Portugal’s Parliament has approved a new law regulating TVDE services (ride-hailing passenger transport through digital platforms such as Uber and Bolt). Under the new rules, all new drivers will have to demonstrate functional proficiency in Portuguese.

In practice, this means being able to communicate at a basic level. It is not a formal language exam like the A2 test required for Portuguese citizenship. Instead, language skills will be assessed as part of the mandatory TVDE training course to ensure drivers can communicate with passengers, understand addresses and follow instructions. Exactly how this assessment will be carried out — whether through an interview, an exam component or another method — will be defined later in IMT regulations, which have not yet been published.

New drivers will also be required to complete at least 50 hours of training (both theoretical and practical) and pass a 30-question exam. To pass, they must answer at least 27 questions correctly.

Another major change concerns surge pricing. Until now, fares could not exceed the average price over the previous 72 hours by more than 100%. That cap will be removed, allowing platforms to apply dynamic pricing without a legal limit.
What this means in practice: driving for Uber or Bolt will no longer be an easy entry-level job for newcomers who do not speak Portuguese. Previously, a TVDE certificate could be obtained after just a few days of online training. Under the new rules, applicants will need to complete 50 hours of training, pass an exam and demonstrate functional Portuguese.
The new requirements apply to new drivers. Those who are already working do not need to worry just yet, as the transitional arrangements will only become clear once the IMT publishes the implementing regulations.

For passengers, however, the most noticeable change may be different: during rush hour or bad weather, ride prices could increase without any legal ceiling.