How to Get a Portuguese Drivers License

Getting a Portuguese Driver’s License

While public transportation in Portugal is very good and relatively cheap, it is much more practical to drive a car to get around easily, especially if you live in or visit places that are difficult to reach by bus or train.

A Portuguese driver’s license (carta de condução) is a European Union standard license, meaning it has the same characteristics as other EU licenses.

Portugal driver’s license cards are printed on a piece of plastic that is the size and shape of a credit card. It contains all the information about the driver’s identity and the types of vehicles they can drive.

Here, we will provide you with everything that you’ll need to know about getting your hands on your Portuguese driver’s license.

Who can get a driver’s license?

Anyone who meets these requirements can get a driver’s license in Portugal:

• Be 18 years old or older
• Live in Portugal for at least 185 days
• Comply with the physical, mental, and psychological conditions required
• Not be prohibited to drive by a court or administrative authority
• Not hold a driver’s license of the same category from another EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway

If you do hold a driver’s license of the same category from another EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway, you must:

• If the license is valid – you may use it in Portugal. You must, however, inform IMT within 60 days that you reside and drive in Portugal.
• If the license has expired or is in a different category – request the exchange of your license for a Portuguese license.

Our article about how to get Portuguese residency shows the process of securing a residency permit.

Portuguese driving license types

Portugal has four broad categories of driving licenses, each further split into subcategories, which are made available at different age levels.

You can find a brief overview of the categories below, and further information about which licenses are available at which age on the Portuguese Government’s website.

• Category A: Covers all motorcycles, including mopeds, scooters, tricycles, and motorbikes of all engine sizes
• Category B: For light-duty vehicles such as standard cars, vans, and some small motorcycles and quadricycles under certain conditions, as well as light-duty industrial machines
• Category C: For heavy goods vehicles like large trucks and lorries used for transporting cargo, and also agricultural or forest tractors with a trailer or semi-trailer
• Category D: For heavy-duty passenger vehicles such as buses and minibuses

Portugal driving license requirements and documents

To obtain a driving license, you must provide the following documents: A Portuguese Citizen Card or an identification card. If you are a foreign national, you must submit one of the following:

• Temporary or permanent residence permit or a temporary or permanent residence card issued by AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum).
• Passport and a study, work, temporary stay, or residence visa that is issued by AIMA, the Consular Office, or another service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• A Portuguese tax number (NIF)
• National Health Service (SNS) number
• Electronic medical certificate (atestado médico IMT). This certifies that the driver is physically able to drive and must be sent by the certified doctor who made the assessment to the Mobility and Transport Institute.
• Psychological assessment certificate and report, issued by a psychologist, which shows you are psychologically able to drive. This must be submitted by the candidate to the Portugal driving school.

Note: Brazilian citizens living in Portugal may have the same rights as Portuguese nationals when applying for a driving licence if they have an Equality Status under the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Consultation. With this status, they can apply for a driving license with a Portuguese Citizen Card. Otherwise, they must follow standard procedures for foreign (third-country) licence holders.

How and where to get driving tests in Portugal?

To get a driver’s license in Portugal, you must enroll in a certified driving school (Escola de Condução), where you’ll take preparation classes and complete both a theory and practical driving test for your chosen license category. The school will handle exam registration for you.

The Institute of Mobility and Transport (Instituto de Mobilidade e Transportes – IMT) provides the driving tests in Portugal. These tests have two parts: a theory exam and a practical exam, which you take on different days.

The driving theory test

The theory test (Exame de Código) has 30 multiple-choice questions, takes about 30 minutes, and you answer it on a computer. You need 27 correct answers to pass.

You can practice the questions online, including on the IMT website and Bom Condutor. If you need a translation, request it when booking. You can take the theory test at public or private centers in Portugal. At IMT, it costs €15, while private examination centers charge between €15 and €110.

