How to Get a Driving License in Portugal

Portugal is a signatory to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which means driving licenses from member countries are recognized within its territory. However, the rules and timelines vary significantly depending on whether you’re a tourist or a resident. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining, exchanging, and renewing your driving license in Portugal in 2026.

Who Can Drive in Portugal with a Foreign License?

For Tourists and Short-Term Visitors:

• You can drive in Portugal for up to 185 days (approximately 6 months) with a valid foreign license from countries party to the Vienna Convention (1968) or Geneva Convention (1949)
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not mandatory for most visitors, especially if your license is not in English or Portuguese
• You must carry both your original license and IDP together if using an International Driving Permit

For Residents:

• EU/EEA citizens: Your license remains valid until it expires. You must notify the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) within 60 days of establishing residency
• Non-EU residents from OECD/CPLP countries: You can drive for the first 90 days after receiving your residence permit, but must apply for license exchange within this period. You have up to 2 years to complete the exchange process
• Other countries: Check with IMT for specific bilateral agreements

Requirements for Exchanging a Foreign Driving License

To exchange your foreign driving license for a Portuguese one, you’ll need the following documents:

• Valid original driving license (issued within the last 15 years)
• Valid passport or EU/EEA ID card
• Proof of Portuguese residence
• Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)
• Electronic medical certificate (costs €25-€50)
• Psychological evaluation (if required for professional categories, costs around €45)
• Certified translation (if your license is not in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish)
• Declaration from issuing authority or consulate (for certain countries)

Important: Your foreign license must not be suspended, expired, or revoked, and must have been issued no more than 15 years ago.

Cost of Exchanging a Driving License in Portugal

The exchange process involves several fees:

• IMT processing fee: €30 (€15 for people aged 70+)
• Medical certificate: €25-€50
• Psychological evaluation: Around €45 (if required)
• Translation services: €50-€200+ (if needed)

Applications submitted online through IMTonline receive a 10% discount on the processing fee. The entire exchange process typically takes 1-3 months, with an average of about 60 days.

Getting a Driving License for the First Time in Portugal

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum age of 18 years for Category B (cars)
• Must have lived in Portugal for at least 185 days
• Meet physical, mental, and psychological requirements
• Not be prohibited from driving by court or administrative authority
• Do not already hold a driving license of the same category from another EU country

Major Changes in 2026: New Family Tutor System

Starting in 2026, Portugal introduced a significant reform to the driver training system. Learners aged 18 and older can now practice driving with a family tutor instead of exclusively through driving schools.

Family Tutor Requirements:

• Must have held a valid driving license for at least 10 years
• Clean driving record with no traffic crimes or serious violations in the past 5 years
• Must complete an approved tutor training course
• Special insurance coverage is required
• The first 12 mandatory driving school lessons have been eliminated under this system

However, professional theoretical instruction and official exams at authorized centers are still mandatory. The driving school retains final authority to determine if additional professional lessons are needed before the practical test.

Choosing a Driving School

Portugal has approximately 1,200 licensed driving schools. When selecting a school, consider:

• Location and accessibility: Choose a school convenient to your home or work
• Language options: Many schools offer instruction in English and other languages (for an additional fee)
• Package pricing: All-inclusive packages typically range from €375 to €920 depending on location and services
• Reputation and reviews: Check online reviews and ask for recommendations
• State certification: Ensure the school is properly licensed by IMT

You can find a complete list of certified driving schools on the official IMT website.

