How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're planning to move to Portugal from another EU country The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) recommends that you exchange your license before you risk it getting lost or stolen. Here's how to do it.
A medical exam is required to begin the process. You can order it online to cut down on time.
How to Apply
To get an IMT license, you will need to take a series theoretical and practical classes. The lessons are taught by qualified instructors in centres that are licensed by the government. The course consists of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. The cost of these lessons differs but you can save money by joining an agency that provides classes in groups for less than $100.
The next step is to take the test in theory (exame de codigo). This test is available online or in public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to solve using a computer. The questions are based on the syllabus you studied in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you have to answer 27 questions correctly.
After passing the theory test, you'll need to pass the practical test. The test can be taken at a driving school that is private or at the IMT. The test costs EUR30, and the IMT gives you a temporary driving licence while you wait for your license.
You must have a valid passport or residence card, medical certificate, and an attestation of your driving license from your country of origin. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize documents for a fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's license for a Portuguese driving licence, you will need to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes") office. It is recommended to arrive early because the office is usually crowded. You should arrive at a minimum of an hour before the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes launched an online platform to allow drivers to verify their driving license renewal due date. The platform is accessible to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information on road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you are a resident of Portugal it is crucial that you exchange your driving license to a Portuguese one. You could be fined heavily in the event that you don't. The process is generally bureaucratic, so it's best to start the process as soon as you receive your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you'll be using your previous license, as this is required by law.
You must go to an IMT with all the required documents. Bring your driver's licence, proof of residence, residence card, and an examination. The medical exam must be administered by a doctor who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate that is specific to your license, and send it directly the IMT using their online medical certificate platform.
After you've completed all these documents, you can proceed to the driving test. The test takes between 40 and 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by an instructor, an examiner, and a third person taking the test. Be prepared to spend a long time driving back and forth.
If you're from a nation that does not have a bilateral agreement you'll need a certified translation. This can be done by the issuing organization, or by the consular service. It should include the categories that were determined through a test and those that were acquired by equivalence. You'll also need a psychological evaluation certificate, which must be written by an experienced psychologist.
You must also provide a certified abstract of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here you can find an official list of the authorities in the state who are authorized to provide this service. This document is crucial to the process of obtaining a driving license, as it can take up to a month for it to be received 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 be aware that the IMT may be insufficiently staffed, and the processing time could be lengthy.
Fees
The process of getting your first driver's license may be costly. The cost of the driving classes and the practical test can be as high as EUR250. However, it is important to start the process as soon as possible to ensure you get your new license before the deadline. You may be charged a late fee if you fail to submit your application in time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online platform to allow citizens to obtain the certification. The new service is an excellent alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a great idea for those who wish to cut down on time. The service is available to anyone who has a citizen card or mobile key. It allows drivers to save 10% off the cost they normally have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which is adorned with a an updated design, is valid for 6 months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE.
When you have all your documents in order, you can submit the request for the exchange of a driving license. You must provide the IMT with proof of driving history. This can be obtained from the government or a private driving instructor. The embassy will help you get this document. But, you must make sure that the apostille is visible 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 to a Portuguese license within two years after moving here. You will need to provide the lost title certificate from the country of origin together with your driving license. relevant resource site will help you in obtaining a legalisation of your document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice answers and lasts approximately 30 minutes. You must complete at least 27 right to pass. The questions are identical to those in 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 transfer your driving licence be prepared to wait an extended period. Depending on the country in which you reside you may have to provide additional documents. If you're not sure of the documents you will require, you can go to the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service dubbed "My Driving License" that lets you check your driving license status and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT provides a mobile app that can help you begin the process of exchanging an American drivers license for one from Portugal.
You can also report the theft or loss of your license by using the My Driving License platform. If you've lost or stolen your driving license you must turn it over to the IMT. Once you have submitted the psychotechnical verification you will be issued the new driving license.
You will receive an email from the IMT after you have uploaded your documents. The IMT will review your application within a couple of weeks or days. Once they have processed your application and notified you of the results via email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, a certificate will be issued to permit you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will then send you a new Portuguese driving license by mail.
It's best to schedule an appointment with the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. If you don't have an appointment, you might have to wait for a while to be viewed. Bring your ID card as well as your NIF number.