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 it being stolen or lost. Here's how to do it.
The process involves an examination for medical reasons. You can order it online to speed up the process.
How do I apply
The process of obtaining an IMT driving license involves taking an assortment of theoretical and practical classes. These lessons are held at government-licensed centres and taught by experienced instructors. The course consists of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of hands-on lessons. The cost of these lessons differs, but you can save money by joining an agency that provides group lessons for less than EUR100.
The next step is to take the theoretical test. This test can be taken online or in public institutions and takes about 30 minutes. The exam is comprised of 30 multiple choice questions that you have to answer using computers. The questions are based off the syllabus you were taught during your preparation classes. You must answer 27 of the questions correct to pass the test.
Once you have passed the theory test then you are required to take a practical test. The test can be taken at a private driving school or at the IMT. The test costs EUR30, and the IMT gives you temporary driving license 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 your documents for a fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's permit for a Portuguese driving licence You will need to go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes") office. It is advised to arrive early because the office is usually busy. If you can, go one hour before the opening time.

The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that allows drivers to verify when their driver's license is due for renewal. The platform is available to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information on road traffic rules and regulations.
Requirements
If you're a resident of Portugal, it is essential to exchange your driving license for a Portuguese one. If you don't, you could be subject to severe fines. This process is usually quite formal, so it's best to start the process as when you have your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you will be using your old license, as it is required by law.
You must visit an IMT with all required documents. Bring your driver's licence and proof of residence, residence card, and an examination. The medical exam must be administered by a doctor who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license. Then, they transmit it to the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
You can then proceed to the practical driving test. The test typically lasts 40 to 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by a teacher as well as the examiner and another person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a lot of time driving back and back.
If you're from a country that doesn't have an agreement bilaterally with Portugal, you will need to submit an official translation of your driver's license. This must be done either by the issuing organization or the consular service. It should include the categories that were derived through examination and those obtained by the process of equivalence. You'll also require a psychological evaluation certificate, which should be written by an experienced psychologist.
You will also need to provide an authenticated, 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 vital to the process of getting a driving licence, since it can take up to a month for the U.S. to send it. Furthermore, this process could be extended in the event that the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. Additionally, you must take into account that the IMT is often understaffed and the processing time could be long.
Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1 isn't cheap to obtain your first driving license. Driving lessons aren't free, and the practical test can cost up to EUR250. It is nevertheless crucial to begin the process as soon as possible to ensure you get your new licence before the deadline. You could be penalized for a late fee for not submitting your application in time.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that allows citizens to get a certificate. This new service is a great alternative to going to IMT offices and is perfect for those who want to save time. The service is accessible to anyone with a citizen card or digital mobile key. It allows drivers to save 10% of the cost they would otherwise have to pay at the IMT offices. The certificate, which has new design, is valid for 6 months and can be checked by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can file an application for an exchange of driving license. You must submit the IMT with a copy of your driving history. This can be obtained from the government or from an individual driving school. The embassy will help you obtain this document. But, you must make sure that the apostille is visible on the document prior to submitting 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 licence for a Portuguese license within two years after having moved to Portugal. You'll need to submit an unissued title certificate from the country of origin along with your driving license. The embassy can assist you in this process by certifying the document.
The test is comprised of 30 multiple-choice tests and lasts about 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 conducted in a 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 the country in which you reside, you may need to submit additional documents. If you are unsure of what documents you need, it is best to look up the official website of the IMT.
The IMT has launched a brand new online service called "My Driving License" that allows you to examine the status of your driving license and determine when it's time to renew. The IMT also offers a mobile app that helps you start the process of converting your American drivers license to an 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 licence you must turn it over to the IMT. You will receive a replacement after you have handed in the psychotechnical certificate.
You will receive an email from the IMT after you've uploaded your documents. It could take some days or weeks for them to process your application. After they have processed it and notified you of the results via email or via phone. If your driver's license is not accepted and you are not accepted, you will receive an official document that allows you to drive (albeit within Portugal). The IMT will then send your new Portuguese driving license by mail.
It is best to schedule an appointment with the IMT the moment you arrive in Portugal. It is possible to wait for a long time if you don't make an appointment. Bring your ID card as well as your NIF number.