Portugal Driving Licence or Driver Permit

Portugal Driving Licence : To get a driver’s license in Portugal, you need to:

• Meet the eligibility criteria
• Study the driving manual and road signs
• Take compulsory driving lessons
• Pass the theory test
• Pass the practical driving test
• Get a medical certificate
• Submit your license application
• Pay the license fee

You’ll receive a plastic card license valid for 10 years once issued.

Eligibility Requirements for a Portugal Driving Licence

To qualify for a driver’s license in Portugal, you must:

• Be a minimum of 17 years old
• Show proof of identity and residency
• Get a medical certificate confirming fitness to drive
• Complete the minimum number of driving lessons
• Pass the theory and practical driving tests

Step-by-Step Process for Getting a License

Here is an overview of the complete process for getting your first Portuguese driver’s license:

• Step 1: Register for theory classes at a driving school
• Step 2: Study the traffic rules, signs, fines in the official driving manual
• Step 3: Take compulsory practical driving lessons with an instructor
• Step 4: Pass the internal theory test at the driving school
• Step 5: Obtain a medical certificate from your doctor
• Step 6: Schedule and pass the computerized theory test
• Step 7: Take and pass the on-road driving test
• Step 8: Submit your license application at the IMT office
• Step 9: Receive new plastic card license in the mail

Types of Driver’s Licenses in Portugal

There are different categories of licenses you can obtain depending on vehicle type:

• Category AM – Mopeds and light quadricycles
• Category A1 – Light motorcycles up to 125cc
• Category A2 – Medium motorcycles up to 35kW
• Category A – Powerful motorcycles over 35kW
• Category B – Motor vehicles up to 3,500kg
• Category BE – Category B vehicles + trailers
• Category C – Trucks over 3,500kg
• Category CE – Category C trucks + trailers
• Category D – Passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats
• Category DE – Category D buses + trailers

How to Renew a Driver’s License in Portugal

To renew your Portuguese driver’s license:

• Check expiration date – Licenses expire after 10 years and must be renewed.
• Get new medical certificate – You’ll need an updated doctor’s certificate.
• Submit application – Fill out the license renewal form and submit to IMT.
• Pay fee – Pay the license renewal fee of €30.
• Provide identification – Show your old license and citizen card or passport.
• New photo – Your new license will have an updated photo.
• Eye exam – Renewals may require an eyesight test.
• Collect card – Your new plastic driver’s license will be mailed to you.

Documents Required for Renewal

• Existing driver’s license
• Medical certificate (issued within last year)
• ID card or passport
• Proof of residency
• Completed renewal application
• Fee payment of €30

Replacing a Lost, Stolen or Damaged License

If your Portuguese driver’s license is lost, stolen or damaged, you must apply for a replacement within 30 days by:

• Reporting incident to police and getting document
• Completing replacement form at IMT office
• Providing new medical certificate
• Showing police report, ID, proof of residency
• Paying replacement fee of €30
• Getting new photo taken

You’ll be issued a paper provisional license valid for 30 days until the new license arrives by mail. Damaged cards require surrender of old license.

Changing Your Address on Your Driver’s License

When you change your official residence in Portugal, you must update your driver’s license within 30 days by:

• Going to an IMT office in-person
• Filling out the change of address notification
• Providing proof of new address
• Paying fee of €7.50 for address change
• Getting an updated plastic card license

Your old license will be cancelled and you’ll get a paper one valid for 30 days until new license is issued.

Taking the Theory and Practical Driving Tests

To qualify for a driver’s license, you’ll need to pass a theory test and practical driving test.

The Theory Test

• Computer-based multiple choice test
• Questions cover road signs, rules, fines, documentation
• Offered in over 30 languages
• 45 minute time limit
• Must score at least 45 out of 75 to pass

The Practical Driving Test

• On-road driving test in candidate’s car
• Assesses vehicle control, maneuvering, road safety
• Driving examiner gives instructions
• Test takes about 30 minutes
• Major errors result in automatic failure

Both exams require booking in advance online or at an IMT office.

Traffic Fines and Penalties for Violations

Driving violations may result in fines, demerit points, suspension or revocation of license.

Examples of Fines

Violation	Fine
Speeding	€60-600
Running a red light	€120-600
Distracted driving	€120-600
Drunk driving	€250-1250
No license/insurance	€250-1250

License Suspension

• 12+ points = 3 months suspension
• 24+ points = 1 year suspension
• Over 36 points = Revoked license

Serious violations like drunk driving also carry suspension penalties.

Driver’s License Fees in Portugal

Here are some common driver’s license fees:

Transaction	Fee
New driver’s license	~€40
License renewal	€30
Replacement license	€30
Change of address	€7.50
International driving permit	€10
Theory test	€27.20
Practical driving test	€92.40

FAQs on Portugal Driving Licence