How To Get a Driver’s License in Portugal

Portugal’s growing technology sector and vibrant cities attract people seeking opportunities beyond the major urban centers, making a driver’s license (“carta de condução”) essential for newcomers.

For American expats and other international residents, understanding local driving requirements is a crucial first step.

At Remitly, we help you securely send money between Portugal and your home country while providing guidance on essential services. Whether converting an existing driver’s license or applying for a new one, this guide walks you through the process.

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Can you use your foreign license in Portugal?

To drive in Portugal as a tourist, you need a valid foreign driver’s license, and most non-European Union drivers need an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can drive for up to 185 days after entering the country, unless your license is from a country that isn’t a party to international road traffic conventions, such as China or Mexico.

If you become a Portuguese resident, the rules depend on where your license was issued:

• Licenses from EU member states, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein remain valid until expiration. Simply register your address with the Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) within 60 days of becoming a resident.
• Licenses from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States also remain valid if:
  • The date of issue or last renewal is within the past 15 years;
  • You’re under 60 years old; and
  • You meet Portugal’s minimum age requirements for the vehicle categories on your foreign license (for example, even if you hold a valid US driver’s license at 16, you can’t drive in Portugal until you’re 18).
• Licenses from other countries that are signatories to road traffic conventions are valid for 90 days after obtaining your residence card. You then have two years to exchange it for a Portuguese license.

If your license is from a country not part of the international conventions, you have no option but to exchange it for a Portuguese license and complete both theoretical and practical driving tests—unless you want to ride a moped, in which case you only need to meet the age requirements and pass a basic exam.

How do you exchange a foreign driving license in Portugal?

The first thing you’ll need is a medical assessment. Your doctor will determine whether you’re fit to drive and will then submit the certificate directly to IMT. You can then submit your exchange application via the IMT website, along with:

• A residence permit, citizen card, or other gov.-issued identification document;
• Your original driver’s license.

You may also need the following documents:

• A certificate of domicile from Portal das Finanças (if your residence permit doesn’t show your address; you’ll need a Portuguese tax identification number, or “NIF”);
• Your passport (if your residence card doesn’t include biometric data);
• A psychological assessment certificate (if your license includes categories for heavy duty vehicles, public transport, or tractors);
• A certificate of authenticity from your license issuing authority or consular services, or an apostille, detailing which categories were obtained through testing (for licenses from outside Europe);
• A certified translation of your license (if it isn’t in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish).

If your license is from a country that isn’t a party to the international road traffic conventions, you’ll also need to pass a theoretical and practical driving test.

After submitting your application, wait for IMT to contact you for an in-person appointment to complete the process. Much better than waiting in line at the DMV!

Pro-tip: In Portugal, most official certificates and documents must have been issued within the last 6 months to be considered valid. This includes medical certificates and apostilles. Plan accordingly to avoid having to repeat these steps.

How do you get a new Portuguese driving license?

If you’re getting your first license in Portugal or can’t exchange your foreign license, you’ll complete the full licensing process through a driving school. You need to:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Have legal residency in Portugal;
• Not be currently banned from driving;
• Pass both theoretical and practical driving tests.

The driving school manages the entire process with IMT, including your initial application, learner’s permit, and required training.

What steps do you need to complete at driving school?

In Portugal, all new drivers must complete mandatory training at a certified driving school. The program includes:

Classroom instruction (at least 28 hours):

• Portuguese traffic laws
• Road signs
• Safety regulations

Many driving schools, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, offer these classes in English.

Practical training (at least 32 hours):

• Vehicle handling and maneuvering
• City and highway driving
• Night driving
• Parking techniques

Your instructor will assess your readiness for the final tests, and you can take additional driving lessons if you need to.

What should you know about Portuguese driving tests?

After you complete your mandatory training, you must pass both theory and practical tests to get your license.

Theory test

The theory test has 30 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, signs, and rules. You must answer at least 27 correctly to pass. The test is in Portuguese, but the IMT provides translators in many languages, including English.

Practical test

The practical test is a 30-40 minute assessment covering safe vehicle operation, traffic navigation, parking skills, and general road awareness.

If you fail either test, you may retake it after a waiting period:

• Theory test: 5 business days;
• Practical test: 10 business days.

Pro tip: Your driving school will usually allow you to take practice theory tests and practice driving tests to help you prepare. Take advantage of these opportunities—they can significantly increase your chances of passing the real test on the first try.

How much does getting a Portuguese driver’s license cost?

The total cost varies depending on whether you’re exchanging a foreign license or getting a new one.

• If you’re exchanging your license, expect to pay the €30 IMT administrative fee plus €30-50 for the medical examination. Additional document costs vary based on the country where your original license was issued.
• You’ll pay €15 for the theory test if you take it at the IMT. If you take it in a private center, expect to pay anywhere between €15 and €110.
• The practical test costs €30 in a public center, or up to €120 in a private center.
• You’ll also pay €15 for a learner’s permit (“licença de aprendizagem”), and a €30 license issuance fee when you pass both tests.

If you’re getting a new Portuguese license, driving schools offer complete packages including all training and administrative fees, typically ranging from €650 to €900 depending on location. It’s worth comparing offers from different schools in your area.

Pro tip: Many driving schools accept payment in installments. Need to send money from abroad to cover these costs? Download the Remitly app to get competitive exchange rates and track your transfers in real-time.

Learn more about driving in Portugal

If you’re learning Portuguese, check out our guide to the best language learning apps to help you prepare.

For official information and updates, visit:

• Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes — IMT)
• Portuguese National Association of Driving Schools (Associação Nacional de Escolas de Condução Automóvel — ANIECA)

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