The Government, however, revealed more details that may benefit new drivers; however, there is criticism of the new system.

Tutoring system

In Portugal, the minimum age for obtaining a driver’s licence remains 18 years, and the obligation to attend theoretical and practical classes will also be maintained. The big change, then, is the possibility for driver’s licence applicants to be accompanied by tutors.

Thus, the Government allows untrained tutors to teach young people to drive, but only in the light vehicle category. As reported by Jornal Económico, the driver’s licence applicant is no longer required to complete the first 12 lessons at a driving school.

It is worth remembering that the applicant who wishes to use the tutoring system must still inform the driving school of their intention.

What are the requirements to be a tutor? Currently, the Legal Regime for Driving Instruction already allows driver’s licence applicants to take lessons with a tutor, who must have held a driver’s licence for 10 years and have no convictions for any traffic crime, serious or very serious offence, in the last five years. A tutor course is also required.

Currently, lessons with a tutor can be taken after instructor training, but the new rules will reverse this, allowing the first 12 lessons to be taken with a tutor.

The student will choose the regime under which they want to obtain their driver’s licence and inform the driving school by email, demonstrating that the chosen tutor meets all the requirements to perform their duties.

Geographic Limits

The Government also proposes that the tutor regime apply to geographical limits. The municipalities will apply the limits, and a specialised insurance regime will be mandatory for any damages caused by the student. The driving school has the final say and will determine whether the student needs additional lessons with a professional before taking the final test.

Concerns from the entities

The Jornal Económico reports that the Automobile Club of Portugal (ACP) expressed “deep concern” about the Government’s decision, believing that the tutor system “jeopardises road safety.”