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Driving Licences in Portugal after Brexit

Mar 03, 2021

From 2021, driving licences issued by the United Kingdom are considered third country licences. Accordingly, the IMT - Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (equivalent to DVLA) released new rules for UK driving licences.

The UK is treated in accordance with the legislation applicable to countries that conform to the International Road Traffic Conventions. This means that holders of UK licences are allowed to drive motor vehicles in Portugal for the first 185 days after entering the country, given that they are not residents.

After obtaining residence, UK citizens should consider the following legal deadlines:

Until 90 days after being legally residing in Portugal, to exchange their driving licences for Portuguese licence, with no need for a practical driving test;
From the 90 days and up to 2 years, it is still possible to apply to IMT for an exchange, with no need for a practical driving test, but it is no longer possible to drive with a British driving licence in Portugal;
After 2 years, the exchange of driving licences is subject to a practical driving test.

Please note that British residents who have already registered their UK driving licences with IMT before 1 January 2021 must also exchange their licences, since they are no longer recognised as driving licences issued by a European Union or European Economic Area Country.

We shall be delighted to assist you with this exchange, validating the required documents and accompanying you to the IMT biometrics appointment.

Please consider that one of the mandatory steps to be taken in order to exchange your driving licence is to obtain a Portuguese Medical Certificate, which requires the applicant to have a registration with the Portuguese National Health System (SNS).

If you are not registered at the Health Center, we will be delighted to assist you. The registration must be made at the Health Center of your address area. Documents and opening hours may vary depending on the Health Center.

In addition, please be informed that this registration is also crucial to guarantee that you will be contacted for COVID-19 vaccination. (All information is available at the official guide vaccination plan - PT version only)

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