Portuguese Driving License 2026 | How to Get Your Carta de Condução
Complete guide to obtaining your Portuguese driving license (carta de condução), from IMT registration to passing theory and practical exams. Everything you need to know about driving in Portugal.
Getting your Portuguese driving license (carta de condução) involves registering with IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) and completing both theoretical and practical training. Whether you're a Portuguese resident, expat, or planning to stay long-term, this guide covers the complete process for 2025.
Understand Portuguese License Categories
Portugal uses EU-standardized license categories:
- Category B: Cars up to 3,500 kg, max 9 seats - Minimum age 18
- Category A: Motorcycles (unlimited) - Minimum age 24 (or 20 with 2 years A2)
- Category AM: Mopeds up to 50cc/45 km/h - Minimum age 14
- Category A1: Light motorcycles up to 125cc - Minimum age 16
- Automatic restriction available if tested on automatic-only vehicle
Register with a Driving School (Escola de Condução)
All new drivers must train through an IMT-approved driving school:
- Choose a school with good pass rates and reviews
- Package costs typically €600-€1,000 (excluding extra lessons)
- Schools handle IMT registration and exam booking
- Medical certificate required (Atestado Médico) - ~€30 from approved doctors
- Verify school's IMT approval number
- Some schools offer English-speaking instructors
Pass the Theory Exam (Exame Teórico)
The IMT theory test covers Portuguese traffic rules and road signs:
- 30 questions, must answer at least 27 correctly (90%)
- Test conducted at IMT centers via computer
- Available only in Portuguese (no English option)
- Topics: road signs, priority rules, speed limits, alcohol rules, eco-driving
- Study using official IMT materials and practice apps
- Test fee included in driving school package
Complete Driving Lessons (Aulas Práticas)
Practical training prepares you for real Portuguese roads:
- Minimum 32 lessons required by law (Category B)
- Each lesson is 50 minutes
- Includes: city driving, highways (autoestrada), night driving
- Progress tracked in your learner's logbook
- Extra lessons charged separately (€15-€30 each)
- Must complete minimum hours before exam booking
Pass the Practical Exam (Exame Prático)
Demonstrate your driving skills to an IMT examiner:
- Approximately 25-30 minutes of driving
- Assessment: vehicle control, traffic integration, defensive driving
- Special maneuvers: hill start, parallel parking, reversing
- Examiner gives directions in Portuguese - learn basic commands
- Immediate fail for serious errors (running red light, dangerous maneuver)
- Results provided immediately after test
Receive Your License & Probationary Period
After passing, you receive your carta de condução:
- Physical license card delivered to your address
- 3-year probationary period for new drivers
- Reduced speed limits during probation: 90 km/h (vs. 120 km/h normally on highways)
- Zero alcohol tolerance during probation
- Probationary license marked with "P" designation
- Full license after 3 years with clean record
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Portuguese driving test in English?▼
Unfortunately, no. Both theory and practical exams are only available in Portuguese. However, many driving schools have instructors who speak English and can help you prepare, and some offer translated study materials.
How much does a Portuguese driving license cost?▼
Total costs range from €800-€1,500 including: driving school package (€600-€1,000), medical certificate (~€30), additional lessons if needed (€15-€30 each). Lisbon and Porto tend to be slightly more expensive.
Can I convert my foreign license to Portuguese?▼
EU/EEA licenses are valid indefinitely in Portugal and can be exchanged easily. Non-EU licenses can be used for 185 days, then must be exchanged (if agreement exists) or you must pass Portuguese exams. Portugal has agreements with Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and several other countries.
What are the speed limits in Portugal?▼
Urban areas: 50 km/h. National roads: 90 km/h. Main roads (vias rápidas): 100 km/h. Highways (autoestradas): 120 km/h. During probationary period: maximum 90 km/h regardless of road type.
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