Portugal is preparing to overhaul its driver licensing system after the government approved new rules that introduce greater flexibility in how candidates learn to drive, with a stronger role for supervised tutoring outside traditional driving schools. The reforms are part of the broader Mobility 2.0 initiative and revise the legal framework originally set under Law No. 14 of 2014. While some operational details remain pending, the changes signal a shift toward a more adaptable training model that aims to balance accessibility with safety standards across the country’s driver education system.
At the core of the reform is a major change to how practical driving experience can be acquired. Previously, learning with a tutor was only allowed as a supplement to mandatory lessons at certified driving schools. Under the new framework, candidates will be able to choose between learning with a tutor or an instructor, provided they still complete the required assessments and final examination. Authorities have emphasized that this approach is designed to modernize driver education while maintaining oversight, with driving schools continuing to track progress and determine readiness for testing.
Despite the increased flexibility, the government has maintained strict criteria for individuals acting as tutors to ensure road safety is not compromised. Tutors must hold a category B license for at least ten years and must not have any record of traffic crimes or serious infractions within the previous five years. In addition, they will be required to complete a road safety module and successfully pass evaluation tests. These conditions aim to create a controlled environment where informal learning can take place without lowering the standards expected of new drivers.
The revised system also introduces clear limitations for learners choosing the tutor based pathway. Driving practice will be restricted to specific geographic areas defined at the municipal level, although precise boundaries are yet to be announced. Learners will not be permitted to carry additional passengers during training sessions and will be prohibited from driving on highways. Personal liability insurance will be mandatory throughout the learning phase, reinforcing the government’s focus on minimizing risks as the system becomes more open.
Candidates opting for tutor based instruction will still need to complete an initial training period with a certified instructor at a driving school, including a minimum of twelve hours and two hundred fifty kilometres of supervised road practice. This requirement ensures that all learners receive standardized foundational training before transitioning to a more flexible model. Officials argue that this hybrid approach allows for cost efficiency and accessibility while preserving a baseline of professional instruction across all candidates.
Driving schools will continue to play a central role in the licensing process, particularly in evaluating whether candidates are ready to sit for the final driving test. Institutions will retain the authority to require additional lessons if they believe a learner has not met the necessary competency standards. This safeguard is intended to prevent gaps in training quality and maintain consistency in licensing outcomes, even as the system adapts to new methods of instruction.
The introduction of these reforms reflects a broader trend across Europe where governments are exploring more flexible and cost effective approaches to driver education while maintaining regulatory oversight. In Portugal, the changes are expected to impact both urban and rural learners, offering more personalized learning paths while ensuring that safety, accountability, and testing standards remain firmly in place as implementation details are finalized.
