PassEveryTest
English

Portugal Driving Theory Test (Category B) 2026

Practise for the Portuguese theory test (prova teórica, often called the código) for a category B car licence. The real test has 30 questions, lasts 30 minutes, and you pass with at least 27 correct answers. These original questions in English cover Portuguese licensing rules, speed limits, alcohol, the points licence and the road rules and signs shared across continental Europe.

  • Driving
  • Portugal
  • 250 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

The Portuguese car theory test (prova teórica, category B) has 30 questions. Pass mark: At least 27 correct answers out of 30 (no more than 3 wrong). Time limit: 30 minutes. It is run by Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT, Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes). Minimum age: 18 for a category B licence (16 for category B1, light quadricycles only). Practise here for free with 250 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Portugal Car Theory Test Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    How many questions are in the Portuguese theory test (prova teórica) for a category B car licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 30

    The theory test for categories B and B1 has 30 questions.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    How long do you have to answer the theory test for a category B licence in Portugal?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 30 minutes

    The category B theory test lasts 30 minutes for the 30 questions.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    What do you need to pass the Portuguese theory test for a category B licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. At least 27 correct answers out of 30

    You pass with 27 correct answers, so you may get no more than 3 questions wrong.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    How are the answers to the official theory test questions set out?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Several possible answers, of which only one is correct

    The IMT says each exam question has alternative answers and only one of them is correct. Many questions come with a picture.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    You do not speak Portuguese well. Can you take the theory test for a car licence in English?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Yes, if you ask for it when you enrol at the driving school

    The official guide says you can ask for training and the theory test in English when you enrol.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    For which licence categories does the official guide say a translation of the theory test is possible?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. AM, A1, A2, A, B1 and B

    Translation of the theory test is only provided for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1 and B.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    You fail the theory test. When can you look at the questions you got wrong?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Within four hours after the test, with the examiner or the exam centre manager

    After a failed theory test you may see your wrong answers with the examiner or the person in charge of the exam centre, within four hours of the end of the test.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    How must you learn to drive and get a car licence in Portugal?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Through a driving school (escola de condução), which enrols you in the exams

    The official guide says the licence must be obtained through a driving school, which enrols its students in the exams.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a category B car licence in Portugal?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 18

    You must be 18 for category B.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    From what age can you get a category B1 licence, which is limited to quadricycles?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 16

    Category B1 can be obtained from 16. It only covers quadricycles.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    A 16-year-old applies for a B1 licence. What extra document is needed?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Written permission from the person with parental authority

    Applicants under 18 need written authorisation from whoever holds parental authority, with supporting documents.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    How does your medical certificate for a driving licence reach the IMT?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The doctor who examines you sends an electronic certificate to the IMT

    You need an electronic medical certificate, which the doctor sends to the IMT.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    Where can the practical driving test in Portugal take place?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. At an IMT exam centre or a private exam centre

    The practical test can be taken at an IMT exam centre or at a private exam centre.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    How long is the probationary period (regime probatório) for a new driver's first licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The first 3 years

    A first licence is on probation for the first three years of its validity.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    When does the probationary period normally end?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. After 3 years, if the driver has no road crime, no very serious offence and not two serious offences

    Probation ends when the three years run out without a conviction for a road crime, a very serious offence or two serious offences.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    At the end of a new driver's 3 years, a case for a very serious offence is still open. What happens to the probation?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. It is extended until the decision is final

    If such a case is opened during probation, the regime is extended until the decision becomes final.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    You exchange a foreign licence that you have held for more than 3 years. Does the probationary regime apply?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, unless a case that could extend probation is pending

    Probation does not apply to a licence obtained by exchange if the holder has been driving for more than three years, unless a relevant case is pending.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    What is the general blood alcohol limit for car drivers in Portugal?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 0.5 g/l

    A driver is under the influence of alcohol from 0.5 g/l in the blood.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    What blood alcohol limit applies to a driver in the probationary period?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 0.2 g/l

    Drivers on probation count as under the influence from 0.2 g/l.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Besides new drivers, which of these drivers also has a 0.2 g/l alcohol limit?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Taxi and TVDE (ride-hailing) drivers

    The 0.2 g/l limit also applies to taxi, TVDE, emergency, school transport, heavy vehicle and dangerous goods drivers.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    A car driver has a blood alcohol level of 0.6 g/l. What fine range applies?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. €250 to €1,250

    From 0.5 g/l up to under 0.8 g/l the fine is €250 to €1,250.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    A car driver has a blood alcohol level of 1.0 g/l. What fine range applies?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. €500 to €2,500

    From 0.8 g/l up to under 1.2 g/l, or when driving under the influence of drugs, the fine is €500 to €2,500.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    How many points does every driver start with under the Portuguese points licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 12

    Each driver is given twelve points.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    What is the most points a driver can hold by keeping a clean record?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 15

    Clean-record bonuses can raise the total to a maximum of 15 points (16 with the voluntary training bonus).

  25. Question 25 of 25

    A driver goes 3 years with no serious or very serious offence and no road crime. How many points do they gain?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 3

    Each 3-year period with a clean record adds 3 points, up to 15.

What to know before the test

  • The category B theory test has 30 questions and lasts 30 minutes. You need at least 27 correct answers, so you may get no more than 3 wrong.
  • You must learn through a driving school (escola de condução), which enrols you in the theory and practical exams. You can ask for training and the theory test in English when you enrol.
  • You must be 18 for a category B licence. Category B1, which covers only quadricycles, is available from 16 with written parental authorisation.
  • A first licence is on probation (regime probatório) for 3 years. During probation the alcohol limit is 0.2 g/l instead of the usual 0.5 g/l.
  • Every driver starts with 12 points. With 3 points or fewer you must pass the theory test again, and at 0 points the licence is cancelled.
  • The general speed limits for cars are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on other roads, 100 km/h on roads reserved for motor vehicles and 120 km/h on motorways.
  • If you fail the theory test, you can look at your wrong answers with the examiner within four hours, and you can complain on the official form within two working days.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in the Portuguese theory test?

The category B theory test has 30 multiple-choice questions, each with only one correct answer. You have 30 minutes.

How many mistakes can I make in the Portuguese theory test?

No more than 3. You need at least 27 correct answers out of 30. Our mock exam uses the same rule: 30 questions, 30 minutes, 27 correct to pass.

Can I take the Portuguese driving theory test in English?

Yes. The official gov.pt guide says you can ask for training and the theory test in English when you enrol at the driving school. A translation is only provided for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1 and B.

What is the alcohol limit for new drivers in Portugal?

For the first 3 years (the probationary period) the limit is 0.2 g/l. For other car drivers it is 0.5 g/l. Taxi, TVDE, heavy vehicle and some other professional drivers also have the 0.2 g/l limit.

How does the Portuguese points licence work?

Every driver starts with 12 points. Most serious offences cost 2 points and most very serious offences cost 4. You gain 3 points after each 3 years with a clean record, up to 15. At 0 points the licence is cancelled for 2 years.

What happens if I fail the theory test?

You can review the questions you got wrong with the examiner within four hours of the test, and complain on the official form within two working days. Ask your driving school about your next attempt.

Sources

Related tests