Buy the IMT Driving License Online
The most effective option to take when you are planning to change your driving license in Portugal is to start the process as soon as you get your residency card. This will save time and effort.
You'll need to meet certain requirements, including courses and a medical examination. However, don't worry about it that the medical exam is not as complicated as it appears.
Requirements
If you plan to move to Portugal it is essential that you exchange your foreign driving license to a Portuguese driving license whenever you can. This will ensure that you have a valid driver's license in case your vehicle is stolen or lost. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is quite simple, but you will have to bring a variety of documents along with you. These include a medical exam and a translation of your foreign driving license. You can employ a professional translator to assist you.
You will also need to pass a test on theory and take a practical driving course. The lessons are offered in driving schools that are certified by the government. You can find a list of these centers on the IMT website. The theory test will cost 30 euros, while the practical driving exam will cost 40 euros. You may have to take a specialized test for vehicles like buses and other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT website contains details on how to change your driving licence from another country in Portugal. It is essential to check the IMT's website prior to moving as there are different rules for each country. Expats from the United States, for example have to present a proof of equivalence from their home state.
Before allowing you to exchange your driving license the IMT will require your identification card or passport. It will also need to see a certified copy of your driving record. You can obtain an official copy of your driving record from your home state or from a notary public. The notary public will charge an amount for their services.
Fees
As of today, the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) has launched an online service that enables citizens to obtain a driving license certificate. To be able to use the service drivers need to have their digital mobile key or citizen card and access IMT's "My Driving License" portal. After registration, the certificate is issued in Portuguese or English. It is valid for six month. Its authenticity can be verified by scanning the QR code or entering the verification code.
Wait for IMT to inform you that you are able to go to their desk to register your application and submit biometric data. IMT will notify you if there is an exam cost.
Be aware that the process may take some time, particularly because the US doesn't have an automated system for exchanging documents like driver's licences with Portugal. It may take IMT a few weeks to examine and return your document after you've submitted it.
Make sure that the documents you send to IMT are clearly labelled with your name and address. It is also recommended to scan all documents before sending so that you can locate them easily if needed. If you have several family members applying for the license, make sure to label each document with a unique name to avoid any confusion. This will save time and will avoid any delays.
Timeframe
If you arrive in Portugal with a valid driving license issued by a country that is a signatory to the international road transport convention, you may exchange it within 60 days to get the Portuguese driver's licence. You can exchange your license online or at an IMT desk. To complete the process you need to present a proof of identity and the completed Modelo 10 IMT form. You must also sign up on the IMT site using your taxpayer number as well as a password.
Those who are exchanging their licenses from non-EU countries will have to pay additional fees. If you hold a US driving license, for instance you will have to obtain an abstract from state authorities and an official doctor's certificate confirming that you can drive. A doctor will conduct the medical exam. He will ask you general health questions and then conduct a brief neurologic test.
Comprar a carta de condução do IMT can be time-consuming, but it's worth it in the end. It's recommended to get your license as soon as possible in order to avoid losing it or stolen.
When you apply for your license, make sure all documents you submit are scanned and saved as separate files. If possible, assign each file a unique name to avoid confusion. Once you've submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation 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 take place in government-licensed centres and are supervised only by qualified instructors. The duration of the learning is between 28 and 32 hours. Before you can sit for a test, you must complete both the theoretical and practical classes. The exam is held in the same place where you took the theory test, so you must be familiar with the environment by now. The exam comprises 30 questions, and you're allowed to make three errors. The questions are based on the syllabus that you studied in your preparation classes. The tests are not conducted on the internet, but you can download the syllabus and test the questions on various websites.
You can also choose an institution that is private to take the exam, but you should remember that these are subject to the availability of dates and experts. Additionally, you'll need to pay the fee of EUR30, and provide the medical evidence that proves you're fit to drive. Additionally, renewals might require a vision test. You'll be issued your license via mail following your passing the exam.
On the IMT's website you can also view a list of centers that have been certified. It is crucial to determine whether the center has a trained instructor. If you're not satisfied with the performance of the instructor, don't hesitate ask for a new one. The instructor will assist you to get through the practical driving test by teaching you how to drive and handle traffic. It is also necessary to know about the highway code as well as the road signs in Portugal. The cost of driving classes in Portugal will vary from centre to center. It is recommended to visit the IMT website and compare prices to get the most affordable price.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport offers both theory and practical driving classes. It is possible to obtain an driver's license through the IMT only after passing a theory and practical test. A valid certificate of psychological assessment is also required. The theoretical test, also known as "exame de codigo," consists of 30 questions that must be answered correctly in 35 minutes. The theoretical exam is offered through IMT or through private testing centers. If you are an international student, you can ask the IMT to translate your questions into English.
The practical driving test or "exame of velocity" is between 40 and 50 minutes. The test is driving through an urban area. You will be evaluated by the instructor, the examiner, and another person who is taking the test. If you pass the exam, the IMT will issue you a certificate by mail.
You must have completed at a minimum 28 theoretical classes, and 16 practical classes to be qualified for the practical and theoretical exam. You may choose to take the theoretical exam prior to finishing the required number of practical classes. You will need to pay for the practical classes separately.
If you don't have the funds to purchase a vehicle You can lease one through a driving school. This allows you to learn to drive without worrying about the cost of an entirely new vehicle. Be sure to investigate the various schools in your area to locate the one that is best for you. If you're planning on renting a car, be sure to check its insurance policy prior to booking it. The rental company may refuse to pay if you don't have the proper insurance.