Buy the IMT Driving License Online
The best thing to do when you are planning to transfer your driving license in Portugal is to begin the process as quickly as you receive your residency card. This will help you save time and effort in the long run.
You'll have to fulfill certain requirements, like courses and a medical examination. However, don't worry about it that the medical exam is not as difficult as it seems.
Requirements
If you are planning to move to Portugal it is essential to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Portuguese driving license as soon as possible. You will be able to get an authentic driving license in the event of your car is lost or stolen. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is straightforward however a few papers are required. These include a medical exam and the translation of your foreign driving license. You can hire an expert translator from lingoking to help you with this job.
You will also have to pass an exam on driving theory and complete a practical lesson. These lessons are conducted in government-licensed driving centers. On the IMT's website, you can find a complete list of these driving centers. The test for theory costs 30 euros and the driving test in practice costs an additional 40 euros. You may be required to take an exam specifically designed for vehicles like buses and other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT website contains information on how you can exchange your foreign driving licence in Portugal. It is important to verify 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 passport or identification card. It will also require a certified copy of your driving record. You can get an official copy from your state of residence, or from a public notary. The notary will charge the cost of his service.
Fees
As as of today, the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) has launched a new online service that lets citizens to obtain a driving license certificate. To access the service, drivers need to have their citizenship card or digital mobile key, and be able to access the IMT's 'My Driving License' portal. Once they have registered, the license can be issued in Portuguese or English. It is valid for six month. The authenticity of the certificate can be confirmed by scanning the QR code or entering the verification code.
Wait for IMT to notify you that you are able to go to their desk to sign up your application and submit biometric data. You will also be required to pay a fee for your exam that IMT will inform you of at a later date.
It is important to keep in mind that the process may take some time, particularly because the US does not have a system that automatically exchanges documents like driver's licenses with Portugal. It may take IMT some time to review and return your documentation once you have submitted it.
Make sure to label the documents you send to IMT with your name and contact details. You should also scan all documents before sending to ensure that you are able to find them easily in the event of need. If you have several relatives applying for the license, make sure to label each document with a different name to avoid any confusion. This will save you time and avoid delays.
Timeframe
If you arrive in Portugal with a valid driving license issued by a country which is a signatory of the international road transport convention, you may exchange it within 60 days to obtain the Portuguese driver's licence. You can exchange your license online or at a IMT desk. To complete Comprar carta de condução da categoria A will need to show the proof of identity along with the completed Modelo 10 IMT form. In addition, you must sign up on the IMT website using your taxpayer number and password.
The fees for those who exchange their licenses will be higher. If you hold a US driving license, for instance you will have to get an abstract from the authorities of your state as well as an official doctor's certificate confirming that you are legally able to drive. The medical exam will be carried out by a doctor who will ask you some general health questions and then give you a brief neurological test.
The entire process is time-consuming, but it's worth it in the end. It's recommended to get your license as soon as you can before it is lost or stolen.
If you are submitting an application for a license, be sure to save and scan all documents separately. It is best to use different names for each file as much as you can to avoid confusion. IMT will send you an email confirmation after you've submitted your application. It will notify you of your status of your application. You'll also be notified of an appointment at the IMT office to take your practical driving test.
Practical lessons
The driving lessons take place in licensed government-approved centers and are overseen by qualified instructors. The learning time is between 28 and 32 hours. Before you can sit for an exam, you need to complete both the theoretical and practical classes. The test will be conducted at the same location as you completed your theory exam. Therefore, you should be familiar with this environment. The test is comprised of 30 questions and you are not allowed to make more than three mistakes. The questions are based on the syllabus that you learned in your preparation classes. The tests are not administered online, however you can download the syllabus and practice the questions on several websites.
You can also choose to take the test at a private institute however it is subject to the availability of dates and professionals. Additionally, you'll need to pay the fee of EUR30 and present a medical certificate stating that you're able to drive. Renewals may also require an eye test. After passing the test you'll receive your certificate via mail.
On the website of the IMT, you will also find a listing of centres that are certified. It is important to check whether the centre has a trained instructor. Don't hesitate to ask for another instructor if you are unhappy with the instructor's professionalism. The instructor will assist you to pass the practical driving test by guiding you on how to maneuver the car and navigate traffic. It is also necessary to know the code of highways in Portugal and the road signs. The cost of driving lessons in Portugal varies from center to center. It is recommended to visit the IMT website and compare prices to find the best deal.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport offers both practical and theory-based driving classes. The IMT can only issue a driver's license after passing both a theoretical and practical exam. It is also required to get a certificate of a positive psychological assessment. The test for theoretical knowledge, also known as the "exame of codigo" comprises 30 questions to which you must answer correctly in 35 minutes. It is offered at IMT or in private examination centers. If you are an international student you can request the IMT to translate your questions into English.
The driving test, also known as the "exame of velocidade" is between 40 and 50 minutes. The test is the driving test in an urban area. You will be evaluated both by the examiner as well as the instructor. If you pass the test then the IMT will issue you a certificate by mail.
You must have completed at a minimum 28 theory classes, and 16 practical classes in order to be eligible for the theoretical and practical exam. You can take the theoretical exam prior to completing the required number practical classes. You'll have to pay for the practical classes separately.
If you don't have the money to purchase a car or lease one, you can get one through a driving school. This will allow you to test your driving skills without having to worry about the cost of purchasing an entirely new vehicle. Be sure to investigate the different schools in your area to determine the best one for you. Verify the insurance policy of the vehicle you are planning to rent prior to making your reservation. If you don't have proper insurance, your rental company could decline your claim.