Getting a Portuguese Driving License — How to Apply

Who Needs a Portuguese License?

Whether you need a Portuguese driving license depends on your nationality and how long you plan to stay in the country:

• EU/EEA license holders: Your license is valid in Portugal until its expiry date. You do not need to exchange it, although you may do so voluntarily. When it expires, you must renew it through Portuguese authorities if you are a resident.
• Non-EU license holders who become residents: You may drive with your foreign license for a limited period after establishing residency. After that, you must exchange your license (if your country has an agreement with Portugal) or take the full Portuguese driving exam. Check with IMT for the current rules and deadlines that apply to your specific license.
• Visitors and tourists: You may drive with your home country license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) for short stays. The IDP is a translation document — it does not replace your national license.

License Categories & Minimum Age

Portuguese driving licenses follow EU categories. The most common ones are:

• AM — Mopeds (up to 50cc). Minimum age: 16 years.
• A1 — Light motorcycles (up to 125cc). Minimum age: 16 years.
• A2 — Motorcycles (up to 35 kW). Minimum age: 18 years.
• A — Full motorcycle license (unrestricted). Minimum age: 20 (with 2 years on A2) or 24 (direct access).
• B — Cars (up to 3,500 kg). Minimum age: 18 years. This is the most common category.
• B+E, C, D — Trailers, trucks, and buses. Require additional training and higher minimum ages.

Driving School Enrolment

In Portugal, you must attend a licensed driving school (escola de condução) to obtain your first driving license. You cannot take the exam privately without going through a school.

Choosing a Driving School

Driving schools are regulated by IMT and must be licensed. When choosing a school, consider:

• Location and schedule — Pick a school near your home or workplace with lesson times that fit your routine.
• Language — Most instruction is in Portuguese. Some schools in Lisbon and Porto may offer instruction in English, but this is not common. Ask before enrolling.
• Pass rates — You can ask the school about their pass rates or check reviews online.
• Package pricing — Schools offer packages that include enrolment, theory lessons, a set number of practical lessons, and exam fees. Prices vary significantly between schools and regions. Request a detailed quote before committing.

What the School Provides

• Theory lessons (aulas teóricas) covering the Portuguese Highway Code (Código da Estrada)
• Practical driving lessons (aulas práticas) with a qualified instructor
• Booking and coordination of your exams with IMT
• Assistance with the required documentation

Required Documents

To enrol at a driving school and apply for a Portuguese license, you typically need:

• Valid identification (passport, residence permit, or Citizen Card)
• NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — your Portuguese tax number. See our NIF Guide.
• Proof of residence in Portugal
• Medical exam certificate (atestado médico) — see below
• Passport-size photographs
• Existing foreign driving license (if applicable, for exchange)

Medical Exam (Exame Médico)

Before you can obtain a driving license, you must pass a medical exam (exame médico) that certifies you are physically and mentally fit to drive. This includes tests for:

• Vision (visual acuity, colour perception, peripheral vision)
• Hearing
• Physical coordination and mobility
• General health conditions that could affect driving safety

The medical exam is conducted by certified medical professionals. Your driving school can direct you to an approved medical centre. The certificate is valid for a limited period, so do not complete the exam too far in advance of your license application.

Theory Exam (Exame Teórico)

The theory exam tests your knowledge of the Portuguese Highway Code (Código da Estrada), traffic signs, road safety rules, and basic vehicle mechanics.

• The exam is a multiple-choice computer-based test conducted at an IMT centre.
• The exam is in Portuguese. Study materials and practice tests are available through your driving school.
• You must pass the theory exam before you can take the practical exam.
• Your driving school will book your exam date and prepare you with mock tests.

How to Prepare

• Attend all theory classes at your driving school
• Use the practice test software provided by your school
• Study the Código da Estrada — focus on speed limits, right of way, roundabout rules, and road signs
• If Portuguese is not your first language, spend extra time on the technical vocabulary

Practical Exam (Exame Prático)

After passing the theory exam, you proceed to practical driving lessons and then the practical driving exam.

• The practical exam is conducted by an IMT examiner, with your driving instructor present in the vehicle.
• You will drive on public roads, demonstrating that you can handle the car safely in real traffic conditions.
• The exam covers starting and stopping, turns, roundabouts, lane changes, parking (parallel and perpendicular), hill starts, and responding to traffic signs and signals.
• The examiner assesses your control of the vehicle, observation, use of mirrors, signalling, and compliance with traffic rules.

Costs Overview

The total cost of obtaining a Portuguese driving license includes several components:

• Driving school package — Includes enrolment, theory lessons, and a set number of practical lessons. This is the largest expense. Prices vary significantly depending on the school, city, and package selected.
• Additional practical lessons — If you need more lessons beyond the package, each extra lesson is charged separately.
• Medical exam fee — Paid directly to the medical centre.
• IMT exam fees — Fees for the theory and practical exams. Retake fees apply if you do not pass on the first attempt.
• License issuance fee — Charged by IMT for issuing the physical license.

Provisional License

After passing both exams, new drivers receive a provisional license (carta de condução provisória) for a probationary period. During this period:

• You must display a green “P” sticker on the rear of your vehicle.
• Lower alcohol limits apply (0.2 g/L instead of the standard 0.5 g/L).
• Any serious traffic offence during the probationary period can result in cancellation of your license.

After the probationary period ends without serious infractions, your license becomes a full permanent license.

Points System (Carta por Pontos)

Portugal uses a points-based driving license system. All drivers start with a set number of points. Traffic offences result in point deductions:

• Minor offences deduct fewer points; serious offences deduct more.
• If you lose all your points, your license is suspended and you must retake exams to get it back.
• Points can be recovered over time without committing further offences, or by attending approved road safety courses.

The point values for specific offences are defined by Portuguese law. Check the ANSR website or the IMT website for the current points table.

International Driving Permits

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your national license into multiple languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both.

• Using an IDP in Portugal: Visitors from non-EU countries can drive with an IDP alongside their national license for short stays. The IDP is not a substitute for obtaining a Portuguese license if you become a resident.
• Getting an IDP from Portugal: If you hold a Portuguese license and plan to drive in countries that require an IDP, you can apply through ACP (Automóvel Club de Portugal).

Common Questions

How long does it take to get a Portuguese driving license?

The full process typically takes between 3 and 6 months, depending on your driving school's schedule, how quickly you pass the theory and practical exams, and appointment availability at IMT.

Can I use my foreign driving license in Portugal?

EU/EEA licenses are valid in Portugal until they expire. Non-EU licenses may be used temporarily — check the current rules with IMT. If you become a Portuguese resident, you will eventually need to exchange or obtain a Portuguese license.

What is the minimum age to get a driving license in Portugal?

The minimum age for a Category B license (cars) is 18 years. For motorcycles, the minimum age varies by engine size: 16 for AM (mopeds), 16 for A1, 18 for A2, and 20 or 24 for full A category depending on conditions.

Is the theory exam available in English?

The theory exam is conducted in Portuguese by default. Some driving schools offer study materials in English, but the official exam at IMT is in Portuguese. Check with your driving school about language support options.

What happens if I fail the driving exam?

If you fail the theory or practical exam, you can retake it after a waiting period. Your driving school will help you rebook. Additional exam fees apply for each retake. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must pass the theory before moving to the practical exam.