🇵🇹 Portugal
Driving Schools in Portugal
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Portugal
Driving Rules & Facts
Drive on the Right — Portugal uses right-hand traffic. Overtake on the left. Keep right except when overtaking on multi-lane roads.
Blood Alcohol Limits — General limit: 0.5 g/L. Novice drivers (first 3 years) and professional drivers: 0.2 g/L. Criminal offence at 1.2 g/L or above — punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment.
Via Verde Electronic Tolls — Portugal's Via Verde system (since 1991) enables electronic toll payment on motorways. Some motorways (former SCUT roads) are electronic-only with no cash booths. Rental cars should have a Via Verde device or use an online portal to pay within 5 days.
IPO Vehicle Inspection — Inspecao Periodica Obrigatoria (IPO) is mandatory. First inspection at 4 years after registration, every 2 years until age 8, then annually. Similar to MOT in the UK or TUV in Germany.
Phone Use Prohibited — Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited. Fine: €250–1,250 + 3 points (updated 2023). Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, built-in) are permitted. Applies to any handheld electronic device.
Seatbelts & Child Seats — Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants (front and rear). Children under 12 and shorter than 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system. Children under 3 must use a rear-facing seat in the back.
How to Get Your Driving License in Portugal
Everything you need to know about enrolling in a driving school and getting your B license in Portugal.
Typical Cost
€800–€1,500
Total driving school cost including lessons and materials
Prices vary by school, location, and number of lessons needed.
Typical Lessons Needed
~30
50-minute lessons on average
Mandatory Theory Hours
28h
Required classroom or online theory instruction
Mandatory Practical Hours
32h
Required behind-the-wheel training with an instructor
License Requirements in Portugal
Theory Test Languages
The IMT theory test is available in these languages:
Tips for Choosing a Driving School in Portugal
- Compare prices from at least 3 schools before enrolling. The cheapest option is not always the best — check what is included in the package.
- Ask schools about their pass rates. A higher pass rate often indicates better instruction quality.
- If Portugal's official language is not your first language, ask if the school offers instruction or materials in your language.
Source: Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes · Last updated: 2026-03-15
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