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Portugal traffic law report

Source agencyInstituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT)

Last updatedFebruary 12, 2026

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Key findings

Theory test pass rate is 52% (2023, IMT Statistics)
Road fatalities: 468 deaths in 2023 — Up ~1% from 2022 (463 deaths)
420,000 tests administered per year by Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes
Most challenging topic: Priority Rules (33% fail rate)

Quick facts

Theory test questions30 questions, max 3 errors allowed

Test languagesPortuguese (English available with approved translator)

License validity15 years (renewals at 60, 65, 70, then every 2 years)

Mandatory tollsElectronic toll system on motorways

Probation period3 years for provisional license

Minimum lessons32 hours of practical training required

Test statistics

Pass rate65% or higher50–64%Below 50%

Theory test pass rate

52%IMT Statistics (2023)

Practical test pass rate

55%IMT Statistics (2023)

Tests administered per year

420,000IMT (2023)

Speed limits

Urban50 km/h

Rural / national roads90 km/h

Motorway / highway120 km/h

Most challenging topics

1. Priority Rules
33% fail rate
Roundabout and intersection priority scenarios
2. Speed Limits
26% fail rate
Motorway vs expressway distinctions
3. Road Signs
24% fail rate
Portuguese-specific signage and markings
4. Vehicle Safety
20% fail rate
Tire, brake, and vehicle inspection requirements
5. Environmental Rules
17% fail rate
Emission zones and vehicle restrictions

Road safety

Road fatalities468 deathsANSR (National Road Safety Authority) (2023)

TrendUp ~1% from 2022 (463 deaths)

Penalties & fines

Speeding: EUR 60-2,500 fine, 2-6 points
Driving under influence: EUR 250-2,500 fine, 4-6 points, license suspension
Points system: 12 points total; starts at 12 with deductions
Mobile phone use: EUR 250-1,250 fine, 2-4 points

Recent law changes

2024
Digital driving license via mobile app (id.gov.pt) officially launched
2023
Speed cameras expanded on national road network
2016
Penalty points system introduced (carta por pontos)

Sources & methodology

All statistics in this report are sourced from official government agencies and publicly available data. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government testing agency.

Data last verified: 2026-02-12

Primary sources

Test statistics · 2023IMT Statistics Road safety data · 2023ANSR (National Road Safety Authority)Official regulatory bodyInstituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT)

Cite this report

AutoviaTest. (2026, February 12). Portugal traffic law report: Driving test statistics. https://autoviatest.com/en/traffic-law-reports/portugal

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Portugal Driving Stats

Theory pass rate52%Practical pass rate55%Motorway speed limit120 km/hRoad fatalities (2023)468 deaths

Source: AutoviaTest | CC BY 4.0

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