Buy the IMT Driving License Online
If you are planning to exchange your driving license in 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 long run.
There are a few requirements you need to satisfy, like attending classes and passing taking a medical examination. Be assured that the medical exam isn't as difficult as you think.
Requirements
If you are planning to move to Portugal, it is important to exchange your current driving license for a Portuguese one as soon as possible. This will ensure that you have an official driver's license should your vehicle is stolen or lost. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. Comprar carta de condução da categoria A is quite easy, but you'll need to bring a number of documents with you. This includes a medical examination and the translation of your foreign driving license. You can employ an expert translator to assist you.
You'll also have to pass a theory exam and take practical lessons. These lessons are offered in licensed driving schools by the government. On the website of the IMT, you can find a complete list of these driving centers. The test for theory will cost 30 euros and the practical driving test will cost an additional 40 euros. You may need to take a an exam specifically designed for vehicles like buses and other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT's website has information on how to exchange the foreign driving license to Portugal. It is essential to check the IMT's website prior moving as there are different rules for each 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 require a certified copy of your driving record. You can obtain a certified copy of your driving record from your state of residence or from a notary public. The notary public will charge a fee for their service.
Fees
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched today a new online service that will allow citizens to get their driving license. To access the service, drivers must to have a citizen card or digital mobile key, and be able to access the IMT's My Driving License website. Once registered, the certificate, which includes the latest layout can be issued in either Portuguese or English and is valid for six months. The authenticity of the certificate can be verified by scanning the QR Code or by entering the verification codes.
After you've completed the form, wait for IMT's signal to visit one of their desks to sign your application and provide your biometric information. You'll also have to pay a fee for your exam which IMT will inform you of in the future.
It is important to note that the process could take a while, particularly because the US does not have a system to automatically exchange documents such as driver's licences with Portugal. Once you've submitted your documents, it may take a few weeks for IMT to check the document and return it to you.
Be sure to clearly label the documents that you send to IMT with your name and contact details. It's recommended to scan all the documents before sending them so you can find them if needed. If you are applying for the license for multiple family members, label each document in a different way to avoid confusion. This will speed up the process and avoid delays.
Timeframe
If you have valid driver's licenses issued in a nation which is a member of the international road traffic convention, you can exchange it to a Portuguese one within 60 days after arriving in Portugal. You can do this either via the internet or at an IMT desk. You must also present an IMT Modelo 10 IMT completed form and a proof of identification. You also need to sign up on the IMT site using your taxpayer number and password.
The costs for those who exchange their licenses will be greater. For instance, if you are driving with a US license, you will need to get an abstract from the state authorities and a doctor's certification stating that you are healthy enough to drive. A doctor will conduct the medical examination. He will ask you questions about your general health and perform a summary neurologic test.
The process is lengthy but worth it. It's also a good idea to obtain your license as soon as possible, before it gets lost or stolen.
When you apply for your license, ensure that all the documents you send are scanned and saved as separate files. If possible, you should assign each file a unique name to avoid confusion. IMT will send you a confirmation email once you have submitted your application. This will notify you of your status. You will also be provided with an appointment to take the driving test at IMT.
Practical lessons
The driving lessons are conducted in licensed government-approved centers and are only supervised by qualified instructors. The learning time is between 28 and 32 hours. You must take theory lessons and practical ones, and pass both before you are able to take your test. The test will be conducted at the same location where you completed your theory test. You should therefore already be familiar with this environment. The test is comprised of 30 questions, and you can make no more than three mistakes. The questions are based off the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. The tests are not conducted on the internet, but you can download the syllabus and test the questions on various sites.
You may also select an institution that is private to pass the test, but you should be aware that they are subject to the availability of dates and the qualifications of the experts. You'll also be required to pay EUR30 and provide an official medical certificate proving your ability to drive. Moreover, renewals may require an eyesight test. You'll be issued your license via mail after passing the exam.
On the IMT's website you can also view a listing of centres that are certified. It is important to verify that the centre has an instructor who is competent. Don't hesitate to ask for an alternative instructor if you are unhappy with the instructor's performance. The instructor will help you get through the practical driving test by guiding you in how to drive and handle traffic. You will also need to be aware of the highway code in Portugal and the road signs. The cost of driving classes in Portugal can vary from center to center. Compare prices on the IMT website to find the best price.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) offers theoretical and practical driving courses. It is possible to get an official driver's license from the IMT only after passing a theory and a practical exam. A certificate of favorable psychological assessment is also required. The theory test, also known as "exame of codigo," consists of 30 questions to be answered correctly in 35 minutes. It is available at IMT or in private examination centers. If you are a non-native, you can request the IMT to translate the questions into English for you.
The test for driving practice also known as "exame of velocidade" runs between 40 and 50 minutes. The test consists of the driving test in an urban area. You will be evaluated by the examiner and by the instructor. If you pass the practical exam you will be able to take the exam again. IMT will send you a certificate via mail.
You must have completed at a minimum 28 of your 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'll need to pay for the practical classes.
You can lease a car from an instructor if you don't want to spend the money to purchase a new car. This will let you learn to drive without worrying about the expense of an entirely new vehicle. Make sure to research the different schools in your area to determine the one that is best for you. Verify the insurance policy of the vehicle you're planning to rent prior making your reservation. The rental company might decline your claim if they don't have the proper insurance.