If you’ve ever dealt with official paperwork for driving, you might have bumped into two terms: a “driving license” and a “driving permit.” In many places, like Portugal, people often use “driving license” to mean the document needed for cars. But there’s also something called a “driving permit.” What makes them different?
Even though both documents let you drive, they are not the same thing. Think of it like a main pass versus a special access card.
The Everyday Driving License
A driving license is the one most people know. It’s an official paper that proves you can drive certain types of vehicles. This document works both within a country and internationally. In Portugal, the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) issues these. They follow rules set by the European Union.
These licenses come in different groups. For example, there are categories like A, B, C, or D. Each letter lets you drive a different kind of vehicle. This covers everything from motorcycles to regular cars. It also includes heavy trucks for goods or buses for passengers.
The Specialized Driving Permit
Now, a driving permit is a bit different. It’s a specific kind of permission. Usually, it’s more limited than a full driving license. This permit only lets you drive certain vehicles or drive under special conditions.
In Portugal, driving permits are mostly for these situations:
- Driving agricultural vehicles, like farm tractors.
- Operating industrial machines, such as forklifts.
- Vehicles used by security forces or the military.
- Getting a temporary authorization for very specific uses.
So, the driving license is what most people carry. It’s widely known and needed for cars and motorcycles in Portugal and abroad. A driving permit, on the other hand, is for special types of vehicles or unique situations. It usually comes with specific rules and limits on how you can use it.