Portugal

Driving schools in Portugal

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€800–€1,500Typical cost
~30Typical lessons needed
30€ approximatelyTheory exam fee
Data sourced from Instituto da Mobilidade e dos TransportesIMT · Last updated

Cities in Portugal

3 cities

  • Lisbon

  • Porto

  • Faro

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Portugal practice questions

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Portugal

Driving rules & facts

  1. Drive on the Right

    Portugal uses right-hand traffic. Overtake on the left. Keep right except when overtaking on multi-lane roads.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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

Minimum age18 years old
Theory exam fee30€ approximately
Car license categoryB
Driving sideRight (drive on the right)
Learner/provisional licenseNot applicable
Accompanied drivingNot required
Online theory studyYes, available online

Theory test languages

The IMT theory test is available in these languages:

  • Portuguese
  • English

Tips for choosing a driving school in Portugal

  1. Compare prices from at least 3 schools before enrolling. The cheapest option is not always the best — check what is included in the package.
  2. Ask schools about their pass rates. A higher pass rate often indicates better instruction quality.
  3. 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:

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