors. The duration of the learning is between 28 and 32 hours. You must take theory lessons and practical ones, and pass both of them before you are able to take your test. The test will take place in the same place where you completed your theory test. Therefore, you should be familiar with the environment. The test consists of 30 questions and you are not allowed to make more than three mistakes. The questions are based on the syllabus that you learned 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 may also opt to take the test at a private institution however, this is subject to availability of dates and the expertise of the instructors. You'll also need to pay EUR30 and submit an official medical certificate proving your ability to drive. Renewals can also require an eye test. After passing the exam, you'll receive your license by mail.
You can also find a list of certified centres on the IMT website. It is essential to confirm that the centre has an instructor who is qualified. Do not hesitate to request a different instructor if you are unhappy with the instructor's professionalism. The instructor will teach you how to drive the car and manage traffic. You will also need to know the code of highways in Portugal and the road signs. The cost of driving classes in Portugal can differ from centre to center. Compare prices on the IMT website to get the best price.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport offers both practical and theory-based driving classes. The IMT can only issue a driver's license after passing both a theory and practical test. A proof of a positive psychological assessment is also required. The theory test, also known as "exame of codigo," consists of 30 questions that must be answered correctly in 35 minutes. The theoretical exam is available through IMT or through private testing centers. If you are a foreigner You can ask the IMT to translate the questions into English for you.
The driving test that is practical called the "exame de velocidade" lasts 40 to 50 minutes. It is a test drive through a city road. You will be rated by the examiner as well as the instructor. If you pass the practical test, the IMT will issue a license to you via email.
You must have completed at minimum 28 theoretical classes, and 16 practical classes in order to be qualified for the practical and theoretical test. You can also opt to have your theoretical exam before you complete the necessary number of practical classes. You'll need to pay separately for the practical classes.
If you don't have the money to purchase a vehicle, you can rent one through a driving school. This will allow you to learn to drive without having to worry about the expense of an entirely new vehicle. Make sure to research all the schools in your area and select the most suitable one. Make sure you know the insurance policy of the car you plan to rent before booking. The rental company might refuse to pay if you don't have the proper insurance.