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 moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how you can do it.
The procedure involves an examination for medical reasons. It is possible to order it online to cut down on time.
How to Apply
The process of obtaining an IMT driving license requires the following theoretical and practical classes. These lessons are held 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 however, you can save money by joining an agency that offers group classes for less than $100.
The next step is to take the theoretical test. The test is available on the internet and at public institutions, and takes about 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple choice questions to complete on a computer. The questions are based off the syllabus that you studied during your preparation classes. To pass the test, you have to complete 27 questions correctly.
After passing the theory test, you'll be required to take the practical exam. You can take the test at private driving schools or at the IMT office. The exam costs EUR30 and the IMT provides you with a temporary driving licence until you get your licence.
You must possess an authentic passport, residence card or medical certificate, as well as an attestation from the country of birth. The embassy is also able to authenticate and notarize documents for an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driving licence for a Portuguese one, you have to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes"). The office is typically busy, and it is advised to go early. You should arrive at a minimum of an hour before the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that allows drivers to check when their driving license is due for renewal. The platform is available by both Portuguese and foreign citizens. It also provides information about road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you are a resident of Portugal it is imperative that you exchange your driving license to a Portuguese one. Otherwise, you could face severe penalties. It is best to begin this process as soon as possible after receiving your residence permit. It's also essential to notify the institute of mobility and transportation that you'll be using your old license, as it is an obligation under the law.
You must go to an IMT with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license and proof of address, residence card, and medical exam. The IMT must enlist a physician to conduct the medical exam. The doctor will issue a specific certificate to your license, and then send it directly to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
Once you've filled out all of these documents, you'll be able to proceed to the driving test. This test lasts between 40 and 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 doesn't have a bilateral agreement with Portugal in which case you'll need to present an official translation of your driver's license. This must be done either by the entity that issued the license, or by the consular service. It should include the categories that were obtained through examination and those obtained through equivalence. You'll also need a psychological evaluation certificate, which must be drafted by a psychologist.
You must also submit an authenticated, certified abstract of your United States driving record. You can find a list of state authorities who are authorized to provide this service here. This document is crucial 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. It is also important to consider that the IMT could be understaffed and the processing time can be long.
Fees
It can be expensive to obtain your first driving license. Driving classes are not cost-free, and the practical test can cost up to EUR250. However, it's crucial to begin the process as soon as you can to ensure you get your new driving license before the deadline. If you fail to do this submit your application on time, you may have to pay a penalty for late submission of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows citizens to get an official certificate. The new service is a great alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a great idea for those looking to reduce time. The service is available to all drivers with an electronic mobile key or citizen card. It allows them to save 10% on the amount they'd have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which is designed with a new design and is valid for a period of six months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have all of your documents in order, you are able to submit the request for the exchange of a driving license. You must submit the IMT with a record of driving history. You can obtain this from the government or an individual driving school. The embassy will help you get this document. However, you need to make sure that the apostille is visible on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you're a resident of Portugal and are a citizen of the EU or EEA you will need to exchange your driving licence for one of a Portuguese license within two years of moving to Portugal. You must provide an unissued title certificate from the country of origin, along with your driving license. The embassy can assist you by legalising your document.
Comprar carta de condução da categoria C is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that last approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to the ones you will encounter on the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a vehicle with an instructor and the candidate.
Timeframe
If you're looking to exchange your driving licence, be prepared to wait a long time. You may also need to provide additional documents based on your country of origin. If you're unsure what documents you'll require, make sure to go to the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a new online service called "My Driving License" that allows you to verify the status of your driver's license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT offers a mobile application which will assist you in the process of converting your American drivers license for one from Portugal.
You can also use the My Driving License platform to report your loss or theft of your driving license. If you've lost or stolen your license, you'll have to give it back to the IMT. Once you have submitted the psychotechnical certificate you will be issued a new driving licence.
Once you have uploaded all of your required documents and received all the required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT informing you that they have received your application. The IMT will process your application within a couple of weeks or days. Once they have completed your application, you will be notified of the outcome via either email or telephone. If your driver's license is not accepted, you will be given a paper that will allow you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then mail you a new Portuguese driving licence by post.
When you arrive in Portugal it is recommended to schedule an appointment with the IMT. You might have to wait for a long time if you don't make an appointment. Bring your ID card as well as your NIF number.