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 exchanging your license to avoid losing it or being stolen. Here's how you can do it.
The process involves a medical exam. You can purchase it online to save time.
How do you apply
The process to obtain an IMT driving license requires an assortment of practical and theory-based lessons. These lessons are taught by qualified instructors at government-licensed centers. It takes 28 hours of theory lessons and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. These classes are offered at various prices, however you can save money by signing up for lessons in a group that cost less than $100.
The next step is to take the test in theory (exame de codigo). This test is available online or at public institutions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple choice questions that you have to answer on your computer. The questions are based off the syllabus you were taught in your preparation classes. To pass speaking of , you need to answer correctly 27 questions.
After passing the theory test and passed the theory test, you will need to take a practical exam. You can take the test at private driving schools or at the IMT office. The test costs $30, and the IMT will issue you with a a temporary driver's licence to use while you wait for your new licence.
You need to have a valid 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 charge.
To exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a Portuguese one, you need to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes"). The office is typically busy, and it is recommended to start early. If you are able, arrive an hour prior to the opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that allows drivers to check when their driving license is due to renew. The platform is available to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information about road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a citizen of Portugal it is essential to change your driving license to one in Portuguese one as soon as you can. You could be fined heavily in the event that you don't. It is best to begin this process as soon as you are able after you receive your residence permit. It is also important to notify the institute of mobility and transportation that you'll be using your previous license, as it is a legal requirement.
You must visit an IMT with all the required documents. Bring your driver's licence, proof of residence and residence card, as well as a medical examination. The IMT must register 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 via their online medical certificate platform.
You can then proceed to the practical driving exam. The test typically lasts between 40 to 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by an instructor, an examiner and a third person taking the test. You'll be asked to drive both ways, so be prepared for an extended day!
If you're from a nation without a bilateral arrangement, you'll need to provide an official translation. This can be done by the entity that issued the license or the consular service. It should include categories that were determined through an examination as well as those that were obtained through equivalence. In addition, you'll need a psychological assessment certificate, which must be written by a licensed psychologist.
You must also submit an authenticated and certified abstract of your United States driving record. Here you can find a list with state authorities who are authorized to conduct this service. This document is vital to the process of getting a driving licence and it could take up to a month for the U.S. to send it. The process could take longer if there is no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Additionally, you must take into account that the IMT is often understaffed and the processing time may be lengthy.
Fees
It isn't cheap to get your first license. The cost of driving classes and the practical test could be up to EUR250. It is important to begin the process as quickly as you can in order to get your new license before the deadline. You could be charged a late fee in the event that you do not submit your application by the deadline.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows residents to get a certificate. The new service is an excellent alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person, and is a great option for those who wish to cut down on time. The service is available to all drivers with a digital mobile key or citizen card. It lets them save 10% off the fee they would have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which has a new layout and is valid for a period of six months and can be verified by reading the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have your documents in order you can submit an application for the exchange of driving license. You must submit the IMT with a record of driving history. This can be obtained from the government or an individual driving school. The embassy will help you obtain this document. However, you must make sure that the apostille is visible on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you are a resident of an EU or EEA country you have to change your driving licence to one that is a Portuguese one within two years after establishing residence in the country. You'll need to submit the lost title certificate from the country of origin, together with your driving licence. The embassy can assist you in obtaining a legalisation of your document.
The theory test is composed of 30 multiple-choice responses and lasts approximately 30 minutes. You must get at least 27 correct answers to pass. The questions are the same as those on the preparation classes. The test is taken in the car, with an instructor and a second candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
If you're planning to transfer your driving licence be prepared for for a long time. You may also have to submit additional documents based on your country of origin. If you're not sure of the documents you'll require, you can look up the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service dubbed "My Driving License" that allows you to check your driving license status and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT also offers an app for mobile devices that can help you start the process of exchanging your American drivers license to a Portuguese one.
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 have submitted the psychotechnical certification you will be issued an updated driving licence.
You will receive an email from the IMT after you've uploaded your documents. The IMT will process your application within a couple of weeks or days. Once they have processed your application, you will be informed of the results via email or phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, a certificate will be issued that will allow you drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will then send your new Portuguese driving license via post.
It is recommended to make an appointment at the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. You may have to wait for a long time if you don't schedule an appointment. It's recommended to bring your ID card along with your NIF number when you visit.