How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport suggests that you change your license before it gets lost or stolen if moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how you can do it.
The procedure involves a medical exam. It is possible to order it online to speed up the process.
How to apply
The process of getting an IMT driving license entails taking a series of theory and practical lessons. These lessons are held at government-licensed centres and taught by certified instructors. It takes 28 hours of theory lessons and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The classes are offered at various prices, however you can save by signing up for a group lesson that costs less than 100 euros.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). The test is available online and at public institutions, and takes about 30 minutes. It is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to complete on the computer. The questions are based on the syllabus that you studied in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you must complete 27 questions correctly.
After passing the theory exam, you must take a test in the practical. This test can be conducted at a private driving school or at the IMT. The test costs $30, and the IMT will provide you with a temporary driving license to use while waiting to get your new licence.
You must possess a valid passport, residence card or medical certificate, as well as an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy can also notarize and authenticate documents for an additional charge.
To exchange your foreign driving licence for the Portuguese one, you have to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). It is best to arrive early because the office is typically packed. If you are able, go one hour before 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 to renew. The platform is available to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information about road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident of Portugal, it's essential to change your driving license to a Portuguese one as soon as you can. Otherwise, you'll be facing massive fines. This process is usually quite formal, so it's best to begin the process as soon as you get your residence permit. It is also important to notify the institute of mobility and transport that you'll be using your previous license, as it is an obligation under the law.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the necessary documents. You must bring your driver's license and proof of address, a residence card, and a medical examination. The medical exam must be administered by a physician who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate that is specific to your license and then send it directly to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
Once you've submitted all of these documents, you'll be able to proceed to the driving test. This test lasts between 40 and 50 minutes. You will be accompanied with an instructor, an examiner, and another person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a long time driving back and back.
If you're from a country that does not have a bilateral agreement, you'll need to provide an official translation. This should be done by the entity that issued it or the consular servisse. It must include the categories derived through an examination as well as those that were derived through the process of equivalence. In addition, you'll need a psychological assessment certificate which has to be signed by a licensed psychologist.
You must 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 crucial to the process of getting a driving licence as it can take a month to get the U.S. to deliver it. The process could take longer if there's no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Additionally, you must consider that the IMT is often understaffed and the processing time can be long.
Fees
It can be expensive to get your first license. Driving classes are not cost-free, and the practical exam can cost you up to EUR250. However, it's crucial to begin the process as soon as you can to ensure you get 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 has launched an online platform that allows citizens to get a certification. The new service is an excellent alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person, and is a great idea for those who wish to save time. The service is accessible to anyone with a citizen card or mobile key and allows drivers to save 10% off the fee that they normally have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which is designed with a a new layout and is valid for a period of six months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have your documents in order, you can submit a request for an exchange of your driving license. The IMT requires that you provide a record of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government or a private driving school. The embassy will 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 resident of Portugal and a citizen of the EU or EEA you will need to exchange your driving licence for one of a Portuguese license within two years after moving here. You must provide a lost title certificate from your country of origin together with your driving license. The embassy can assist you by legalising your document.
The theory test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that last approximately 30 minutes. To pass, Comprar carta de condução da categoria C need to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to those in preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, with an instructor and a candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for a an extended period of time if you want to exchange your licence. You may also have to submit additional documents depending on the country of your origin. If you're unsure what documents you'll require, you can check the IMT website.
The IMT introduces a brand new service dubbed "My Driving License." This platform online lets you check the status of your driver's license and determine when it is time for you to renew. The IMT has a mobile application that can help you begin the process of converting your American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also make use of the My Driving License platform to report your loss or theft of your driving license. If you've lost or taken your license, you'll need to hand it over at the IMT. You will receive a replacement after you have submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email confirmation from the IMT once you have uploaded your documents. It could take several days or weeks for them to process your application. After they have completed your application, you will be informed of the outcome via email or by phone. If Comprar carta de condução da categoria C is not accepted, a document will be issued to permit you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will then send you a new Portuguese driving license by mail.
If you are arriving in Portugal it is recommended to make an appointment with the IMT. It is possible to wait for a long time if you don't schedule an appointment. It is recommended to carry your ID card and NIF number with you when you go.