How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're moving to Portugal from an EU country, the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) recommends that you exchange your license to avoid it getting lost or stolen. Here's how you can do it.
A medical exam is required to begin the process. Here's the good news - you can apply online and avoid waiting.
How do I apply
The process of getting an IMT driving license entails taking an assortment of theory and practical lessons. These lessons are taught by certified instructors at government-licensed centers. The course is made up of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical lessons. The cost of these classes differs, but you can save money by signing up with an agency that provides classes in groups for less than 100 euros.
The next step is the exam in the form of a theory test. This test can be taken online or in public institutions and takes about 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple choice questions, which you must answer with a computer. The questions are based off the syllabus you learned in your preparatory classes. To pass the test, you have to complete 27 questions correctly.
After passing the theory exam and passed the theory test, you will need to take a practical exam. You can take this test at private driving schools or at the IMT office. The exam costs EUR30, and the IMT will issue you with a a temporary driver's licence to use while waiting for your new license.
You must possess an authentic passport, residence card or medical certificate and an attestation from the country of birth. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize your documents for an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's licence for the Portuguese driving licence, you will need to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes") office. The office is usually very busy, and it is recommended that you go early. You should arrive at least an hour before the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that allows drivers to determine when their license is due to renew. 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 to exchange your driving license to one that is a Portuguese one. You could be fined heavily in the event that you don't. It is recommended 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 licence, since this is legally required.
The first step is to go to an IMT office with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license, proof of address, residence card, and a medical examination. The medical exam should be conducted by a physician who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certification specific to your license. Then, they forward it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
Once you've submitted all of these documents, you can take the driving test. The test will last between 40 and 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by an instructor, the examiner and another person who is taking the test. You'll be asked to drive both ways so be prepared for an extended day!
If her explanation from a country that does not have an agreement that is bilateral with Portugal in which case you'll need to provide the translation of your driver's licence. This must be done either by the issuing organization, or by the consular service. It should contain the categories that were obtained through an examination as well as those that were obtained by equivalents. Additionally, you'll require an assessment certificate for psychological testing, which must be written by a licensed psychologist.
You should also provide a certified abstract of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here you can find the list of state authorities who are authorized to perform this service. This document is vital to the process of obtaining a driving licence, since it can take a month for the U.S. to mail it. Moreover, this process can be extended if the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal agreement with the European Union. Lastly, you should also be aware that the IMT is often in need of staff, so the processing time may be long.
Fees
It isn't cheap to get your first driver's license. Driving classes are not cost-free, and the practical test can cost up to EUR250. However, it is important to start the process as soon as you can to ensure that you receive your new driving license before the deadline. You could be penalized for late payment in the event that you do not submit your application in time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that will allow citizens to obtain a certification. The new service is a great alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a great idea for those who wish 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 cost they would have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which has new design is valid for six months and can be checked by reading the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can submit a request for an exchange of your driving licence. The IMT demands that you submit a record of your driving record. This can be obtained from the government or a private driving instructor. The embassy can assist you to get this document. However, you need to ensure that the apostille appears on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country you must exchange your driving license for one that is a Portuguese one within two years of acquiring residency in the country. Along with your driving license you will have to bring the lost title document from your country. The embassy can assist you in this process by certifying the document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice answers and takes about 30 minutes. You must get at least 27 questions right to pass. The questions are identical to those in preparation classes. The test is taken in a car, with an instructor and a candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for a a long period of time if you wish to exchange your licence. Depending on the country in which you reside you might need to submit additional documents. If you're not sure of the documents you will require, make sure to check the IMT website.
The IMT introduces a brand new service called "My Driving License." This platform online allows you to view the status of your driving licence and determine when it is time to renew it. The IMT provides a mobile app that can help you begin the process of exchanging an American drivers license for one in Portugal.
Click On this site can also make use of the My Driving License platform to report your loss or theft of your driving license. If you've lost your license, you'll need to surrender it to the IMT. You will receive a replacement after you've submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email confirmation from the IMT after you have uploaded your documents. It could take some days or weeks for them to process your application. Once they have processed your application and notified you of the results via email or via phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, you will be given an official document that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then send your new Portuguese driving license by mail.
It is recommended to make an appointment at the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. If you don't have an appointment, you may need to wait a while to be seen. Bring your ID card as well as your NIF number with you.