Buy the IMT Driving License Online
The most effective thing to do should you be planning to exchange your driving licence in Portugal is to start the process as quickly when you receive your residency card. This will cut down time and effort.
You'll need to meet certain requirements, such as classes and a medical examination. But don't worry you can pass the medical test - it's not as difficult as it appears.
Requirements
If you are planning to move to Portugal it is important to exchange your current foreign driving license to a Portuguese driving license whenever you can. This will ensure that you have an official driver's license in case your vehicle is stolen or destroyed. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is relatively easy, but you'll require a number of documents with you. These include a medical test and a translation of your foreign driving license. You can hire an expert translator from lingoking to help you with this task.
You must also pass an exam on driving theory and complete a practical lesson. These lessons are conducted in driving schools that are licensed 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 will cost an additional 40 euros. You may need to take a an exam specifically designed for vehicles like buses or other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT website provides information on how to exchange your foreign driving licence in Portugal. There are different rules for each country, therefore it is important to check the IMT's website before you move. For instance, expats from the United States must submit a certificate of the equivalent of their home state.
The IMT will need to see your passport or identification card before they will allow you to change your driving license. It will also require a certified copy of your driving record. You can obtain an official copy of your driving record from your state of residence or from a notary public. The notary will charge the cost of his service.
Fees
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has announced today a new online service that allows citizens to obtain their driver's license certificate. To access the service, drivers need to have their citizenship card or digital mobile key, and be able to access the IMT's My Driving License website. Once registered, the certificate is issued in Portuguese or English. It is valid for six month. The authenticity of the certificate is verified by scanning the QR Code or entering the verification codes.
Once you've filled out the form, wait for the IMT's indication to go to one of their desks to sign your application and submit your biometric data. IMT will notify you whether there's an exam fee.
Be aware that the process may take a while, especially because the US doesn't have an automated system to exchange documents such as driver's licenses with Portugal. It may take IMT a few weeks to examine and return your documents once you have submitted it.
Be sure to clearly label the documents that you send to IMT with your name and contact information. It's also a good idea to scan all documents before sending them so you can easily find them should you require them. If you have multiple family members applying for the license, be sure to label each document with a unique name to avoid any confusion. This will help you save time and avoid delays.
Timeframe
If you have an active driver's license issued in a nation which is a member of the international road traffic convention, you are able to exchange it for one that is a Portuguese one within 60 days of arriving in Portugal. It is possible to do this on the internet or at an IMT desk. To complete the process you will need to show the proof of identity along with a completed Modelo 10 IMT form. You also need to sign up on the IMT site with your taxpayer number and password.
Anyone who is exchanging their licenses from countries outside the EU will have to pay additional fees. If you hold an US driving license, for instance, you will be required to get an abstract from state authorities and a doctor's certification stating that you are legally able to drive. The medical exam will be carried out by an expert doctor who will ask you some general health questions, and then give you a summary neurological test.
The process is time-consuming but it's worth it. It's important to obtain your license as soon as possible before it is lost or stolen.
When submitting your application for a license, make sure all the documents you send are scanned and saved as separate files. If you can, give each file a distinct name to avoid confusion. Once you've completed your application, you will receive a confirmation email from IMT informing you of the status of your request. You'll also be notified of an appointment at the IMT office to take your practical driving exam.
Practical lessons
The driving lessons are offered at government-licensed centres and are supervised by qualified instructors. The learning time is between 28 and 32 hours. You will need to take both theory classes as well as practical ones and pass both before you are able to take your test. The test will be conducted at the same location as you completed your theory exam. Therefore, you should be familiar with this environment. The test is comprised 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 exams aren't online, however there are a variety of websites that allow you to download the syllabus.
You may also opt to take the test at a private institution however it is subject to the availability of dates and the expertise of the instructors. Additionally, you'll need to pay an amount of EUR30, and provide a medical certificate stating that you're able to drive. Renewals can also require an eye test. You'll be issued your license via mail following your passing the exam.
On the IMT's website you can also find the list of centres that have been certified. It is crucial to ensure that the centre has an instructor who is certified. If you're not happy with the caliber of the instructor, don't hesitate to request a new one. The instructor will help you pass the practical driving test by teaching you how to maneuver the car and manage traffic. You'll also need to learn about the highway code and the road signs in Portugal. The cost of driving classes in Portugal can vary from center to centre. Compare prices on the IMT website to get the most affordable price.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport offers both practical and theory-based driving classes. The IMT can only issue a driver's license after passing both a theoretical and practical test. It is also required to obtain a certificate of a favorable psychological evaluation. The theoretical test, or "exame of codigo" is comprised of 30 questions that you must answer correctly in 35 minutes. Cartao Expresso De Portugal is available through IMT or private testing centers. If you are an international student you can ask the IMT to translate your questions into English.
The test for driving practice or "exame of velocidade" takes between 40 and 50 minutes. It involves a test drive along a city route. You will be assessed by the instructor, the examiner, and another person taking the test. If you pass the practical test, the IMT will issue a certificate to you via mail.
To be able to pass the practical and theoretical tests, you must have at least 28 of your theoretical classes and 16 practical classes. You can choose to take your theoretical exam before finishing the required number of practical classes. You'll need to pay for the practical classes separately.
You can lease an automobile from a driving school if you do not want to spend the money to purchase a new car. This allows you to learn to drive without worrying about the cost of an entirely new vehicle. Be sure to investigate the different schools in your area to locate the most suitable one for you. If you're planning on renting a vehicle, be sure to verify the insurance policy prior to making the reservation. The rental company may refuse to pay if you don't have the proper insurance.