How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're planning to move to Portugal from another EU country, the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) suggests that you change your license prior to the risk of it getting lost or stolen. Here's how you can do it.
A medical exam is required to begin the process. This is a good thing - you can apply online and save time.
How do Comprar carta de condução da categoria C apply
The process of getting an IMT driving license requires an assortment of theoretical and practical classes. These lessons are held in government-licensed centers and taught by qualified instructors. It takes 28 hours of theory and 32 practical lessons to complete the course. The cost of these classes varies however, you can save money by signing up with an agency that offers group classes for less than EUR100.
The next step is to take the theory test (exame de codigo). This test is available on the internet or at public institutions and lasts around 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple choice questions that you have to answer using the computer. The questions are in line with the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. To pass the test, you have to complete 27 questions correctly.
After passing the theory test, you'll 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 provides you with a temporary driving licence until you get your licence.
You must possess a valid passport, residency 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 Comprar carta de condução da categoria C driving license from another country to a Portuguese one, you must go to the Institute for Mobility and Transport office ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes"). It is recommended to arrive early because the office is usually packed. You should arrive at a minimum of an hour before the time that the office opens.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that allows drivers to verify their driving license renewal date. The platform is accessible 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 essential to exchange your driving licence to one that is a Portuguese one as soon as possible. You could face a significant fine in the event that you don't. It is recommended to begin this process as soon as you can after receiving your residence permit. It is also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you'll be using your previous license, as this is legally required.
The first step is to visit an IMT office with all the necessary documents. Bring your driver's license as well as proof of residency and residence card, as well as a medical examination. The medical exam must be conducted by a physician who is registered with the IMT. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license and send it directly the IMT via their online medical certificate platform.
The next step is the practical driving exam. The test takes between 40 and 50 minutes. The test will be conducted by a teacher, the examiner and another person who is taking the test. You'll be required to drive both ways so be prepared for a long day!
If you're a citizen of a country without a bilateral agreement then you'll have to provide a certified translation. This can be done by the issuing organization or by the consular service. It should include categories that were determined through an examination as well as those that were obtained by equivalents. You'll also require a psychological evaluation certificate, which must be drafted by psychologist.
You will also need to provide an authenticated and certified abstract of your United States driving record. You can find the list of states that are designated to perform this service here. This document is vital to the process of getting a driving license, as it can take up to a month for it to be received from the U.S. Furthermore, this process could be even longer when the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal arrangement with the European Union. Also, take into account that the IMT is often understaffed and the processing time may be lengthy.
Fees
It can be expensive to get your first license. Driving lessons aren't free, and the practical exam can cost you up to EUR250. It is nevertheless important to start the process as soon as possible to ensure you get your new driving license before the deadline. If you fail to do this, you might have to pay a fine for late submission of your application.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online platform that will allow citizens to obtain the certification. The new service is a great alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person and is a great idea for those who wish to save time. The service is open to all drivers with an electronic mobile key or a citizen card. It allows them to save 10% on the cost they would have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which features an updated design and is valid for a period of six months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE or verification code.
When you have all your documents in order, you can make an application for the exchange of a driving license. You must submit the IMT with a copy of your driving history. You can get this from the government or from a private driving school. The embassy can assist you to get this document. However, 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 need to exchange your driving license for the Portuguese license within two years of having moved to Portugal. Along with your driving licence, you will need to present an unissued title document from your country of origin. The embassy will assist you by legalising your document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice responses and lasts approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you need to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to the ones you will encounter on the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a car, with an instructor and a second candidate taking the test.

Timeframe
If you're looking to exchange your driving licence be prepared for an extended period. Depending on the country in which you reside, you may need to submit other 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 new service dubbed "My Driving License." This online platform lets you check the status of your driving license and see when it is time to renew it. The IMT provides a mobile app that can help you begin the process of converting your American drivers license for one in Portugal.
You can also use the My Driving License platform to report theft or loss of your driving license. If you've lost or stolen your licence, you need to give it back to the IMT. You will receive a replacement after you have submitted the psychotechnical certificate.
Once you have uploaded all of your required documents and you have received an email from the IMT confirming that they have received your application. It could take several days or weeks for them to process your application. Once they have processed it they will inform you of the results by email or by phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, a new document will be issued to allow you to drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will send you your new Portuguese driving license via postal mail.
It is recommended to make an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. If you don't have an appointment, you may be waiting for a long time to be viewed. It is important to bring your ID card along with your NIF number with you when you go.