← Calculators · TVDE Portugal · 5 min read
TVDE License: what it costs and how long it takes
Before you can accept your first ride, you need the TVDE Driver Certificate (CMTVDE), issued by IMT. Here's what it genuinely costs and how much time to set aside for the whole process.
What it costs, item by item
The full process typically runs between 250€ and 450€, split across: the mandatory 50-hour training at an IMT-certified school (between 200€ and 350€, depending on school and region), the IMT fee for issuing the certificate (discounted if requested online through the IMT's official TVDE driver certification portal), and medical exams — psychotechnical assessment and medical certificate — which together run around 45€. On top of that comes vehicle insurance, which is a separate, recurring cost, not a one-off.
How long it takes
From your first day of training to having the certificate issued, count on 4 to 8 weeks. The training itself usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on whether you choose an intensive or evening schedule, and then there's IMT's processing time before the certificate comes through. It's worth starting the process with some buffer if you have a specific date in mind to start working.
What you need before you start
A category B driving licence issued more than 3 years ago, with Group 2 endorsement, a valid citizen card or residence permit, and an up-to-date criminal record certificate — the last one you can request free and instantly at registocriminal.justica.gov.pt. If your driving licence is foreign, you may need to exchange it for a Portuguese one before proceeding, which adds time to the process.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get a TVDE license?
Between 250€ and 450€ in total, adding up training (200€–350€), the IMT certificate issuance fee (check the current amount on the official portal), and medical exams (about 45€). Vehicle insurance is a separate, ongoing cost.
How long does it take to get a TVDE license?
Typically between 4 and 8 weeks, from the start of training until the certificate is issued by IMT — this includes training time and the administrative processing after the exam.
Does my foreign driving licence work?
Licences issued in the EU or EEA work, and their age counts toward the 3-year requirement. Licences from outside the EU may need to be exchanged for a Portuguese one at IMT before you can proceed with TVDE.
Is the operator license the same as the driver license?
No. The Driver Certificate (CMTVDE) is what you, as the driver, need to drive. The operator license is different — it's for whoever forms a company to run the activity — and normally isn't something an individual driver needs to deal with.