There are new rules for schools and for those who want to get a driver's license. We help you understand the changes with a complete guide so you don't miss anything.
With ordinance 185/2015, published on June 23, new changes were introduced to the theoretical and practical training rules for candidates.SEE ALSO: The driving license for points is coming
The main innovations include the introduction of a mandatory minimum number of km at the wheel, as well as the creation of the figure of the tutor. If you are taking the license, you will be able to drive accompanied by your tutor, as long as the vehicle is identified with a badge. Since the 21st of September these changes are in effect.
1 - Mandatory common and specific security module
The modules differ depending on the category of the card, but this is how your training will begin. The objective is to “develop behaviors and attitudes suitable for safe and responsible driving”.
Common
Categories: A1, A2, A, B1 and B
Duration: Minimum 7 hours
Themes: Driver Profile; civic behavior and road safety; Driving; Sustainable mobility.
Specific
Categories: C1, C, D1 and D
Duration: Minimum 4 hours
Subjects: Driving heavy cars and road safety; Safety equipment.
2 – Driving Theory Module
The driving theory module takes place after the first road safety module has been completed. If you want to do this part using the distance learning computer platform, you can only be connected for up to 4 hours/day.
Duration: Minimum 16 hours for content common to all categories; +4 hours for categories A1, A2 and A; +12 hours for C1, C, D1 and D;
3 – Theoretical-practical complementary modules
These modules will have to be completed after the candidate has completed at least half of the hours of mandatory practical training.
– Perception of risk I (1h);
– Perception of risk II (2h – only after completing the previous module);
– Distraction in driving(1h);
– Eco-Driving(1h).
4 – Driving practice
The driving practice module can only start after carrying out the common / specific module on road safety. The number of kilometers and hours required for whoever is taking the license varies depending on the category:
Category A1: 12 hours of driving and 120 kilometers;
Category A2: 12 hours of driving and 120 kilometers;
Category A: 12 hours of driving and 200 kilometers;
Category B1: 12 hours of driving and 120 kilometers;
Category B: 32 hours of driving and 500 kilometers
Category C1: 12 hours of driving and 120 kilometers;
Category C: 16 hours of driving and 200 kilometers;
Category D1: 14 hours of driving and 180 kilometers;
Category D: 18 hours of driving and 240 kilometers;
C1E and D1E categories: 8 hours of driving and 100 kilometers;
CE and DE categories: 10 hours of driving and 120 kilometers.
5 – Driving simulators
Driving simulators can represent up to 25% of your practical lessons. Each hour in the simulator corresponds to 15 km covered.
6 – You can nominate a tutor and drive before you have the license
Portugal is not unique and joins other countries with a mentoring regime. Now you can indicate a tutor with whom you can drive outside of classes, forcing a badge to be placed on the car. You can start tutored driving as long as you have completed half of the mandatory km (250 km) in real traffic environment.