Driving Licence Exchange
 

On the thorny topic of Driving Licence Exchange, I wonder if anyone else has seen this Expresso article dated 7 July 2022 :

https://amp.expresso.pt/sociedade/20...tugal-d6108b2b

It seems to be suggesting that the UK is included in the list of countries whose citizens may continue to drive in Portugal on their UK licences until expiry. I had understood that a UK licence was only valid for 185 days from entry into Portugal, in the case of tourists, and 90 days in the case of Residents.

Any thoughts anyone.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

Law number 46/2022 which comes into effect on the 1st August, terms and conditions apply.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

Cant see why they dont just allow those Brits over 60, now resident in PT to simply apply for PT license as and when their UK license expires.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

The new amendments bring parity between UK and PT licence holders, what you suggest would give more favourable treatment to UK immigrants than their own citizens have. A UK licence issued after age 60 is valid till age 70, a PT licence issued at the same age is only valid to age 65.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

Here's another article on this topic:

https://www.portugalresident.com/dri...d-to-exchange/

Australia is on this list which is good news but in practice it might be better to still change over to a Portuguese license. Firstly, drive over the border into Spain and you'll need a IDP together with your Australian license; don't have one and you get caught it's a fine. The yearly cost of buying an Australian IDP and having it posted over is around $A40. Secondly, Australia, like the USA, has not signed the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic which means license classes are not identical...this makes a difference if you are licensed to drive heavy vehicles. In such a situation you would need an IDP to be able to prove to Portuguese authorities what category of truck (how many axles) and what vehicle weight you are licensed to drive. And thirdly, the government may have changed the law but how about insurance companies? Yes, they will take your money and give you a policy but when you have an accident and you make a claim, will there be problems not having a Portuguese driver's license? You're likely only to find out after you make the claim. And lastly, if you're in your 50s and hope to live another ten years you might as well get a Portuguese driver's license now rather than wait if you have an Australian license for the reasons just listed above.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

Any more updates on this or specific questions worth asking?
A friend is having lunch with one of the heads at IMT today and has offered to ask.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

Hi Pilotabroad! I'd be curious to know what the current processing times are.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

My understanding is it depends on whether you are resident or not. If resident in Portugal you need to apply within 6 months of residency being granted and swop your UK licence for a Portuguese one. Although as it took longer than 9 months just to get the medical tests required for a Portuguese licence - this 6 month rule doesn't seem to be enforced strictly.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

Your understanding is incorrect, both under the new rules that apply from today, and the old rules that applied before today.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

Reply.... "unknown and they are not working to any set time frame, it'll happen when it happens"

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

Why would anyone want to keep their British driving licence when they have taken up residence in Portugal? There is nothing special about a UK licence. I went to the local office and exchanged my UK licence for a Portuguese one during my first week here, back in 1993.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

In my case, I ride my bike often and like to go overseas, so I don't like the idea of not being able to ride it abroad for an undetermined amount of time (in some cases over a year).

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

I had my Portuguese licence within a week of the exchange, and that was back in '93.

Re: Driving Licence Exchange
 

Unfortunately it's taking months these days, and in some cases over a year. If it were just a couple of months I wouldn't mind waiting.