How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're moving to Portugal from an EU country, the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) suggests that you change your license before you risk losing it or being stolen. Here's how you can do it.
The process requires a medical exam. Here's the good news - you can apply online and speed up the process.
How to apply
To get an IMT license, you will need to take a series theory and practical lessons. These lessons are held in government-licensed facilities and taught by qualified instructors. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The cost of these classes differs, but you can save money by signing up with an agency that offers group lessons for less than $100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). The test is available online or in public institutions and takes about 30 minutes. The exam consists of 30 multiple choice questions that you have to solve using a computer. The questions are based on the syllabus that you studied in your preparation classes. You must get 27 of the questions right to pass the exam.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to pass the practical test. This test can be taken at a private driving school or at the IMT. The exam costs EUR30 and the IMT gives you a temporary driving licence until you get your license.
You must have a valid passport, residency card or medical certificate, as well as an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize your documents for an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's licence to an Portuguese driving licence it is necessary go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes") office. It is advised to arrive early since the office is usually very crowded. You should arrive at least an hour before 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 to renew. The platform can be used by both Portuguese and foreign citizens. It also provides information about road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal, it is essential to switch your driving license for one that is a Portuguese one. You could be penalized heavily in the event of not doing so. The process is typically complicated, so it's recommended to begin the process as soon as you receive your residence permit. It's also important to inform the institute of mobility that you will use your previous license, as it is legally required.
You must visit an IMT with all required documents. Bring your driver's licence as well as proof of residency, residence card, and an examination. The IMT must enlist 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 through their online medical certificate platform.
You can then proceed to the driving test. The test takes between 40 and 50 minutes. You will be accompanied with an instructor, an examiner, and another person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a lot of time driving back and back.
If you're from a country that doesn't have an agreement that is bilateral with Portugal You will have to submit an official translation of your driver's license. Cartao Expresso De Portugal can be done by the entity that issued the license or by the consular service. It should contain the categories that were determined through examination and those obtained by the process of equivalence. In addition, you'll require a psychological assessment certificate that must be signed by a licensed psychologist.
You should also submit a certified copy of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here you can find a list with state authorities that are authorized to perform this service. This document is crucial to the process of obtaining a driving license and can take up to a month to get from the U.S. Furthermore, this process could be extended in the event that the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. Additionally, you must take into account that the IMT is often understaffed and the processing time may be long.
Fees
The process of getting your first driver's license can be expensive. Driving lessons aren't free, and the practical exam can cost up to EUR250. It is nevertheless crucial to begin the process as soon as possible to ensure that you receive your new driving license before the deadline. If you don't, you might have to pay a fine for late submission of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows residents to obtain a certificate. This new service is a great alternative to visiting IMT offices and is ideal for those who want to cut down on time. The service is open to all drivers with a digital mobile key or citizen card. It lets them save 10% on the fee they would have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which has new design, is valid for a period of 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 an exchange of driving license. You must provide the IMT with proof of driving history. This can be obtained from the government or from a private driving school. The embassy will help you get this document. But, you must make sure that the apostille is visible on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you must change your driving licence to one that is a Portuguese one within two years after establishing residence in the country. Along with your driving licence you must provide an unissued title document from your country of origin. The embassy can help you with this by legalising the document.
The test for theory is comprised of 30 multiple-choice answers and takes about 30 minutes. To pass, you need to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are the same as those that are taught in preparation classes. The test is taken in the car, with an instructor and a second candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
If you're looking to transfer your driving licence be prepared for a long time. Based on the country you reside in you might need to provide additional documents. If you're not sure of the documents you'll need, you should go to the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a new online service dubbed "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 offers a mobile application which will assist you in the process of converting your American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also use the My Driving License platform to report theft or loss of your driving license. If you've lost or stolen your license, you'll have to give it back to the IMT. You will receive a new one after you have submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email from the IMT after you have uploaded your documents. The IMT will review your application within a couple of weeks or days. After they have processed your application you will be notified of the results via email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted and you are not accepted, you will receive the paper that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then send your new Portuguese driving license by mail.
When you arrive in Portugal it is recommended to make an appointment with the IMT. If you don't have an appointment, you may be waiting for a long time to be seen. Bring your ID card and your NIF number.