How to Buy Suggested Reading of Mobility and Transport recommends that you swap your license prior to it being lost or stolen if moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how you can do it.
The process requires a medical exam. The good news is that you can apply online and avoid waiting.
How do you apply
The process of obtaining an IMT driving license requires the following theoretical and practical classes. The lessons are taught at government-licensed centres and taught by qualified instructors. The course is made up of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of hands-on lessons. The classes are offered at different prices, but you can save money by enrolling in a group lesson that costs less than EUR100.
The next step is to take the theory test. The test is available on the internet and at public institutions, and lasts about 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer on the computer. The questions are based on the syllabus you were taught in your preparation classes. You must answer 27 of the questions right to pass the exam.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to take the practical exam. This test can be taken at a private driving school or at the IMT. The exam costs EUR30 and the IMT gives you a temporary driving licence while you wait for your license.
You must possess an authentic passport, residence card or medical certificate as well as an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize your documents for a fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's permit for an Portuguese driving license, you will need to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes") office. The office is usually very busy, so it is advised to start early. You should arrive at least an hour before 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 to renew. The platform is accessible to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information about road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a resident of Portugal it is essential to swap your driving license to a Portuguese one as soon as you can. You could be penalized heavily in the event that you don't. It is best to begin this process as soon as you are able after receiving your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you'll be using your previous license, as it is legally required.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the necessary documents. You should bring your driver's license and proof of address, a residence card and a medical exam. The medical exam must be conducted by a physician who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license. They will forward it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
The next step is the driving test. The test typically lasts 40 to 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by an instructor, the examiner and another person who is taking the test. You'll be asked to drive both ways so be prepared for an extremely long day!
If you're from a nation that doesn't have an agreement bilaterally with Portugal, you will need to present an official translation of your driver's license. This should be performed by the issuing agency or consular servisse. It must include the categories derived through examinations and those that were derived through equivalent means. Additionally, you'll require an assessment of psychological quality, which must be written by an authorized psychologist.
You must also submit an authenticated, certified abstract of your United States driving record. You can find the list of state authorities that are designated to perform this service here. This document is essential to the process of obtaining a driving licence, since it can take a month to get the U.S. to send it. Moreover, this process can be even longer in the event that the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal agreement with the European Union. You should also be aware that the IMT can be understaffed and the processing time can be long.
Fees
It isn't cheap to get your first license. Driving lessons aren't free, and the practical exam can cost up to EUR250. However, it's 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 filing of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that will allow citizens to obtain an IMT certification. This new service is a fantastic alternative to visiting IMT offices and is ideal for those looking to save time. The service is accessible to anyone who has a citizen card or mobile key, and permits drivers to save 10% of the fee that they normally have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which features a new design, is valid for 6 months and can be checked by reading the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can make an application for the exchange of your driving licence. You must provide the IMT with a record of driving history. This can be obtained from the government or a private driving instructor. The embassy can help you obtain this document. But, you must ensure that the apostille appears on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you're a resident of Portugal and are a citizen of the EU or EEA You will have to exchange your driving licence to the Portuguese license within two years after moving here. Along with your driving permit you must provide an unissued title document from your country of origin. The embassy can help you in this process by legalizing the document.
The test for theory comprises 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you must be able to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to those in the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car with an instructor and the candidate.
Timeframe
If you're looking to exchange your driving licence be prepared to wait for a long time. You may also be required to submit additional documents depending on the country of your origin. If you're not sure what documents you need to submit, it is recommended to visit the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service dubbed "My Driving License" which lets you verify the status of your driver's license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT has a mobile application that will help you start the process of exchange your American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also report the theft or loss of your license using the My Driving License platform. If you have lost or stolen your driving licence, you must hand it over to the IMT. After you have submitted the psychotechnical certification you will be issued the new driving license.
Once you have uploaded all your required documents and received all the required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT to confirm that they have received your application. The IMT will process your application within a couple of weeks or days. Once they have processed it and notified you of the results by email or via phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, you will be given the paper that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then mail you a new Portuguese driving license by mail.
If you are arriving in Portugal it is best to schedule an appointment with the IMT. You may have to wait for a while if don't schedule an appointment. Bring your ID card as well as your NIF number.