How to Buy the IMT Driving License
The Institute of Mobility and Transport recommends that you swap your license before it gets lost or stolen if you're moving to Portugal from another EU member state. Here's how you can do it.
A medical exam is required to begin the process. It is possible to order it online to save time.
How to Apply
To obtain an IMT license, you will have to complete a series of theoretical and practical classes. These lessons are taught by certified instructors at government-licensed centers. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The classes are offered at different prices, but you can save money by enrolling in lessons in a group that cost less than $100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). Comprar carta de condução da categoria C is offered online and at public institutions, and it is about 30 minutes long. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to answer on your computer. The questions are based on the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you have to answer correctly 27 questions.
After passing the theory test, you must take a practical test. This test can be conducted at a private driving school or at the IMT. The test costs $30, and the IMT will issue you with a a temporary driver's licence to use while waiting to get your new licence.
You must have a valid passport, residence card or medical certificate, as well as an attestation from the country of birth. The embassy can also authenticate and notarize documents at an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's license for an Portuguese driving licence, you will need to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes") office. It is best to arrive early since the office is typically crowded. If you can, be there an hour before opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform to allow drivers to verify their driving license renewal due date. The platform is available to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information on road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a resident of Portugal it is crucial to exchange your driving license for a Portuguese one. You could be penalized heavily if you don't. This process is usually quite complicated, so it's recommended to start the process as soon as you get your residence permit. Also, it's important to notify the institute of mobility and transport that you'll be using your previous licence, since this is a legal requirement.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the required documents. You should bring your driver's license as well as proof of address, residence card and a medical exam. The medical exam must be administered by a physician registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a specific certificate to your license and send it directly to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
The next step is the practical driving test. The test typically lasts 40 to 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by a teacher along with the examiner as well as another person taking the exam. You'll be asked to drive both ways so be prepared for an extremely long day!
If you're a citizen of a country that does not have a bilateral agreement, you'll need to provide a certified translation. This must be performed by the entity that issued it or the consular servisse, and it should indicate the categories obtained by examination and those that were derived through the process of equivalence. In addition, you'll need a psychological assessment certificate, which must be written by an authorized psychologist.
You will also need to provide an authenticated and certified abstract of your United States driving record. Here is the list of state authorities that are authorized to perform this service. This document is essential to the process of getting a driving license and can take up to a month for it to be received from the U.S. Furthermore, this process could be extended in the event that the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. It is also important to take into consideration that the IMT could be understaffed and the processing time could be long.
Fees
The process of getting your first driver's license can be expensive. The cost of driving lessons and the practical test can be as high as EUR250. It is nevertheless important to start the process as soon as possible to ensure you get your new licence before the deadline. If you don't then, you could be required to pay a penalty for late submission of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that will allow citizens to obtain an IMT certification. The new service is a great alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a good idea for those looking to save time. The service is accessible to anyone who has a citizen card or mobile key. It allows drivers to save 10% of the cost they normally have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which has a new layout and is valid for six months and can be verified by reading the QR CODE or verification code.
Once you have your documents in order, you can make an application for an exchange of your driving license. The IMT demands that you submit a record of your driving record. You can obtain this from the government or a private driving school. The embassy can help you in getting this document, but you should make sure that the apostille is on the document before sending it to the IMT.
If you are a resident of Portugal, and a citizen of the EU or EEA You will have to exchange your driving license for a Portuguese license within two years after moving to Portugal. Along with your driving licence you will have to present a lost title document from your country of origin. The embassy can assist you by legalising your document.
The test for theory is comprised of 30 multiple-choice responses and lasts approximately 30 minutes. You must complete at least 27 questions right to pass. The questions are similar to the ones you will encounter in the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, accompanied by an instructor and a candidate taking the test.
Timeframe
Be prepared to wait for a an extended period of time if you plan to exchange your licence. Based on the country you reside in, you may need to submit additional documents. If you're not sure what documents you will require, you can check the IMT website.
The IMT has launched a new online service called "My Driving License" that allows you to verify the status of your driver's license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT also offers an app for mobile devices that can help you get started with the process of changing your American drivers license for one in Portugal. Portuguese one.

You can also report the loss or theft of your licence using the My Driving License platform. If you have lost or stolen your driving license, you must hand it over to the IMT. Once you have submitted the psychotechnical verification you will be issued an updated driving licence.
You will receive an email confirmation from the IMT after you have uploaded your documents. The IMT will process your application within a few weeks or days. Once they have processed your application, you will be informed of the outcome via email or phone. If your driver's license is not accepted and you are not accepted, you will receive the paper that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then send you a new Portuguese driving licence by post.
It's best to schedule an appointment with the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. It is possible to wait for a long time if you do not make an appointment. It's recommended to bring your ID card and NIF number with you when you go.