How to Buy Comprar a carta de condução do IMT 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 to do it.
A medical exam is required to start the process. The good news is that you can apply online and speed up the process.
How to Apply
The process to obtain an IMT driving license involves taking an assortment of theory and practical lessons. These lessons are taught by qualified instructors in government-licensed centres. It takes 28 hours of theory lessons and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The classes are available at various costs, but you can save money by signing up for lessons in a group that cost less than 100 euros.
The next step is the theoretical test. This test can be taken online or in public institutions and takes about 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple choice questions that you have to answer on a computer. The questions are based on the syllabus you were taught in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you need to answer correctly 27 questions.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to pass the practical test. You can take this test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The exam costs EUR30, and the IMT will provide you with temporary driving license to use while waiting for your new license.
You must possess a valid passport, residence card or medical certificate as well as an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize documents for an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's permit for a Portuguese driving license it is necessary to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes") office. It is best to arrive early because the office is usually busy. It is recommended to arrive at least an hour before the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes created an online platform that allows drivers to check their driving license renewal due date. The platform is accessible by both Portuguese and foreign citizens as well as foreign. It also provides information about road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a resident of Portugal it is crucial that you exchange your driving license to a Portuguese one. You could face a significant fine in the event that you don't. It is recommended to start this process as soon as you are able when you have received your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility and transportation that you'll be using your previous licence, since this is an obligation under the law.
The first step is to go to an IMT office with all the necessary documents. Bring your driver's license, proof of residence and residence card, as well as a medical examination. The IMT must authorize a doctor to conduct the medical examination. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license and send it directly to the IMT using their online medical certificate platform.
The next step is the practical driving exam. The test typically lasts between 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied with an instructor, an examiner and a person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a considerable time driving back and forth.
If you are from a country that does not have a bilateral agreement with Portugal, you will need to present the translation of your driver's license. This must be done either by the issuing entity or the consular service. It should include categories that were obtained through an examination as well as those that were obtained via the process of equivalence. In addition, you'll need an assessment of psychological quality which has to be signed by an authorized psychologist.
You must also submit a certified copy of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. You can find a list of state authorities that are designated to perform this service here. This document is vital to the process of obtaining a driving license and can take up to a month to get from the U.S. This process can take even longer if there is no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Additionally, you must be aware that the IMT is usually understaffed and therefore the processing time may be long.
Fees
It can be costly to obtain your first driving license. The driving classes aren't cost-free, and the practical test can cost up to EUR250. It is crucial to begin the process as fast as you can to get your new license before the deadline. You could be charged a late fee if you fail to submit your application on time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that will 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 who want to reduce time. The service is available to all drivers who have an electronic mobile key or a citizen card. It allows them to save 10% on the cost they would have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which is adorned with a an updated design and is valid for 6 months and can be verified by reading the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can file an application for the exchange of your driving license. You must provide the IMT with a record of driving history. This can be obtained through the government or an individual driving school. The embassy will help you get this document. However, you need to ensure that the apostille appears on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you are a resident of Portugal, and a citizen of the EU or EEA You will have to exchange your driving licence for one of a Portuguese license within two years of having moved to Portugal. You will need to provide the lost title certificate from the country of origin together with your driving licence. The embassy can help you with this by legalising the document.
The test is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that last approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you must be able to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are the same as those on the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, with an instructor and a second candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for an extended time if you wish to exchange your license. You may also have to submit additional documents based on the country you are from. 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 called "My Driving License" that lets you examine the status of your driving 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 from Portugal.
You can also report the loss or theft of your license by using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or stolen your driving license, you must hand it over to the IMT. After you submit the psychotechnical verification and you will receive a new driving licence.
Once you have uploaded all the required documents and you have received an email from the IMT informing you that they have received your application. It could take a few days or weeks for them to review your application. Once they have processed your application, you will be informed of the outcome via email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted and you are not accepted, you will receive the paper that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will send you a new Portuguese driving license via postal mail.
If you are arriving in Portugal it is recommended to make an appointment with the IMT. If you don't have an appointment, you may need to wait a while to be viewed. It is recommended to bring your ID card and NIF number when you visit.