Buy the IMT Driving License Online
The best option to take if you plan to change your driving license in Portugal is to start the process as quickly when you receive your residency card. This will help you save time and effort in the long run.
There are a few requirements you need to meet, such as taking classes and an examination for medical reasons. However, don't worry about it - the medical exam is not as invasive as it appears.
Requirements
If you're planning to move to Portugal it is essential to exchange your current driving license to one in the Portuguese one as soon as you can. You will be able to get an authentic driving license in the case that your car is lost or stolen. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is quite straightforward, however you will require a number of documents along with you. This includes a medical exam and a translation of your foreign driving licence. You can hire an expert translator from lingoking to assist you with this job.
You'll also need to pass a test on theory and take practical lessons. The lessons are offered in driving schools that are certified by the government. On the IMT's website you can find a complete listing of these driving schools. The theory test costs 30 euros and the practical driving test costs an additional 40 euros. You may be required to take a special test for vehicles that are specially designed, such as buses, or other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT website has details on how to change your driving licence from another country in Portugal. It's important to check IMT's site before moving because there are different rules for each country. Expats from the United States, for example have to present a proof of equivalence issued by their home state.
The IMT will need to see your identification card or passport before giving you the right to exchange your driving license. It will also require a certified copy your driving record. You can get an official copy of your driving record from your state of residence or from a notary public. The notary public will charge an amount for their services.
Fees
As of today, the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) has launched an online service that allows citizens to obtain a driver's license certificate. To access the service, drivers must have their digital mobile key or citizen card in order to access the IMT's "My Driving License" portal. Once they have registered the certificate, which features a new 'layout', can be issued in either Portuguese or English and is valid for a period of six months. Its authenticity can be verified by scanning the QR code or entering the verification code.
After you've completed the form, wait for the IMT's signal to visit one of their desks to sign your application and submit your biometric data. IMT will let you know whether there is a cost.
It is important to remember that the process can take some time, particularly because the US has no system to automatically exchange documents such as driver's licenses with Portugal. It may take IMT several weeks to review and return your documentation once you have submitted it.
Make sure that the documents you send to IMT are clearly labelled with your name and address. It's also a good idea to scan all documents before you send them to ensure that you can locate them should you require them. If you have multiple family members who are applying for the license, be sure to label each document with a different name to avoid any confusion. This will help save time and prevent any potential delays.
Timeframe
If you possess a valid driver's license issued in a country which is a member of the international road traffic convention, you can exchange it to a Portuguese one within 60 days after arriving in Portugal. You can exchange your license online or at an IMT desk. To complete the process you need to present an identity proof and an completed Modelo 10 IMT form. You also need to sign up on the IMT site with your taxpayer number and password.
Those who are exchanging their licenses from non-EU countries must pay additional fees. If you hold a US driving license, for example you will need to obtain an abstract from the state authorities as well as an official doctor's certificate confirming that you are able to drive. The medical exam will be carried out by a doctor who will ask you a few general health questions and then give you a brief neurological test.
The whole process can be long, but it's well worth it in the end. It's also a good idea to get your license as soon as you can before it is lost or stolen.
When submitting your application for a license, ensure that all the documents you send are scanned and saved as separate files. If possible, you should give each file a different name to avoid confusion. Once you've completed your application, you'll receive an email confirmation from IMT advising you of the status of your application. You'll also be notified of an appointment at the IMT office to take your practical driving exam.
Practical lessons
The driving lessons are taught in government-licensed centers and are supervised by qualified instructors. The learning time is between 28 and 32 hrs. Before you can book an exam, you need to complete both the theoretical and practical lessons. The exam will be held in the same place where you took your theory test. You should therefore already be familiar with the environment. The exam consists of 30 questions, and you can make no more than three mistakes. The questions are based on the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. The tests are not administered online, however you can download the syllabus and practice the questions on several sites.
You can also take the test at a private institute however this is subject to availability of dates and professional. You'll also need to pay EUR30 and present an official medical certificate proving your ability to drive. Renewals can also require an eye test. After passing the test you'll be issued your license by mail.
You can also find a list of accredited centres on the IMT website. It is essential to confirm that the center has an instructor who is certified. If you are not satisfied with the caliber of the instructor, don't hesitate request a new one. The instructor will teach you how to drive your car and manage traffic. You will also need to be aware of the highway code in Portugal and the road signs. The cost of driving lessons in Portugal differs from center to center. It is recommended to visit the IMT website and compare prices to find the best deal.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) offers theory and practical driving classes. It is possible to get an driver's license through the IMT only after passing a theoretical and practical test. It is also necessary to get a certificate of a positive psychological assessment. The theoretical test, also known as "exame of codigo," consists of 30 questions to be correctly answered in 35 minutes. It can be found at IMT or in private examination centers. If you're a foreigner you can ask the IMT to translate the questions into English for you.
The driving test that is practical called the "exame de velocidade" lasts 40 to 50 minutes. It is a test drive through a city road. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT will be evaluated both by the examiner and the instructor. If you pass the exam then the IMT will issue you a certificate by mail.
To be able to pass the theoretical and practical exams you must take at least 28 theoretical classes and 16 practical classes. You can also choose to have your theoretical exam prior to completing the prescribed number of practical classes. You'll have to pay separately for the practical classes.
If you don't have enough money to buy a car You can lease one from a driving academy. You can practice your driving without worrying about the expense of a new car. Be sure to investigate the different schools in your area to determine the best one for you. Check the insurance policy of the car you are planning to rent prior to booking. If you don't have appropriate insurance, the rental company may refuse to honor your claim.