Driving License in Portugal
Whether you’re a recently settled expatriate, a student, or just on vacation, if you plan to drive in Portugal, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations concerning driving licenses in Portugal. In this article, we’ll cover the necessary procedures for obtaining or exchanging your driving license, as well as information about legislation and advice for driving safely and responsibly in this beautiful country.
Different Categories of Driving Licenses in Portugal
There are several categories of driving licenses in Portugal, corresponding to different types of vehicles one can be authorized to drive. Here’s an overview of the main categories:
- Category A: motorcycles with or without sidecar, tricycles, and motor quadricycles
- Category B: motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) not exceeding 3,500 kg and designed and built for passenger transport with a maximum of eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat
- Category C: motor vehicles intended either for goods transport or mixed transport with a GVWR exceeding 3,500 kg
- Category D: motor vehicles intended for public passenger transport with more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat
- Categories E: vehicles of categories B, C, or D with a trailer whose gross vehicle weight rating exceeds 750 kg and where the combination of the towing vehicle and trailer has a GVWR exceeding 3,500 kg (category BE), 12,000 kg (category CE), or 18,000 kg (category DE)
Obtaining a Portuguese Driving License for European Citizens by your original DL
If you are a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) country and already possess a driving license issued in one of these countries, you do not need to exchange your license for a Portuguese one as long as it is valid. However, if you decide to reside permanently in Portugal, you will need to change your license after two years.
Exchanging Your European Driving License for a Portuguese License
To exchange your European driving license for a Portuguese driving license, you must provide the following documents:
- RIR: restricted information record
- Your valid European driving license
- An identity document (national identity card or passport)
- A certificado de registro de cidadão da união europeia (European Union citizen registration certificate)
- Proof of address in Portugal (electricity, phone, or rent bill)
- NIF (Portuguese tax identification number)
- Two recent identity photographs (32x26mm)
- Medical certificate from a recognized physician
- Modelo 13 IMTT form which can be downloaded to save time
Once you have gathered these documents, you must present them to the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes), which is responsible for issuing driving licenses in Portugal. After verification of your documents and potentially a medical examination, your Portuguese driving license will be issued.
Cost: €30 and €15 for those over 70 years old. If you complete the process online through IMTonline, you benefit from a 10% discount.
European Standard License
The new driving license format, compliant with European standards and similar to a credit card, is directly recognized in Portugal, thus eliminating the need for exchange for holders. Since this license specifies an expiration date, you will need to request its renewal for a Portuguese license if you still reside in Portugal when it expires.
Exchange of Non-EU Driving License for a Portuguese License
Portugal has bilateral agreements with certain countries outside the EU or EEA that allow their citizens to exchange their national driving license for a Portuguese license without taking examinations. The procedures are similar to those described previously for European citizens, with some differences:
You must provide:
- A certified translation of your driving license
- A residence certificate issued by the competent authority in Portugal (Camara Municipal)
- A Certificate of Equivalence of Driving License Categories, which certifies that your driving license categories are equivalent to those of the Portuguese license
Valid Driving Licenses in Portugal from OECD and CPLP
In Portugal, holders of driving licenses issued by member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) are authorized to drive. This rule encompasses various nations, including: Angola, Australia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, United States of America, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Mozambique, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, Sao Tome and Principe, Switzerland, and Turkey. This provision facilitates mobility for nationals of these countries wishing to drive in Portuguese territory.
License Renewal and Medical Examination
In Portugal, driving license renewal is closely linked to medical examination. This requirement aims to ensure that drivers possess the necessary physical and mental abilities to drive safely. The assessment criteria and frequency of medical visits evolve with the driver’s age, reflecting increased road safety concerns for at-risk populations. From age 40, Portuguese drivers must evaluate their physical and mental faculties every 10 years.
For drivers over 70 years old, Portugal has established a specific rule regarding driving license renewal. Upon reaching this age, renewal must be done every two years. This measure exclusively concerns category A and B licenses, meaning licenses for private vehicles and motorcycles.
Obtaining a Driving License in Portugal from the start
If you haven’t yet obtained your license, getting it in Portugal could prove to be a judicious decision. The cost of a driving license in Portugal ranges between 350 and 500 euros for all theoretical and practical courses, significantly lower than in France, where it costs at least 1,000 euros. Furthermore, the tests appear to be more accessible, which is a compelling argument for those still hesitating.
Those who haven’t yet mastered Portuguese will be pleased to learn that some driving schools, particularly in Lisbon, offer training with French-speaking instructors. This is a considerable opportunity that, in addition to preparing you for the exam, will help improve your Portuguese language skills. Generally, you’ll need to know five key words: Esquerda (Left), Direita (Right), Em fremte (Straight ahead), Marcha atras (Reverse), Estacionar (Park).
To register at a driving school in Portugal, you must provide various official documents:
- Tax Identification Number (NIF)
- European Union Citizen Registration Certificate, proving your residence in Portugal
- An identity photo and valid ID or passport
- Medical Certificate (Atestado médico), with the option to take the medical examination directly at some driving schools for approximately 15 euros
The process of obtaining a driving license is divided into two main phases: theory and practical driving.
Theory Test
The Portuguese highway code is very similar to the French one, and the examination is also conducted on computer. It consists of 30 randomly selected questions, with a maximum of three errors allowed to pass. For those comfortable with Portuguese, websites such as Codigo.pt and Bomcondutor.pt offer free resources for practice.
A minimum interval of 15 days is required between theoretical and practical examinations.
Driving Lessons
The first driving lessons in Portugal are mandatory on a simulator, typically for the first 6 sessions. On examination day, a fee of 30 euros is required for issuing a provisional certificate, pending receipt of the European driving license at home, in approximately two months.
Practical Test
The practical driving test is characterized by a structured and predictable approach, offering candidates a familiar and reassuring framework:
- Test Location: The practical test takes place in the same space as the theoretical test
- Route Selection: Among hundreds of available routes, a random drawing process determines the itinerary to follow, ensuring fair assignment for each pair of candidates
- Vehicle composition on exam day:
- The examiner, who supervises and evaluates candidates
- The instructor, present as a guide and support
- Two candidates, alternating between driver and passenger roles, for a shared experience
- Duration and procedure:
- A 20-minute driving phase, during which the candidate navigates from point A to point B
- A 5-minute segment dedicated to specific maneuvers, such as U-turns and reverse parking
- Evaluation: Upon completion of the exam, candidates immediately receive their results, allowing for a direct and transparent conclusion to this crucial step
