How to Buy the IMT Driving License

The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you exchange your license prior to it being lost or stolen if you are moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how to do it.

A medical exam is required to begin the process. Here's the good news - you can request it online and save time.

How to Apply

To get an IMT license, you will need to take a series 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 hands-on lessons. The cost of these lessons differs, but you can save money by signing up with an agency that provides classes in groups for less than $100.

The next step is to take the theoretical test. The test is available online or in public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. The exam is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer using the computer. The questions are in line with the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. You must answer 27 correct answers to pass the test.

After passing the theory exam then you are required to take a practical test. You can take the test at private driving schools or at the IMT office. The test costs $30, and the IMT will provide you with a temporary driver's licence to use while waiting for your new licence.

You must possess a valid passport, residence card or medical certificate as well as an attestation from the country of birth. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize your documents for cost.

To exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a Portuguese one, you have to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes"). The office is usually busy, and it is advised to arrive early. You should arrive at a minimum of an hour prior to 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 for renewal. The platform is accessible to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information on road traffic rules and regulations.

Requirements

If you're a resident in Portugal it is essential to swap your driving license for one that is Comprar a carta de condução do IMT Portuguese one as soon as you can. Otherwise, you'll be facing heavy penalties. This process is usually quite formal, so it's best to start the process as when you have your residence permit. It is also important to inform the institute of mobility and transport that you'll be using the old licence, since this is legally required.

You must visit an IMT with all required documents. Bring your driver's licence as well as proof of residency, residence card, and an examination for medical reasons. The IMT must authorize a doctor to conduct the medical examination. The doctor will issue Comprar carta de condução da categoria A a Comprar carta de condução da categoria A de condução do IMT (new content from Avtomatika) certificate specific to your license and send it to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.

You will then be able to take the practical driving test. This test usually lasts 40 to 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by an instructor, the examiner and another person taking the exam. Be prepared to spend a lot of time driving back and forth.

If you're from a country without a bilateral arrangement you'll need an official translation. This should be performed by the issuing agency or consular servisse, and it should indicate the categories obtained by examination and those that were obtained by equivalent means. In addition, you'll require a psychological assessment certificate that must be signed by an authorized psychologist.

You also need to submit an authenticated and certified abstract of your United States driving record. You can find the list of states that are designated to perform this service here. This document is vital to the process of getting a driving licence and it could take a month for the U.S. to mail it. Furthermore, this process could be even longer if the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. Also, consider that the IMT is often in need of staff and the processing time may be lengthy.

Fees

It isn't cheap to obtain your first driving license. The cost of the driving classes and the test on the road can be as high as EUR250. It is nevertheless important to start the process as soon as you can so that you can receive 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 to allow citizens to obtain the certification. The new service is a great alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person, and is a great option for those who wish to reduce time. The service is available to anyone with a Citizen card or mobile key, and permits drivers to save 10% of the fee that they would otherwise pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which features an updated design is valid for six months and can be checked 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 an individual driving school. The embassy can assist you in obtaining this document, but you must ensure that the apostille has been placed on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.

If you're a resident of Portugal, and a citizen of the EU or EEA You will have to exchange your driving licence to a Portuguese license within two years after having moved to Portugal. You will need to provide a lost title certificate from the country of origin together with your driving license. The embassy can help you in this process by legalizing the document.

The test for theory comprises 30 multiple-choice tests and lasts around 30 minutes. You must get at least 27 questions right to pass. The questions are similar to those in the preparation classes. The test is taken in the car, with an instructor and a candidate taking the test.

Timeframe

If you're looking to exchange your driving license be prepared to wait an extended period. Depending on your country you may have to submit additional documents. If you're unsure what documents you'll need, you should check the IMT website.

The IMT has launched a brand new online service dubbed "My Driving License" which lets you check your driving license status and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT provides a mobile app that will help you start the process of exchange your American drivers license for one in Portugal.

You can also make use of the My Driving License platform to report the loss or theft of your driving license. If you have lost or stolen your driving license, you must hand it over to the IMT. You will receive a replacement after you've submitted the psychotechnical certificate.

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 process your application within a couple of weeks or days. Once they have processed your application you will be notified of the outcome via email or phone. If your driver's license is not accepted, a document will be issued that will allow you drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will then send you a new Portuguese driving licence by post.

It is best to schedule an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. You might have to wait for a while if you do not make an appointment. Bring your ID card and your NIF number.