The Training and Examination Process

Training Requirements:

• Theoretical classes: 28 hours of instruction covering traffic rules, road signs, and driving regulations
• Practical classes: 32 hours of hands-on driving instruction with a certified instructor (unless using the family tutor system)
• Classes are typically conducted in Portuguese, but many schools offer English instruction for an additional fee

Theoretical Exam:

• 30 multiple-choice questions
• 30 minutes to complete
• Must answer at least 27 questions correctly (90% pass rate)
• Cost: Approximately €30
• Available with translation for certain categories (AM, A1, A2, A, B1, and B)
• Can be taken at IMT test centers or authorized private examination centers

Practical Driving Exam:

• Duration: 40-50 minutes
• Conducted by certified examiners with your driving instructor present
• Cost: €30 at public IMT centers, up to €120 at private examination centers
• Interpreter services available for non-Portuguese speakers (additional charge)
• If you fail, you must pay the exam fee again and may need additional lessons

Receiving Your Portuguese Driving License

After successfully passing all examinations:

• You’ll receive a temporary paper license (guia) that allows you to drive legally while waiting
• The temporary license is valid for 6 months and can be extended for another 6 months if needed
• Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to your registered address via registered post (CTT)
• Processing time is typically 1-3 months
• You may need to sign for delivery, or collect it from a CTT post office if you miss the delivery

Portuguese Driving License Validity and Renewal

Portuguese driving licenses have different validity periods based on age:

• Under 60 years old: Valid for 15 years
• 60-70 years old: Valid for 5 years (renewal required every 5 years)
• Over 70 years old: Valid for 2 years (renewal required every 2 years)

Medical and mental health assessments are required at renewal for drivers aged 50, 60, 65, and 70. Those over 70 must undergo assessments at each renewal period.

Renewal fees: €30 (€15 for people aged 70+), with a 10% discount for online applications through IMTonline.

Essential Documents for Driving in Portugal

In addition to your driving license, you must always carry:

• Valid vehicle registration documents
• Proof of valid car insurance
• Road tax payment receipt
• DUA (Documento Único Automóvel) – Single Automobile Document
• Reflective vest (mandatory to keep in the vehicle)
• Warning triangle

Important Driving Rules in Portugal

Portugal has specific traffic regulations that all drivers must follow:

• Drive on the right side of the road
• Vehicles already in roundabouts have priority
• At intersections without signals, vehicles from the right have priority
• Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants
• Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l (0.2 g/l for professional drivers and those with less than 3 years of driving experience)
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90-100 km/h on rural roads, 120 km/h on highways

Portugal has implemented strict penalties for traffic violations, with fines ranging from €60 to €2,500 depending on the severity. Serious violations can result in license suspension for up to 2 years.

Costs Summary: Getting a Driving License in Portugal (2026)

For First-Time License (Complete Package):

• Driving school package: €375-€920 (varies by location and language)
• Medical certificate: €25-€50
• Theoretical exam: €30
• Practical exam: €30-€120
• License issuance: €30
• Total estimated cost: €490-€1,150

For License Exchange:

• IMT processing fee: €30
• Medical certificate: €25-€50
• Translation (if required): €50-€200
• Total estimated cost: €105-€280

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I take the driving test in English?
A: The theoretical exam is only available in Portuguese, but translation services are provided for certain categories. Many driving schools offer preparation courses in English.

Q: What happens if my foreign license expires during the exchange process?
A: You should start the exchange process well before expiration. If your license expires, you may need to retake driving tests.

Q: Can I drive in other EU countries with my Portuguese license?
A: Yes, Portuguese driving licenses are recognized throughout the European Union.

Q: What if I lose my driving license in Portugal?
A: You can apply for a replacement by submitting IMT Form Model 13, a copy of your ID, two passport photos, and paying the €30 replacement fee.

Conclusion

Portugal offers a beautiful landscape perfect for exploring by car, from the northern mountains to the sunny Algarve coast. Whether you’re exchanging your foreign license or obtaining one for the first time, understanding the requirements and process will help ensure a smooth transition to driving legally in Portugal. With the new 2026 family tutor system, the process has become more flexible, though professional instruction remains important for safe driving practices.

If you’re planning to travel internationally with your Portuguese license, don’t forget to obtain your International Driving Permit for Portugal. If you still don’t have one, feel free to apply here.