The practical driving test

The practical test (exame prático) usually lasts about 40 minutes. You can make up to 10 minor mistakes and still pass. At the start, you show the examiner how well you know the car and how to prepare for safe driving, which takes about five minutes. You spend the rest of the time driving in Portugal with the examiner in the passenger seat.

The practical test costs €30 at a public center or up to €120 at a private examination center. If you fail the test, you reapply and pay the fee again. You can also take extra practical lessons at a driving school to increase your chances of success.

Driving lessons in Portugal

You take driving lessons at government-licensed centers with a qualified instructor. How long lessons take depends on your availability and learning progress. You must complete 28 hours of theory lessons and 32 hours of practical driving.

To find certified driving schools in Portugal, check the complete list on IMT’s website.

How to Get a Driver's License in Portugal: Step-by-Step Process

Follow these steps when applying for a driving license in Portugal:

1. Register your residence: EU/EEA citizens have a 60-day window to check in with the IMT. But non-EU citizens must become legal residents first. That means you apply for a residence card or a permit to become eligible for a Portuguese driver’s license.
2. Collect the documents: You will need a passport or ID, proof of residence, and driving history. If you have a non-EU license, get an apostille or certified translation. For example, American expats can take their US driving record from the DMV.
3. Book a medical exam: Visit an IMT-registered doctor for your medical and eye exam. You can find certified doctors on the IMT website to prove you are fit to drive safely.
4. Submit your application: Apply online through the IMT portal or visit an IMT office in person. The processing time for the application review is about one to two weeks. Make sure you include all your documents to avoid delays.
5. Attend your appointment & give biometrics: Go to your appointment to have your photo taken and sign the necessary forms. You will receive a temporary permit (guia), which lasts for six months.
6. Receive your license: Once approved, your full Portuguese driver’s license is mailed to your address. Keep your temporary permit until it arrives. Processing time for a full license is one to three months (or two on average). However, during peak times, it can take up to six months. You can track your license via the IMT portal.

How much does it cost to get a Portuguese driver’s license?

The cost of a Portuguese driving license depends on the vehicle category, the driving school, and your location, typically ranging from €375 to €920. However, some driving schools may charge more for English classes, or you may need additional lessons at an extra cost.

The Portugal driving school fees include:

• Theory test: €15 at a public IMT center or up to €110 at a private center
• Practical driving test: €30 at a public center or up to €120 at a private center
• Other extra fees: €20 to €50 for additional lessons or €30 to €120 retaking practical tests

Prices tend to be lower in areas like Greater Lisbon and Funchal, while regions such as Évora and Braga are usually more expensive.

Other administrative costs include:

• Exchange fee: €30 (paid at appointment)
• Psychological assessment: €50 to €100 (if necessary)
• Medical certificate: €25 to €50
• Document apostille or translation: €50 to €200 (different for every country)
• No extra fees for EU/US/UK due to reciprocal recognition agreements.

Driver License Portugal: Navigating the Language Barrier

In some cases, expats living in Portugal, may find the language barrier difficult to overcome to get a Portuguese driver’s license. While some driver’s schools offer lessons in English, both the theory and the practical test will be done in Portuguese.

If you prefer to study and take the theory test in English, request this at the time of enrollment. Translated theory tests are only available for certain categories and are usually arranged through the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) – the main responsible authority for driving licenses in Portugal – or an approved private exam center.

It may be a good idea to try doing all the training in Portuguese, if you can. This way, you will be able to get to grips with the language and traffic-related terms while learning to drive. Although difficult, it is a possibility. English is widely spoken in Portugal, and if you have a friendly driving instructor, you may even get some Portuguese lessons while driving.

What is the deadline to get a driver's license in Portugal?

There’s no fixed minimum time to get a driver’s license in Portugal, but there is a maximum deadline. If you haven’t completed the full licensing process within two years of enrolling in driving school, your progress may expire.

If you’ve only passed the theory test by then (valid for one year), you must apply for revalidation before the two years are up to continue training. If you haven’t passed any part of the process within two years, you’ll need to start over completely, including submitting a new medical certificate and psychological assessment if required.

