How to get your Category B driving licence in Portugal
A step-by-step guide to obtaining your Portuguese car licence — from enrolment at a driving school to passing the practical test.
Eligibility
Before you start, make sure you meet the requirements set by the Portuguese government and Lei n.º 14/2014:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident in Portugal (generally 185+ days)
- Be medically fit to drive
- Not be disqualified by a court or authority
- Not already hold a Category B licence from another EU/EEA country (exchange it instead)
The 5 steps to your licence
Enrol at a driving school
You must register with an accredited driving school (escola de condução). The school will open your licence application, arrange your theory and practical lessons, and register you for the exams. This is mandatory for a first Category B licence in Portugal.
Medical certificate
You need a medical certificate confirming you are fit to drive. Many driving schools can help arrange this as part of enrolment. The exam evaluates vision, hearing, and general physical and mental fitness according to Portaria n.º 185/2015.
Theory course and exam
You will study Portuguese traffic laws, road signs, safe driving, and first aid. After your lessons, you will take a computer-based theory test.
Good to know: If you do not speak Portuguese, the Category B theory exam can be taken in English, provided this is arranged when you register with your driving school.
Source: Get a driving license — gov.pt
Driving lessons
Once you have passed the theory exam, you will complete practical driving lessons with a qualified instructor until you are ready for the practical test. You cannot skip this step — practical training with an accredited school is legally required.
Source: Lei n.º 14/2014 — Regime jurídico do ensino da condução
Practical driving test
The practical exam tests your ability to drive safely in traffic, follow road signs and rules, park and manoeuvre, and demonstrate good hazard awareness. If you pass, you will receive your Category B driving licence.
Source: Get a driving license — gov.pt
What you need, where
At the driving school
- Enrolment form
- ID (passport or residence permit)
- Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- Proof of residence (if requested)
- Passport-sized photo (if requested)
At the medical exam
- Your ID
- NIF (sometimes required)
- Glasses or lenses if you use them
At the theory exam
- Valid ID
- Exam registration arranged by school
- Request English exam when registering
At the practical test
- Valid ID
- Theory exam pass certificate
- School-provided car and instructor
Typical cost
There is no fixed national price. Driving schools set their own fees. According to the Portuguese government, a complete Category B course typically costs around €700–€1,200, depending on the school, location, and whether you need additional lessons or exam retakes.
Can I study by myself?
Yes — but with an important distinction. You can study the theory on your own, using books, apps, and online practice tests. Many people do this instead of attending every theory class. However, for a first Category B licence in Portugal, you cannot complete the whole process independently.
You must be enrolled with a driving school because the school registers you for the theory and practical exams, and you must complete the required practical driving training with a qualified instructor before taking the driving test.
A practical approach many learners use:
- Enrol at a driving school
- Study the theory by yourself at home
- Attend only the theory sessions the school requires
- Take practice tests until you consistently score well
- Complete the required driving lessons before the practical exam
If you want to minimise time in theory classes, ask schools about their flexibility. Some let you self-study and only require attendance for legally required sessions.
Already have a licence from another country?
If you are moving to Portugal and already hold a driving licence from another country, you might be able to exchange it instead of taking the tests again. The rules depend on the issuing country and whether your licence is still valid. During the exchange process, a provisional licence may be issued so you can keep driving.
Source: Exchange a foreign driving licence — gov.pt
Ready to pass your theory test?
Use our chapter exercises to master every topic, then take realistic mock exams under timed conditions. Thousands of learners have passed on their first try.
Sources
- Get a driving license — gov.pt (updated December 2024)
- Getting a driving licence in Portugal — gov.pt (updated December 2024)
- Exchange a foreign driving licence for a Portuguese driving licence — gov.pt
- Lei n.º 14/2014 — Regime jurídico do ensino da condução (March 2014)
- Portaria n.º 185/2015 — Medical and psycho-technical fitness requirements (June 2015)
- Decreto-Lei n.º 112/2026 — Driving licence updates (June 2026)