How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're planning to move to Portugal from another EU country The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) recommends exchanging your license prior to the risk of it getting lost or stolen. Here's how to do it.
The process requires the taking of a medical exam. The good news is that you can request it online and speed up the process.
How to apply
The process of obtaining an IMT driving license entails taking the following practical and theory-based lessons. These lessons are taught by certified instructors at government-licensed centers. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The cost of these lessons is different however, you can save money by joining an agency that offers classes in groups for less than EUR100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This test can be taken on the internet or at public institutions and lasts around 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer with computers. The questions are based off the syllabus you were taught in your preparatory classes. You must answer 27 of the questions right to pass the test.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to pass the practical test. You can take this test at private driving schools or at the IMT office. The test costs EUR30 and the IMT offers you temporary driving license 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 documents at cost.
To exchange your foreign driving licence for one that is a Portuguese one, you need to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes"). The office is usually very busy, and it is advised to arrive early. If you are able, be there an hour before opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that allows drivers to determine when their license is due for renewal. The platform is available to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information on road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal, it's essential to change your driving license for a Portuguese one as soon as you can. Otherwise, you'll be facing severe penalties. It is recommended to start this process as soon as you can when you have received your residence permit. It is also important to notify the institute of mobility and transportation that you'll be using your old license, as it is a legal requirement.
You must go to an IMT with all the necessary documents. Bring your driver's licence, proof of residence and residence card, as well as an examination for medical reasons. The IMT must register a physician to conduct the medical exam. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license and send it directly to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
You will then be able to take the practical driving exam. The test takes between 40 and 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by an instructor, an examiner, and a person who is taking the test. You'll be required to drive from and back, so be prepared for an extended day!
If you're from a nation without a bilateral agreement, you'll need to provide an official translation. This can be done by the issuing organization or the consular service. It should contain the categories that were obtained through a test and those that were acquired via equivalence. In addition, you'll need a psychological assessment certificate which has to be signed by an authorized psychologist.
You will also need to provide an authenticated and certified abstract of your United States driving record. You can find the list of states who are authorized to provide this service here. This document is essential to the process of getting a driving licence, since it can take a month for the U.S. to deliver it. Additionally, the process could be longer if the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal agreement with the European Union. Also, you should consider that the IMT could be understaffed and the processing time may be long.
Comprar a carta de condução do IMT isn't cheap to obtain your first driving license. The cost of the driving lessons and the practical test could be up to EUR250. It is essential to start the process as quickly as you can in order to get your new driving license before the deadline. You could be penalized for late payment for not submitting your application by the deadline.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport launched an online service to allow citizens to obtain a certification. The new service is an excellent alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person, and is a good idea for those looking to reduce time. The service is open to all drivers with the digital mobile key or a citizen card. It allows them to save 10% on the cost they would have incurred at IMT offices. The certificate, which has new design, is valid for a period of six months and is verified by examining the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have all your documents in order, you can submit a request for the exchange of a driving license. The IMT demands that you submit an account of your driving record. You can get this through the government or an individual driving school. The embassy can assist you to 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 are a citizen of the EU or EEA, you will need to exchange your driving licence for a Portuguese license within two years of moving to Portugal. You will need to provide a lost title certificate from the country of origin, together with your driving licence. The embassy will assist you with legalizing your document.
The test is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. You must get at least 27 correct answers to pass. The questions are identical to those in preparation classes. The test is conducted in a vehicle with an instructor and an applicant.
Timeframe
If you're looking to transfer your driving licence, be prepared to wait a long time. You may also need to provide additional documents based on the country you are from. If you aren't sure what documents you need to submit, it is recommended to visit the official website of the IMT.
The IMT introduces a brand new service dubbed "My Driving License." This online platform allows you to check the status of your driving license and determine when it is time to renew it. The IMT also offers a mobile app that helps you get started with the process of exchanging your American drivers license for one in Portugal. Portuguese one.
You can also report the loss or theft of your licence using the My Driving License platform. If you have lost or stolen your driving license, you must hand it over to the IMT. You will receive a replacement after you've submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email confirmation from the IMT after you've uploaded your documents. The IMT will process your application within a couple of weeks or days. Once they have processed your application you will be informed of the results by email or by phone. If your driver's license is not accepted, a document will be issued that will permit you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will then send you a new Portuguese driving licence by post.
It is recommended to make an appointment with the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. It is possible to wait for a long time if you do not make an appointment. It's important to bring your ID card along with your NIF number when you visit.