Buy the IMT Driving License Online
The best option to take if you plan to exchange your driving licence in Portugal is to begin the process as quickly when you receive your residency card. This will save time and effort.
There are some requirements you need to meet, such as taking classes or a medical exam. However, don't worry about it - the medical exam is not as difficult as it seems.
Requirements
If you are planning to move to Portugal and are planning to move there, it is crucial to switch your foreign driving license to one in the Portuguese one whenever you can. You will be able to get a valid driving license in the event of your vehicle is stolen or lost. stolen. You can exchange your license at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) offices. The process is fairly straightforward, however you will require a number of documents along with you. This includes a medical examination and a translation of your foreign driving license. You can employ a professional translator to assist you.
You'll also have to pass a theory test and take a practical driving course. These lessons are provided at driving schools accredited by the government. On the website of the IMT, you will find a complete list of these driving centers. The test for theory will cost 30 euros while the practical driving test will cost an additional 40 euros. You may have to take an exam specifically designed for vehicles like buses or other large passenger vehicles.
The IMT website provides information on how to exchange your foreign driving license in Portugal. There are different rules for each country, therefore it's essential to verify the IMT's website prior move. For instance, foreigners who are exiled from the United States must submit a certificate of the equivalent of their home state.
Before allowing you exchange your driving licence the IMT will require your identity card or passport. It will also require a certified copy your driving record. You can get an official copy from your state of residence or from a public notary. The notary will charge you the cost of his service.
Fees
As as of today it appears that the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) has launched an online service that enables citizens to obtain a driver's license certificate. To access the service, drivers need to have their digital mobile key or citizen card and access IMT's "My Driving License" portal. Once they have registered, the certificate, which has the latest layout can be issued in either Portuguese or English and remains valid for six months. It is possible to verify its authenticity by scanning the QR code or entering the verification code.
Wait for IMT to indicate that you may go to their desk to complete your application and submit biometric information. You will also be required to pay a fee for your exam, which IMT will inform you about later on.
It is important to note that the process could take some time, particularly because the US does not have a system that automatically exchanges documents like driver's licences with Portugal. After you have submitted your documents, it may take a few weeks for IMT to examine it and return it back to you.
Be sure that the documents you submit to IMT are clearly labeled with your name and address. It's also a good idea to scan all documents before sending them so you can find them in the event of need. If you're applying for the license on behalf of several family members, you should label each document differently to avoid confusion. This will speed up the process and avoid delays.
Timeframe
If you arrive in Portugal with an original driving licence issued by a country which is a signatory of the international road transport convention, you may exchange it within 60 days to get the Portuguese driver's licence. You can exchange your license online or at a IMT desk. To do so, you must present an identity proof and the completed Modelo 10 IMT form. You must also sign up on the IMT site with your taxpayer number and password.
The cost for those who switch their licenses will be greater. If you hold a US driving license, for instance, you will be required to obtain an abstract from the authorities of your state and an official doctor's certificate confirming that you are legally able to drive. A doctor will conduct the medical exam. He will ask you general health questions and then conduct a brief neurologic test.
The entire process is time-consuming, but it's worth it in the end. It's also a good idea to get your license as soon as you can in order to avoid losing it or stolen.

If you are submitting an application for a license, be sure to scan and save each document in separate. If possible, give each file a different name to avoid confusion. Once you've completed your application, you will receive a confirmation email from IMT advising you of the status of your application. You'll also receive an appointment at the IMT office to take your practical driving exam.
Practical lessons
The driving lessons take place in licensed government-approved centers and are supervised only by certified instructors. The learning time is between 28 and 32 hours. Before you can book an exam, you must complete both the theory and the practical lessons. The exam is held in the same center that you took your theory test, so it is important to be familiar with the surroundings by this point. The exam is 30 questions long, and you're permitted to make three errors. The questions are based on the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. The exams aren't online, however there are several websites that allow you to download the syllabus.
You can also choose to take the test at a private institute however, it is subject to the availability of dates and professional. In addition, you'll have to pay a fee of EUR30 and present an official medical certificate that proves you're able to drive. Renewals can also require an eye test. After passing the exam you'll be issued your license by mail.
On the website of the IMT, you can also view a list of centers that have been certified. It is essential to verify whether the center has a trained instructor. If you're not happy with the performance of the instructor, don't hesitate request a new one. The instructor will assist you to get through the practical driving test by guiding you on how to maneuver the car and handle traffic. You will also need to know the highway code in Portugal and the road signs. The cost of driving lessons in Portugal can differ from centre to center. Compare prices on the IMT website to find the best price.
Theory test
The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) offers theoretical and practical driving courses. The IMT can only issue a driving license after passing both a theoretical and practical exam. It is also necessary to obtain a certification of favorable psychological evaluation. The theoretical test, or "exame of codigo", consists 30 questions to which you have to answer correctly within 35 minutes. It is offered at IMT or in private examination centers. If you are an international student, you can ask the IMT to translate your questions into English.
The practical driving test also known as "exame de velocidade" is between 40 and 50 minutes. It is a test drive along a city route. You will be evaluated by the examiner and by the instructor. If Comprar carta de condução categoria B pass the test, the IMT will issue a license to you via email.
You must have completed at minimum 28 of your theoretical classes and 16 practical classes in order to be eligible for the practical and theoretical exam. You can choose to take your exam in the theory section prior to taking the required number of practical classes. You'll have to pay for the practical classes separately.
You can lease a car from an instructor if you do not want to invest the money to purchase a new car. This will allow you to learn to drive without having to think about the cost of a new vehicle. Make sure to research the different schools in your area to find the best one for you. Check the insurance policy of the car you are planning to rent prior to making your reservation. The rental company may decline your claim if they do not have the right insurance.