How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport suggests that you change your license before it gets lost or stolen if moving to Portugal from an EU member state. Here's how to do it.
A medical exam is required to begin the process. This is a good thing - you can request it online and speed up the process.
How to apply
The process of getting an IMT driving license entails taking a series of theoretical and practical classes. The lessons are taught in government-licensed facilities and taught by certified instructors. It takes 28 hours of theory lessons and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The classes are available at various prices, however you can save by signing up for classes in groups that cost less than 100 euros.
The next step is to take the exam in the form of a theory test. This test is available online or at public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions to answer using your computer. The questions are designed to be based on the syllabus that you were taught in your preparation classes. You must answer 27 of the questions correct to pass the test.
After passing the theory test, you will need to take the practical exam. This test can be taken at a driving school that is private or at the IMT. The test costs EUR30, and the IMT offers you a temporary driving licence until you get your license.
You must carry an authentic passport or residence card, medical certificate, and an attestation of your driving license from the country of origin. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize documents at cost.
To exchange your foreign driver's permit to the Portuguese driving licence, you will need to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes") office. It is best to arrive early as the office is usually busy. If you are able, be there an hour before opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that lets drivers determine when their license is due for renewal. The platform is accessible by both Portuguese and foreign citizens as well as foreign. It also provides information on road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident in Portugal, it's essential to exchange your driving licence to one in Portuguese one as soon as you can. Otherwise, you'll be facing massive fines. It is recommended to begin this process as soon as you are able when you have received your residence permit. It is also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you will use your previous license, as this is required by law.
The first step is to go to an IMT office with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license, proof of residence, residence card, and a medical examination. The IMT must register a physician to conduct the medical examination. The doctor will issue a certificate that is specific to your license and then send it directly to the IMT using their online medical certificate platform.
You can then proceed to the practical driving exam. This test usually lasts 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied with an instructor, an examiner and a person who is taking the test. You'll be asked to drive from and back so be prepared for a long day!
If you're a citizen of a country without a bilateral arrangement you'll need a certified translation. This should be done by the issuing agency or consular servisse, and it must include the categories derived through examinations and those obtained through the process of equivalence. Additionally, you'll require an assessment of psychological quality which has to be signed by an authorized psychologist.
You should also provide a certified abstract of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. Here is a list with state authorities who are authorized to perform this service. This document is crucial to the process of obtaining a driving license and could take up to a month to get from the U.S. Moreover, this process can be extended in the event that the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal agreement with the European Union. Also, you should take into consideration that the IMT could be understaffed and the processing time can be long.
Fees
The first time you get your driver's license can be expensive. The cost of the driving classes and the practical test can be as high as EUR250. However, it is essential to begin the process as soon as you can to ensure that you receive your new license before the deadline. If you fail to do this then, you could be required to pay a fine for late filing of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online platform 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 want to cut down on time. The service is open to all drivers who possess a digital mobile key or a citizen card. It allows them to save 10% on the fee they would have incurred at IMT offices. The certificate, which has new design, is valid for a period of six months and is verified by examining the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have your documents in order, you can file a request for an exchange of your driving licence. You must submit the IMT with a copy of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government, or from a private driving instructor. The embassy can help you get this document. However, you must 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 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 here. Along with your driving permit you will have to provide the lost title document from your country. The embassy can assist you with this by legalising the document.
The theory test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts about 30 minutes. try here must get at least 27 right to pass. The questions are similar to those in the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, accompanied by an instructor and a candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
If you are looking to exchange your driving license be prepared for for a long time. Based on the country you reside in you may have to provide additional documents. If you're unsure what documents you will require, you can check the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service called "My Driving License" which lets you verify the status of your driver's license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT has a mobile application that can help you begin the process of converting your 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 have lost or stolen your driving licence You must hand it over to the IMT. After you submit the psychotechnical certification, you will receive an updated driving licence.
After you have uploaded all the required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT confirming that they have received your application. The IMT will review your application within a few weeks or days. Once they have processed your application, they will notify you of the results by email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted then you will be issued the paper that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will send you a new Portuguese driving license by post.
It is best to schedule an appointment with the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. It is possible to wait for a while if you do not make an appointment. It is recommended to bring your ID card and NIF number when you visit.