How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're moving to Portugal from an EU country The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) suggests that you change your license before you risk it getting lost or stolen. Here's how to do it.
A medical exam is required to begin the process. It is possible to order it online to speed up the process.
How do you apply
The process to obtain an IMT driving license requires an assortment of practical and theory-based lessons. The lessons are taught by certified instructors in government-licensed centres. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. These classes are offered at different prices, but you can save by enrolling in 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 offered online and at public institutions, and is about 30 minutes long. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you need to solve using computers. The questions are designed to be based on the syllabus that you learned in your preparation classes. You must answer 27 of the questions right to pass the test.
Once you have passed the theory exam and passed the theory test, you will need to take a practical test. This test can be taken at a driving school that is private or at the IMT. The test costs EUR30 and the IMT gives you temporary driving licences until you get your license.
You must have a valid passport or residence card, a medical certificate and an attestation of your driving license from the country of origin. The embassy will also authenticate and notarize documents at cost.
To exchange your driving license from another country for one that is a Portuguese one, you need to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). The office is usually busy, and it is advised to arrive early. 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 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 rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident of Portugal it is crucial to switch your driving license for one that is a Portuguese one. You could be penalized heavily if you don't. This process is usually quite formal, so it's best to start the process as when you have your residence permit. It's also important to inform the institute of mobility that you'll be using your previous license, as it is required by law.

You must visit an IMT with all the required documents. Bring your driver's license and proof of address, residence card, and medical exam. The IMT must register a physician to conduct the medical examination. The doctor will issue a specific certificate to your license, and then send it directly to the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
After Comprar carta de condução da categoria A 've completed all these documents, you'll be eligible to take the practical driving test. This test lasts between 40 and 50 minutes. You will be accompanied by an instructor, an examiner and a person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a long time driving back and forth.
If you're from a country that does not have a bilateral agreement with Portugal in which case you'll need to submit a certified translation of your driver's license. This is required either by the issuing organization or the consular service. It should contain the categories that were determined through an examination as well as those that were obtained via the process of equivalence. In addition, you'll need a psychological assessment certificate that must be signed by a licensed psychologist.
You will also need to provide an authenticated certified abstract of your United States driving record. Here you can find an official list of the state authorities that are authorized to conduct this service. This document is crucial to the process of getting a driving license and could take up to a month to receive from the U.S. The process can take longer if there is no reciprocal agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Also, you should take into consideration that the IMT can be understaffed and the processing time could be lengthy.
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. It is nevertheless essential to begin the process as soon as possible so that you can receive your new license before the deadline. If you don't 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 service that allows residents to obtain a certificate. This new service is a great alternative to going to IMT offices and is ideal for those who are looking to save time. The service is open to all drivers with a digital mobile key or a citizen card. It allows them to save 10% on the amount they'd have incurred at IMT offices. The certificate, which features a new design is valid for six months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can make an application for the exchange of driving license. The IMT demands that you submit proof of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government or from a private driving school. The embassy can assist you with the process of obtaining this document, but you should 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 license for a Portuguese license within two years after moving to Portugal. Along with your driving licence you will have to bring the lost title document from your country of origin. The embassy can assist in this process by certifying the document.
The test for theory is comprised of 30 multiple-choice responses and takes about 30 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to those in the 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 long period of time if you want to exchange your licence. Depending on the country in which you reside, you may need to submit other documents. If you're not sure the documents you require, it is best to check the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service called "My Driving License" that allows you to check your driving license status and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT also offers a mobile app that helps you begin the process of changing your American drivers license to one in Portugal. Portuguese one.
You can also make use of the My Driving License platform to report your loss or theft of your driving license. If you've lost or taken your licence, you need to give it back to the IMT. You will be issued a replacement after you have submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email from the IMT after you have uploaded your documents. It may take some days or weeks for them to complete your application. Once they have processed it they will inform you of the results via email or phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, you will be given the paper that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will send you a new Portuguese driving license via postal mail.
It's best to schedule an appointment with the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. It is possible to wait for a while if you don't schedule an appointment. It is important to carry your ID card and NIF number with you when you go.