Portugal’s President has signed legislation allowing learner drivers to receive practical driving instruction from a tutor instead of attending practical lessons at a driving school. The measure applies to Category B driving licences and requires tutors to have held a valid driving licence for at least 10 years.

Foreign licences used for this purpose must have been officially recognized in Portugal for at least five years. Before taking the driving test, candidates may optionally complete an assessment at a driving school.

Those who fail the test without taking the assessment may have to wait four months before retaking it unless they complete specific training. The reform has been criticized by driving schools, which argue it could undermine road safety.

Additional changes include expanded Category B1 vehicle permissions, digital verification of lost or stolen licences, anti-fraud examination technologies, and theoretical driving tests in foreign languages.