How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're planning to move to Portugal from another EU country The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) recommends that you exchange your license prior to the risk of losing it or being stolen. Here's how you can do it.
The process involves the taking of a medical exam. You can order it online to cut down on time.
How to Apply
The process to obtain an IMT driving license involves taking the following practical and theory-based lessons. These lessons are held at government-licensed centres and taught by qualified instructors. The course is made up of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. The cost of these lessons varies however, you can save money by joining an agency that offers group classes for less than EUR100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). The test is available online or at public institutions and takes about 30 minutes. The exam is comprised of 30 multiple choice questions that you need to solve using a computer. The questions are based off the syllabus you were taught in your preparatory classes. You must get 27 of the questions correct to pass the test.
Once you have passed the theory exam then you are required to take a practical test. This test can be conducted at a driving school that is private or at the IMT. The test costs $30, and the IMT will issue you with a an interim driver's license to use while waiting for your new license.
You must carry an original passport or residence card, a medical certificate, and an attestation of your driving license from your country of origin. The embassy can also notarize and authenticate documents for an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driving license for a Portuguese one, you have to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). The office is usually busy, therefore it is recommended that you arrive early. You should arrive at a minimum of an hour before the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes launched an online platform to allow drivers to check their driving renewal date for their license. The platform is available to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information about road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal it is imperative to exchange your driving license to a Portuguese one. Otherwise, you'll be facing heavy penalties. It is best to begin this process as soon as you are able after receiving your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you will use your previous license, as this is required by law.
You must visit an IMT with all the necessary documents. Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1 must bring your driver's license as well as proof of address, residence card, and a medical examination. The IMT must authorize a doctor to conduct the medical exam. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license and then send it directly to the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
Once you've filled out all of these documents, you'll be eligible to take the practical driving test. The test typically lasts between 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied with an instructor, an examiner, and a third person taking the test. Be prepared to spend a lot of time driving back and back.
If you are from a country that doesn't have a bilateral agreement with Portugal, you will need to submit a certified translation of your driver's licence. This is required either by the issuing organization or the consular service. It should include categories that were determined through an examination as well as those that were obtained by the process of equivalence. In addition, you'll require an assessment certificate for psychological testing, which must be written by an authorized psychologist.
You must also submit a certified copy of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here you can find an official list of the authorities in the state who are authorized to provide this service. This document is crucial to the process of obtaining a driving license and could take up to a month to receive from the U.S. Additionally, the process could be longer if the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. It is also important to consider that the IMT may be insufficiently staffed, and the processing time may be long.
Fees
It can be costly to obtain your first driving license. The cost of driving classes and the practical test can be as high as EUR250. It is essential to start the process as soon as you can in order to receive your new license before the deadline. If you don't, you might have to pay a fine for late filing of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that will allow citizens to obtain the certification. This new service is a great alternative to visiting IMT offices and is perfect for those who are looking to cut down on time. The service is available to anyone who has a citizen card or mobile key. It allows drivers to save 10% of the fee that they would otherwise have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which is adorned with a a new design, is valid for 6 months and can be checked by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can make a request for an exchange of driving license. The IMT requires that you provide a record of your driving record. This can be obtained through the government or an individual driving school. The embassy can assist you with the process of getting this document, however, you should make sure that the apostille is present on the document prior to submitting 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 the Portuguese license within two years after having moved to Portugal. You'll need to submit the lost title certificate from the country of origin together with your driving license. The embassy will help you with legalizing your document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice answers and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you must be able to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to those in the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a vehicle with an instructor and the candidate.
Timeframe
If you're looking to exchange your driving licence be prepared for an extended period. Depending on your country, you may need to submit other documents. If you're not sure what documents you'll require, make sure to check the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a new online service called "My Driving License" that lets you examine the status of your driving license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT offers a mobile application which will assist you in the process of converting your American drivers license for one from Portugal.
You can also use the My Driving License platform to report your loss or theft of your driving license. If you've lost or stolen your license, you'll have to hand it over at the IMT. Once you have submitted the psychotechnical certificate and you will receive a new driving licence.
Once you have uploaded all the required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT to confirm that they have received your application. It may take some days or weeks for them to process your application. Once they have processed it and notified you of the results by email or via phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted then you will be issued the paper that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will mail you a new Portuguese driving license via post.
When you arrive in Portugal it is recommended to make an appointment with the IMT. You might have to wait for a while if you don't schedule an appointment. Bring your ID card as well as your NIF number with you.