How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you swap your license before it gets lost or stolen if you are moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how to do it.
A medical exam is required to begin the process. This is a good thing - you can apply online and speed up the process.
How do I apply
To obtain an IMT license, you'll need to take a series theory and practical lessons. These classes are taught by experienced instructors in government-licensed centres. It takes 28 hours of theory lessons and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. These classes are offered at various prices, however you can save money by enrolling in a group lesson that costs less than $100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). The test is available online or at public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that you must answer on your computer. The questions are designed to be based on the syllabus that you studied in your preparation classes. You must get 27 of the questions correct to pass the exam.
Once you have passed the theory test then you are required to take a practical test. This test can be taken at a driving school that is private or at the IMT. The test costs EUR30 and the IMT provides you with temporary driving licences until you get your license.
You must have a valid passport or residence card, a medical certificate and an attestation of your driving license from your country of origin. The embassy is also able to authenticate and notarize documents at an additional cost.
To exchange your foreign driving license for a Portuguese one, you need to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). It is recommended to arrive early because the office is usually very packed. You should arrive at least an hour before the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that lets drivers determine when their license is due to renew. 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 citizen of Portugal, it is essential to switch your driving license for one that is a Portuguese one. Otherwise, you could face severe penalties. It is best to begin this process as soon as you can after you receive your residence permit. It's also important to inform the institute of mobility that you will be using your previous license, as this is legally required.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license and proof of residence, residence card, and a medical examination. The medical exam must be administered by a physician who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license, and then send it directly to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
Once you've filled out all of these documents, you'll be eligible to take the driving test. The test typically lasts 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 considerable time driving back and back.
If you're from a nation without a bilateral agreement then you'll have to provide a certified translation. This must be done by the entity that issued it or the consular servisse, and it must indicate the categories that were obtained through an examination as well as those obtained through the process of equivalence. Additionally, you'll require an assessment certificate for psychological testing that must be signed by an authorized psychologist.
You will also need to provide an authenticated and 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 license and can take up to a month to receive from the U.S. The process can take longer if there is no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Also, you should take into consideration that the IMT can be understaffed and the processing time could be long.
Fees
Getting your first driver's license is expensive. Driving lessons aren't free, and the practical exam can cost you up to EUR250. However, it's crucial to begin the process as soon as you can to ensure you get your new licence before the deadline. If you fail to do this then, you could be required to pay a penalty for late submission of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows residents to obtain the certificate. The new service is a great alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a good idea for those looking to cut down on time. The service is accessible to all drivers who possess the digital mobile key or citizen card. It lets them save 10% on the cost they would have incurred at IMT offices. The certificate, which features new design and is valid for 6 months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order you can submit an application for an exchange of your driving licence. The IMT demands that you submit proof of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government or a private driving school. The embassy can help you with the process of getting this document, however, you should ensure that the apostille is present on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you are a resident of Portugal and a citizen of the EU or EEA you will need to exchange your driving license for one of a Portuguese license within two years after having moved to Portugal. Along with your driving licence you will have to present an unissued title document from your country of origin. The embassy can assist you in this process by legalizing the document.
The test for theory comprises 30 multiple-choice questions that last approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are the same as those in the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car with an instructor and an applicant.
Timeframe
If you're looking to exchange your driving license, be prepared to wait a long time. You may also have to submit additional documents depending on the country you are from. If you're not sure of the documents you will require, you can go to the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a new online service called "My Driving License" that allows you to examine the status of your driving license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT also offers an app on mobile that can help you get started with the process of exchanging your American drivers license for an Portuguese one.
You can also use the My Driving License platform to report the loss or theft of your driving license. If you've lost or taken your license, you'll have to give it back to the IMT. You will be issued a replacement after you've submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
Once you have uploaded all the required documents and you have received an email from the IMT to confirm that they have received your application. secret info will process your application within a few weeks or days. Once they have processed it they will inform you of the outcome via email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, you will be given an official document that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will send you a new Portuguese driving license by post.
It's best to schedule an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. If you don't have an appointment, you may need to wait a while to be viewed. Bring your ID card as well as your NIF number.