Buy the IMT Driving License Online
If you are planning to exchange your driving license in Portugal the best thing you can do is start the process when you receive your residency card. This will save you time and effort in the end.
You'll need to meet certain requirements, such as classes and a medical exam. But don't fret - the medical exam is not as complicated as it may seem.
Requirements
If you are planning to relocate to Portugal it is essential to exchange your current driving license for a Portuguese one as soon as you can. This will ensure that you have an official driver's license should your car is stolen or lost. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is relatively straightforward, however you will have to bring a variety of documents along with you. This includes a medical exam and a translation of your driving licence from abroad. You can employ an expert translator to assist you.
You'll also have to pass a theory test and take a practical driving course. These lessons are provided in driving schools that are certified by the government. On the IMT's website, you can find a complete listing of these driving centers. The theory test will cost 30 euros, while the practical driving test will be an additional 40 euros. You may have to pass a test for vehicles that are specially designed such as buses, or other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT's website has information on how to exchange an international driving license to Portugal. There are different rules for each country, so it's important to check the IMT's website prior move. For example, expats from the United States must submit a certificate of the equivalent of their home state.
The IMT will require your passport or identification card before they will allow you to exchange your driving license. It will also require a certified copy your driving record. You can get a certified copy of your driving record from your state of residence or from a notary public. The notary will charge the cost of his service.
Fees
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has today launched a brand new online service that allows citizens to get their driving license. To avail the service, drivers have to have their citizenship card or mobile key and log into the My Driving License website. Once registered, the certificate is issued in Portuguese or English. It is valid for a period of six months. The authenticity of the certificate is verified either by scanning the QR Code or entering the verification codes.
Wait for IMT to inform you that you may go to their office to sign up your application and provide biometric information. IMT will notify you whether there is a cost.
Note that the process can take some time, particularly since the US does not have an automated system to exchange documents like driver's licenses with Portugal. It may take IMT a few weeks to examine and return your documents once you have submitted it.
Be sure that the documents you send to IMT are clearly labeled with your name and address. It is also recommended to scan all documents before sending so that you can find them easily in the event of need. If you have multiple relatives applying for the license, make sure to label each document with a unique name to avoid any confusion. This will help save time and avoid delays.
Timeframe
If you arrive in Portugal with an official driving license issued by a nation that is a signatory of the international road transport convention, you are able to exchange it within 60 days to obtain the Portuguese driver's licence. You can exchange your license online or at an IMT desk. You must also bring the Modelo 10 IMT completed form along with a proof of identity. You also need to sign up on the IMT site using your taxpayer number as well as a password.
The costs for those who switch their licenses will be more. If you hold an US driving license, for instance, you will be required to obtain an abstract from the state authorities as well as an official doctor's certificate confirming that you are legally able to drive. A doctor will conduct the medical exam. He will ask you questions about your general health and perform a summary neurologic test.
The entire process can be long, but it's well worth it in the end. It's important to get your license as soon as possible before it is lost or stolen.
When submitting your application for a license, make sure that all documents you submit are scanned and saved as separate files. You should use different names for each document If you can, to avoid confusion. After you've submitted your application, you will receive an email from IMT to inform you of the status of your request. You'll also receive an appointment at the IMT office to take your practical driving exam.
Practical lessons
The driving lessons are offered in centers that are licensed by the government and are taught by certified instructors. The duration of the learning is between 28 and 32 hours. Before you can take an exam, you must complete both theory and practical classes. The exam is held at the same location where you took the theory test, so you must be familiar with the setting by now. The test is 30 questions long and you're allowed to make up to three mistakes. The questions are based off the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. The exams aren't online, but there are a variety of websites where you can download the syllabus.
You may also opt to take the test at a private institute, but it is subject to the availability of dates and professional. You'll also need to pay EUR30 and submit a medical certification stating your fitness to drive. In addition, renewals could require an eye test. You'll receive your license in the mail after passing the exam.
On the website of the IMT, you will also find a list of centers that are certified. It is crucial to ensure that the centre has an instructor who is qualified. If you're not happy with the performance of the instructor, don't hesitate to ask for a new one. The instructor will show you how to drive your vehicle and control traffic. You will also need to know the highway code in Portugal and the road signs. The cost of driving lessons in Portugal varies from center to center. Compare Comprar a carta de condução do IMT on the IMT website to get the most affordable price.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) offers theoretical and practical driving courses. It is possible to get a driver's license through the IMT only after passing a theoretical as well as practical test. It is also necessary to obtain a certification of a favorable psychological evaluation. The test for theoretical knowledge, also known as the "exame of codigo" is comprised of 30 questions which you must correctly answer in 35 minutes. The theoretical exam is offered through IMT or through private testing centers. If you are an international student you can ask the IMT to translate your questions into English.
The practical driving test or "exame of velocidade" is between 40 and 50 minutes. The test involves a drive through an urban area. You will be evaluated by the examiner and the instructor. If you pass the test, the IMT will issue a certificate to you via email.
You must have completed at least 28 of your theoretical classes and 16 practical classes in order to be qualified for the practical and theoretical test. You may choose to take your exam in the theory section prior to taking the required number of practical classes. You will need to pay for the practical classes separately.
You can lease a car from an instructor if you do not want to spend the money on a new vehicle. This will allow you to test your driving skills without worrying about the cost of purchasing a new vehicle. Be sure to investigate all the schools in your area and select the most suitable one. If you're thinking of renting a vehicle, be sure to check its insurance policy before making the reservation. If you don't have proper insurance, your rental company may decline your claim.