Before you start

Checked on 31/10/2026

Guide

Machine translation. The Portuguese version is the one that counts.

In five minutes, the entire journey until you have your licence in hand.

Getting your driving licence in Portugal always follows the same path, whether you are Portuguese or a foreigner. What changes, for those coming from abroad, is what you need to gather before you start.

The journey, in six steps

First, gather your documents and register at a licensed driving school. Then, complete the theoretical training and the theoretical exam. Once you have passed that, you move on to the practical training and, finally, to the practical exam. With both exams completed, you receive your licence.

What is different for those coming from abroad

Three things: you need to prove legal residence in Portugal, you need a tax identification number, and you might have to resolve the issue of the language of the theoretical exam. Each of these has its own page in this guide.

If you already have a driving licence from another country, you might not need to do any of this — it depends on the country. Check the pages about licence exchange.

You may also want to read

• How to use this site
• The test modes
• Frequently asked questions
• Contacts