Driving With a Foreign Driver’s License in Portugal

EU and EFTA nationals

If you have a driver’s license from an EU or EFTA country, you can drive in Portugal until it expires. After that, you must exchange it for a Portuguese license. You must also inform the local IMT office within 60 days of moving to Portugal.

Other countries with bilateral agreements

If your license comes from a country with a bilateral agreement with Portugal, you have up to two years to exchange it. If your license is from a country not part of the international conventions, you must exchange it immediately.

You can apply online or at an IMT office. Bring:

• Your ID
• Proof of residence
• Your valid foreign driver’s license (plus a photocopy)

OECD and CPLP nationals

From 1 August 2022, if you are from an OECD or CPLP country, you can drive in Portugal with your original driver’s license, even if you live there. But, you still need to meet certain requirements outlined by the Portuguese government.

Even with a residence permit in Portugal, there is no need to exchange your original driving license for a new one if:

• You are younger than 60 years
• Your foreign driver’s license is still valid
• Your license was issued or renewed in the last 15 years
• Your license is not suspended, seized, or revoked
• You meet Portugal’s minimum driving age for your vehicle category

These countries include:

• Angola
• Australia
• Brazil
• Cape Verde
• Canada
• Chile
• United States
• Iceland
• Israel
• Japan
• Mozambique
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• Republic of Korea
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Switzerland
• Turkey

Driving in Portugal as a tourist

If you are visiting Portugal, you can drive for up to 185 days with a license from a country that has a bilateral agreement. If you plan to move to Portugal, you can use your home license for 90 days from your residence permit issue date. After that, you must start the exchange process.

Portugal Driver License Exchange

If you have moved to Portugal with a valid foreign driver’s license, the good news is you may not have to replace it immediately, depending on which country the license is from.

Eligibility for Portugal driver license exchange

If you have a license from a non-EU/EEA country, you can generally drive in Portugal for up to 90 days. However, it’s a good idea to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if your license isn’t in English or Portuguese. After that, you’ll need to exchange it for a Portuguese one.

The specific requirements for exchange depend on the country of origin and may involve submitting a copy of your foreign driver’s license, a driving record, and potentially an apostille from your state of origin, along with the standard required documents:

• ID
• Portuguese residence permit
• NIF tax identification number
• Psychological assessment certificate
• Medical certificate

The exchange of a foreign driving license application requires you to fill out the appropriate online form (based on your home country), wait for IMT confirmation, and attend a desk appointment to register and collect biometric data.

US license exchange Portugal

If you are a US citizen, you can drive in Portugal with your American licence for up to 185 days. After this period, if you become a resident, you have 90 days to exchange your US licence for a Portuguese one without taking a driving test, and you can continue driving legally during this window.

After the 90 days, you cannot drive in Portugal unless you have exchanged your licence. Thanks to a bilateral agreement between the US and Portugal, you may still exchange your US licence without taking a driving test within two years of becoming a resident.

UK license exchange Portugal

You need to carry your UK driving licence with you, but you do not need to have an international driving permit (IDP) to visit and drive in Portugal. You will need to show your valid and current license, ID, evidence that you have valid car insurance, and proof of ownership of the vehicle, such as the V5 registration certificate.

EU/EEA license exchange Portugal

If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you could use your driver’s license in Portugal, but you have to register it with the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) after you become a resident. You can continue using your home country’s license until it expires, at which point you must exchange it for a Portuguese driver’s license. You must notify the IMT within 60 days of becoming a resident in Portugal.

Portugal driver license exchange requirements

Here are all the documents you will need for the Portugal driving license exchange process.

Portuguese Driving License Expiry Date and Renewals

In Portugal, a driver’s license is valid for 15 years and must be renewed every 15 years until you turn 60. After that, you must renew it every five years until the age of 70, and then every two years. 

You are not required to retake the driving test at any age, but starting at age 60, you must submit a medical certificate with your renewal. It’s recommended to begin the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. For more information, check the Field 4B on your driving license card. It shows the Portuguese driving license expiry date.  

