How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you exchange your license before it gets lost or stolen if you're moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how you can do it.
The process involves the taking of a medical exam. The good news is that you can apply online and speed up the process.
How to Apply
To get an IMT license, you will be required to attend a series of in theory and practical courses. The lessons are taught in government-licensed centers and taught by experienced instructors. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The cost of these classes is different, but you can save money by signing up with an agency that offers group lessons for less than EUR100.
The next step is to take the exam in the form of a theory test. This test can be taken online or in public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that you must complete on your computer. The questions are in line with the syllabus you were taught in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you need to answer correctly 27 questions.
Once you have passed the theory test then you are required to take a test in the practical. You can take this test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The exam costs EUR30 and the IMT gives you temporary driving licences until you get your licence.
You must have a valid passport, residency card or medical certificate and an attestation from the country of birth. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize your documents for a fee.
To exchange your driving license from another country to one that is a Portuguese one, you have to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). The office is usually busy, so it is recommended to arrive early. It is recommended to arrive at least an hour before the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes launched an online platform to allow drivers to check their driving license renewal date. 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 resident in Portugal it is crucial to exchange your driving licence for one in Portuguese one as soon as you can. You could be fined heavily in the event that you don't. It is best to start this process as soon as you can after you receive your residence permit. It is also important to inform the institute of mobility and transportation that you'll be using the old license, as it is a legal requirement.
You must visit an IMT with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license, proof of residence, residence card, and a medical examination. The IMT must register a physician to conduct the medical exam. The doctor will then issue a certificate that's specific to your license. Then, they forward it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
After you've completed all these documents, you can take the driving test. The test typically lasts between 40 to 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by a teacher along with the examiner as well as another person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a lot of time driving back and forth.
If you're a citizen of a country that does not have a bilateral agreement, you'll need to provide an official translation. This must be done either by the issuing entity or by the consular service. It should contain the categories that were determined through a test and those that were acquired through equivalents. Additionally, you'll require an assessment certificate for psychological testing that must be signed by a licensed psychologist.
You must also submit a certified abstract of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here you can find the list of state authorities that are authorized to perform this service. This document is crucial to the process of getting a driving licence, since it can take a month for the U.S. to send it. The process can take longer if there is no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. You should also consider that the IMT can be understaffed and the processing time could be lengthy.
Fees
It can be expensive to get your first license. The cost of driving lessons and the test on the road can be up to EUR250. It is nevertheless important to start the process as soon as you can to ensure that you receive your new licence before the deadline. You may be penalized for late payment in the event that you do not submit your application by the deadline.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows citizens to get a certificate. This new service is a fantastic alternative to visiting IMT offices and is ideal for those who are looking to cut down on time. The service is available to all drivers who have a digital mobile key or a citizen card. It lets them save 10% on the cost they would have incurred at IMT offices. The certificate, which has a new 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 submit an application for an exchange of your driving licence. You must submit the IMT with a copy of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government, or a private driving coach. The embassy can assist you to obtain this document. However, you need to ensure that the apostille appears on the document prior to submitting it to the IMT.
If you are a resident of Portugal, and a citizen of the EU or EEA you will need to exchange your driving license for a Portuguese license within two years after moving here. You will need to provide a lost title certificate from your country of origin together with your driving licence. The embassy will assist you in obtaining a legalisation of your document.
The test for theory is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you need to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are the same as those on the preparation classes. The test is taken in a car, with an instructor and a second candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
If you are looking to exchange your driving licence be prepared to wait an extended period. Depending on the country in which you reside you may have to submit additional documents. If you're unsure what documents you will require, you can look up the IMT website.
The IMT is introducing a new service called "My Driving License." This platform online allows you to check the status of your driver's license and to determine when it's time to renew it. The IMT provides a mobile app that can help you begin the process of exchange your American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also report the loss or theft of your license by using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or taken your licence, you need to hand it over at the IMT. Once you have submitted the psychotechnical certification and you will receive an updated driving licence.
After you have uploaded all the required documents and you have received an email from the IMT informing you that they have received your application. The IMT will review your application within a couple of weeks or days. After they have processed it, they will notify you of the results by email or via phone. If your driver's license is not accepted, you will be given a paper that will allow you to drive (albeit within Portugal). Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1 Cartao Expresso De Portugal will send you your new Portuguese driving license by post.
It is best to schedule an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. It is possible to wait for a while if do not make an appointment. It is important to bring your ID card along with your NIF number with you when you go.