How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you exchange your license before it gets lost or stolen if moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how to do it.
The process involves a medical exam. Here's the good news - you can request it online and avoid waiting.
How to Apply
To get an IMT license, you'll have to complete a series of in theory and practical courses. These lessons are taken in government-licensed centers and taught by experienced instructors. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The classes are offered at various prices, however you can save money by signing up for classes in groups that cost less than $100.
The next step is to take the test in theory (exame de codigo). This exam is available online and at public institutions and takes about 30 minutes. The exam is comprised of 30 multiple choice questions that you have to solve using a computer. The questions are based off the syllabus you were taught during your preparation classes. You must get 27 of the questions right to pass the exam.
After you have passed the theory test then you are required to take a practical exam. You can take the test at private driving schools or at the IMT office. The test costs EUR30 and the IMT offers you a temporary driving licence until you get your license.
You must possess an authentic passport, residence card or medical certificate and an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize documents for an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's permit to the Portuguese driving license it is necessary go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes") office. The office is usually very busy, so it is recommended to go early. If you are able, be there an hour before opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that lets drivers check when their driving license is due to renew. 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 resident of Portugal it is essential to exchange your driving licence to a Portuguese one as soon as you can. Otherwise, you could face heavy penalties. This process is usually quite bureaucratic, so it's best to begin the process as soon as you get your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you will be using your previous license, since this is required by law.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the required documents. You should bring your driver's license as well as proof of address, residence card, and medical exam. The medical exam must be administered by a physician registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certification specific to your license and send it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
Once you've submitted all of these documents, you can proceed to the practical driving test. The test typically lasts between 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by an instructor as well as the examiner and another person who is 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 an agreement bilaterally with Portugal You will have to provide a certified translation of your driver's licence. This is required either by the issuing organization, or by the consular service. It should contain the categories that were obtained through examination and those obtained via equivalence. In addition, you'll require an assessment certificate for psychological testing which has to be signed by an authorized psychologist.
You should also submit a certified abstract of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. You can find a list of state authorities who are authorized to provide this service here. This document is vital to the process of getting a driving licence and it could take a month to get the U.S. to send it. Additionally, the process could be even longer in the event that the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. Also, you should consider that the IMT may be insufficiently staffed, and the processing time can be long.
Fees
Getting your first driver's license can be expensive. The cost of the driving lessons and the practical test can be up to EUR250. However, it's essential to begin the process as soon as possible to ensure you get your new driving license before the deadline. You could be charged a late fee for not submitting your application by the deadline.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online platform to allow citizens to obtain a certification. This new service is an excellent alternative to going to IMT offices and is perfect for those who want to cut down on time. The service is accessible to all drivers with an electronic mobile key or a citizen card. It allows them to save 10% off the cost they would have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which is adorned with a an updated design is valid for six months and can be checked by reading the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can file an application for the exchange of driving license. The IMT requires that you provide an account of your driving record. This can be obtained from the government or a private driving instructor. The embassy can help you obtain this document. However, you need to ensure that the apostille appears on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country you have to change your driving license to one in Portugal. Portuguese one within two years after establishing residence in the country. Along with your driving license you will have to provide the lost title document from your country. The embassy will help you by legalising your document.
The theory test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that last around 30 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to those on the preparation classes. Comprar carta de condução da categoria C is conducted in a vehicle with an instructor and the candidate.
Timeframe
If you're looking to transfer your driving licence, be prepared to wait for a long time. Depending on your country you might need to submit other documents. If you're unsure what documents you'll need, you should check the IMT website.
The IMT is introducing a new service called "My Driving License." This online platform lets you check the status of your driving licence and to determine when it's time to renew it. The IMT has a mobile application which will assist you in the process of exchange 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 driving license You must hand it over to the IMT. You will be issued a replacement after you've submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
Once you have uploaded all the required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT confirming that they have received your application. It will take some days or weeks for them to review your application. After they have completed your application, you will be informed of the results via either email or telephone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, a document will be issued that will allow you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will then send your new Portuguese driving license via post.
It is best to schedule an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. You may have to wait for a while if don't make an appointment. Bring your ID card and your NIF number.