How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport suggests that you change your license prior to it being lost or stolen if moving to Portugal from an EU member state. Here's how you can do it.
The process involves a medical exam. The good news is that you can request it online and save time.
How do you apply
The process to obtain an IMT driving license involves taking a series of theory and practical lessons. These lessons are taught by qualified instructors at government-licensed centers. The course consists of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. The classes are offered at different prices, but you can save money by signing up for classes in groups that cost less than EUR100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This test is offered on the internet and at public institutions, and it is about 30 minutes long. The exam is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that you need to answer with the computer. The questions are based off the syllabus you learned in your preparatory classes. To pass the test, you must complete 27 questions correctly.
After passing the theory test and passed the theory test, you will need to take a practical test. You can take this test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The test costs EUR30, and the IMT offers you a temporary driving licence until you get your license.
You need to have a valid passport, residency card or medical certificate and an attestation from the country of birth. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize your documents for a fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's license for an Portuguese driving license, you will need to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes") office. It is recommended to arrive early because the office is usually very crowded. You should arrive at least an hour prior to the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that lets drivers check when their driving license is due for renewal. The platform can be used by both Portuguese and foreign citizens. It also provides information on road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a resident in Portugal, it's essential to exchange your driving licence to one in Portuguese one as soon as possible. You could be fined heavily in the event of not doing so. The process is generally complicated, so it's recommended to start as when you have your residence permit. It's also important to inform the institute of mobility that you'll be using your previous license, as it is required by law.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the necessary documents. You should bring your driver's license as well as proof of address, a residence card, and a medical examination. The medical exam must be conducted by a physician registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a specific certificate to your license and 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 usually lasts 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by an instructor, an examiner, and another person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a considerable time driving back and back.
If you're a citizen of a country without a bilateral agreement then you'll have to provide a certified translation. This is required either by the issuing entity or the consular service. It should include the categories that were derived through a test and those that were acquired through equivalence. You'll also require a psychotherapy evaluation certificate, which must be drafted by psychologist.
It is also necessary to submit a certified copy of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here is the list of state authorities who are authorized to perform this service. This document is vital to the driving licence process and it could take a month for the U.S. to send it. Additionally, the process could be extended in the event that the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. Also, take into account that the IMT is usually understaffed and therefore the processing time may be long.
Fees
It can be expensive to obtain your first driving license. The cost of driving lessons and the test on the road can be up to EUR250. It is nevertheless important to start the process as soon as possible to ensure that you receive your new licence before the deadline. If you don't, you might have to pay a fine for late submission of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that lets citizens to get the certificate. This new service is a fantastic alternative to going to IMT offices and is ideal for those who want to save time. The service is accessible to all drivers who possess the digital mobile key or citizen card. It lets them save 10% off the amount they'd have incurred at IMT offices. The certificate, which has a new design and is valid for 6 months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have all your documents in order, you are able to submit the request for the exchange of a driving license. The IMT demands that you submit a record of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government, or from a private driving instructor. The embassy will help you obtain this document. However, you must 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 to Portugal. Along with your driving licence you will have to present a lost title document from your country. The embassy can help you in this process by certifying the 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 the same as the ones in preparation classes. The test is conducted in the car, with an instructor and a second candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for an extended time if you want to exchange your licence. You may also need to submit additional documents based on your country of origin. If you're not sure what documents you need, it is best to check the official website of the IMT.
Comprar carta de condução da categoria C has launched a new service dubbed "My Driving License." This platform online allows you to view the status of your driving licence and to determine when it's time for you to renew. The IMT provides a mobile app that can help you begin the process of converting your American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also report the loss or theft of your licence using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or taken your license, you'll need to surrender it to the IMT. You will receive a replacement after you've submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
Once you have uploaded all of your required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT confirming that they have received your application. The IMT will review your application within a few weeks or days. Once they have processed your application you will be informed of the outcome via either email or telephone. If your driver's license is not accepted, a new document will be issued to permit you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will mail you a new Portuguese driving license via postal mail.
It is best to schedule an appointment at the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. You might have to wait for a while if do not make an appointment. It's important to bring your ID card and NIF number when you go.