How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're planning to move to Portugal from another EU country, the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) recommends exchanging your license before you risk it getting lost or stolen. Here's how you can do it.
The process involves a medical exam. It is possible to order it online to speed up the process.
How do you apply
To obtain an IMT license, you'll have to complete a series of theoretical and practical classes. These lessons are held at government-licensed centres and taught by certified instructors. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The classes are offered at various costs, but you can save money by signing up for lessons in a group that cost less than 100 euros.
The next step is the exam in the form of a theory test. The test is available online or in public institutions and lasts around 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer using a computer. The questions are based on the syllabus you were taught in your preparation classes. You must get 27 of the questions right to pass the exam.
After you have passed the theory exam then you are required to take a practical test. Comprar carta de condução da categoria A can take the test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The test costs EUR30, and the IMT gives you a temporary driving licence until you get your licence.
You must have an authentic passport or residence card, a medical certificate, and an attestation of your driving license from your country of origin. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize documents for a fee.
To exchange your driving license from another country for one that is a Portuguese one, you have to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). The office is typically busy, therefore it is recommended that you arrive early. If you can, arrive an hour prior to the opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that lets drivers verify when their driver's license is due for renewal. The platform is available to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information on road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a resident of Portugal, it is essential to exchange your driving license for one that is a Portuguese one. If you don't, you could be subject to severe penalties. This process is usually quite complicated, so it's recommended to start as soon as you receive your residence permit. Also, it's important to notify the institute of mobility and transport that you'll be using your old licence, as this is a legal requirement.
You must go to an IMT with all the necessary documents. Bring your driver's licence and proof of residence, residence card, and an examination for medical reasons. The medical exam must be administered by a physician registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license. Then, they forward it to the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
The next step is the driving test. The test typically lasts 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by a teacher along with the examiner as well as another person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a long time driving back and forth.
If you are from a nation that doesn't have an agreement that is bilateral with Portugal in which case you'll need to submit the translation of your driver's licence. This should be completed by the issuing agency or consular servisse. It must include the categories derived by examination and those that were derived through equivalent means. You'll also require a psychotherapy evaluation certificate, which must be drafted by a psychologist.
You must also submit a certified copy of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here is an official list of the state authorities that are authorized to perform this service. This document is essential to the process of obtaining a driving licence, since it can take a month to get the U.S. to deliver it. The process can take longer if there's no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Comprar carta de condução da categoria C should also be aware that the IMT can be understaffed and the processing time could be long.
Fees
It can be costly to get your first driver's license. Driving lessons aren't free, and the actual exam can cost you up to EUR250. It is crucial to begin the process as soon as you can in order to receive your new license before the deadline. If you don't then, you could be required to pay a penalty for late submission of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport launched an online service to allow citizens to obtain the certification. This new service is a great alternative to visiting IMT offices and is perfect for those who want to save time. The service is available to anyone with a citizen card or mobile key. It allows drivers to save 10% off the fee that they would otherwise have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which has an updated design, is valid for a period of six months and is verified by examining the QR CODE or verification code.
When you have all your documents in order, you can submit a request for the exchange of a driving license. You must provide the IMT with a copy of your driving history. You can get this through the government or an individual driving school. The embassy can assist with the process of getting this document, but you should ensure that the apostille is present on the document before sending it to the IMT.
If you're a resident of Portugal and a citizen of the EU or EEA, you will need to exchange your driving license to a Portuguese license within two years of having moved to Portugal. Along with your driving license, you will need to provide a lost title document from your country of origin. The embassy can assist you by legalising your document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to the ones you will encounter in the preparation classes. The test is taken in the car, with an instructor and another candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for a a long period of time if you wish to exchange your license. Based on the country you reside in you might need to provide additional documents. If you're unsure what documents you'll require, make sure to go to the IMT website.
The IMT is introducing a new service called "My Driving License." This platform online allows you to view the status of your driving license and see when it is time to renew. The IMT also offers an app on mobile that can help you begin the process of changing your American drivers license to 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 licence, you need to hand it over at the IMT. You will receive a replacement after you have 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. The IMT will process your application within a few weeks or days. Once they have processed your application and notified you of the results via email or phone. If your driver's license is not accepted, a certificate will be issued that will allow you drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will send you your new Portuguese driving license via post.
It is best to schedule an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. You might have to wait for a while if don't schedule an appointment. It's recommended to carry your ID card and NIF number when you visit.