You can renew your license either online or in person at an IMT office service desk. Online renewals cost €27 if you’re under 70 and €13.50 if you’re over 70. In-person renewals cost slightly more: €30 for drivers under 70 and €15 for those over 70.

Documents required for license renewal:

• Citizen card
• Taxpayer number (NIF)
• Identification document or residence permit
• Current driver’s license
• Medical certificate (if age 60 or older)

Replacements for Lost or Stolen Driver’s Licenses in Portugal

If your driver’s license is lost or stolen, you must first report it at a police station. You can then request a replacement either online through the IMT website or in person at an IMT service center. 

Only residents of Portugal with a Portuguese-issued license, Portuguese citizens, or individuals living outside the EU/EEA who hold a Portuguese license are eligible to request a replacement.

Documents required for a replacement:

• Valid identification document (citizen card, passport, or residence permit)
• Taxpayer number
• Completed and signed Modelo 10 IMT form

Online requests require registration on the IMT website using your NIF number and password. The fees are the same as for renewals. After submitting your request, you’ll receive your new license in 8 to 10 days, along with a temporary permit to drive while you wait.

Driving in Portugal

You can travel from the North to the South of Portugal in less than a day. This is a testament to the size of the country. However, do not think that the relatively small size translates to a lack of variety in landscapes. From mountains (Serra da Estrela) to beaches with stunning rock formations, to green rolling hills, Portugal certainly will not disappoint.

And with spectacular landscapes across the country, driving is not just a way to get from A to B. You can enjoy widespread views of the Atlantic, vineyards spreading for miles in every direction, and quaint, picturesque villages.

Each will have its own traditions, special cuisines, and local customs. Indeed, if you live in Portugal, you will be sure to experience some beautiful locations on the road.

Renting a car in Portugal

Renting a car in Portugal is relatively cheap when compared to other countries. Prices will vary depending on the part of the country that you are in and the type of car you rent. Also, remember to factor in whether it’s tourist season when renting a car, as this can increase the price significantly. A way around this is to book the car in advance.

Prices can start as low as €10 per day in off-seasons, though the average price will be higher in major cities like Lisbon. The cheapest prices tend to be listed as weekly rentals with the same pick-up and drop-off location.

Driver’s licenses for other vehicles in Portugal

The age requirements to drive depend on the vehicle category.

From 16 years old, you can drive:

• AM – Mopeds and motorbikes up to 50 cm³
• A1 – Mopeds up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW
• B1 – Quadricycles

From 18 years old, you can also drive:

• A2 – Mopeds up to 35 kW, including vehicles from A1 and AM categories
• B – Light-duty vehicles, tricycles, agricultural vehicles (categories I & II), and light industrial machines
• BE – Light vehicles with a trailer or semi-trailer, agricultural or forest tractors
• C1 – Heavy-duty goods vehicles
• C1E – Light-duty vehicles from the B category with a semi-trailer or trailer (3,500 kg maximum weight); the combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer is not over 12,000 kg

From 21 years old, you can also drive:

• C – Heavy goods vehicles, agricultural or forest tractors, and agricultural, forest, or industrial machines
• CE – Set of attached vehicles (categories I–III), heavy industrial machines, and all C, C1, C1E vehicles (750 kg maximum weight)
• D1 – Heavy-duty passenger vehicles for up to 17 people (driver + passengers)
• D1E – D1 vehicles with a trailer, BE vehicles with a trailer, and towed industrial machines

From 24 years old, you can also drive:

• A – Any moped, tricycle, or vehicle from AM, A1, or A2 categories
• D – Heavy passenger vehicles with more than 8 passengers + driver
• DE – D vehicles with a trailer (750 kg maximum weight); light duty or agricultural or forest tractors with a trailer or semi-trailer (750 kg maximum weight); towed industrial machines (between 3,500 kg to 7,500 kg); and D1 vehicles with a trailer

How can Goldcrest help you?

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