How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you exchange your license before it is lost or stolen if you are moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how to do it.
A medical exam is required to begin the process. Here's the good news - you can apply online and speed up the process.
How to Apply
To get an IMT license, you'll need to take a series in theory and practical courses. The lessons are taught in government-licensed centers 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 available at various costs, but you can save by signing up for lessons in a group that cost less than $100.
The next step is to take the theory test. The test is available on the internet or at public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple choice questions to answer on a computer. The questions are based off the syllabus you were taught in your preparatory classes. You must get 27 correct answers to pass the test.
After passing the theory test, you will need to pass the practical test. You can take the test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The exam costs EUR30 and the IMT provides you with a temporary driving licence until you get your licence.
You must carry an original passport or residence card, medical certificate, and an attestation of your driving license from your country of origin. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize documents at cost.
To exchange your foreign driving licence for the Portuguese one, you have to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes"). It is best to arrive early as the office is typically crowded. If possible, you should arrive an hour prior to the opening time.
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 is accessible by both Portuguese and foreign citizens as well as foreign. It also provides information on road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal it is crucial that you exchange your driving license for a Portuguese one. You could be penalized heavily in the event that you don't. It is recommended to begin this process as soon as you are able when you have received your residence permit. It is also important to inform the institute of mobility and transport that you'll be using the old licence, as this is legally required.
You must go to an IMT with all the necessary documents. You must bring your driver's license and proof of address, a residence card and a medical exam. The medical exam must be administered by a physician registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a specific certificate to your license, and then send it directly to the IMT using their online medical certificate platform.
You will then be able to take the driving test. This test lasts between 40 and 50 minutes. You will be accompanied with an instructor, an examiner, and a person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a lot of time driving back and back.
If you're from a country that doesn't have an agreement that is bilateral with Portugal You will have to submit a certified translation of your driver's licence. This can be done by the entity that issued the license, or by the consular service. It should include the categories that were determined through a test and those that were acquired through equivalence. In addition, you'll need a psychological assessment certificate which has to be signed by an authorized psychologist.
It is also necessary to submit a certified copy of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here is a list with state authorities that are authorized to perform this service. This document is essential to the process of getting a driving licence, since it can take up to a month for the U.S. to mail it. The process could take longer if there is no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Additionally, you must consider that the IMT is often in need of staff and therefore the processing time can be lengthy.
Fees
It can be expensive to get your first driver's license. The cost of driving lessons and the test on the road can be as high as EUR250. It is important to begin the process as soon as you can to receive your new license before the deadline. You could be penalized for late payment for not submitting your application on time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport launched an online service to allow citizens to obtain the certification. The new service is a great alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a great option for those who want to cut down on time. The service is accessible to anyone with a Citizen card or mobile key, and permits drivers to save 10% off the fee that they would otherwise have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which features an updated design, is valid for a period of six months and is verified by examining the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have your documents in order you can submit an application for an exchange of your driving licence. The IMT demands that you submit an account of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government or from a private driving instructor. The embassy can assist you in getting this document, but you must ensure that the apostille is present on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country you have to change your driving license to one in Portugal. Portuguese one within two years of acquiring residency in the country. Along with your driving licence you must bring a lost title document from your country of origin. The embassy will help you in obtaining a legalisation of your document.
The theory test consists of 30 multiple-choice tests and lasts around 30 minutes. You must answer at least 27 questions right to pass. The questions are the same as those in preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, accompanied by an instructor and a candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
If you're planning to exchange your driving license be prepared for for a long time. Depending on the country in which you reside you might need to provide additional documents. If you are unsure of what documents you need, it is best to check the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service called "My Driving License" that lets you check your driving license status and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT has a mobile application that will help you start the process of exchanging an American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also report the theft or loss of your license by using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost your license, you'll need to hand it over at the IMT. After Comprar a carta de condução do IMT have submitted the psychotechnical verification and you will receive the new driving license.
You will receive an email from the IMT after you have uploaded your documents. It may take a few days or weeks for them to complete your application. Once they have processed your application, they will notify you of the results by email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, a document will be issued to permit you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will send you your new Portuguese driving license via post.
It's best to schedule an appointment with the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. You might have to wait for a long time if you don't schedule an appointment. It is recommended to bring your ID card and NIF number with you when you go.