Do I need my own car to drive TVDE?
Published 1 October 2026 · Ler em português
Short answer: no. Most TVDE drivers in Portugal drive a fleet car, and many never buy a vehicle at all.
What the law actually requires
The requirement is not about who owns the car, but about the vehicle being attached to a TVDE operator licensed by the IMT and meeting the requirements of the activity. Who supplies the car is a commercial matter between you and the fleet, not a legal requirement on you.
The models you will come across
- Fleet car. The operator supplies the vehicle and charges a commission on what you bill, or a fixed slot fee.
- Your own car attached to a fleet. You have a vehicle and put it at the service of a licensed operator. The commission is usually lower, and maintenance, insurance and wear become yours.
- Becoming an operator. You stop depending on a fleet, but you need a company or sole trader registration, the right activity code, and an IMT licence. We explained the three routes here.
The calculation worth doing
Your own car means a lower commission and every cost on your side: fuel, maintenance, insurance, tyres, depreciation. A fleet car means a higher commission and predictability. Before buying a car to drive TVDE, run the numbers on a real month of work.
Quick questions
Can I drive TVDE without a car?
Yes. Most drivers use a fleet vehicle, either on commission or by renting a slot.
If I have my own car, can I use it?
As a rule yes, provided the vehicle is attached to a licensed TVDE operator and meets the requirements of the activity. Confirm the conditions with the fleet and the IMT.
Is it worth buying a car to drive TVDE?
It depends on the hours you will work and the commission your fleet charges. Your own car lowers the commission but moves fuel, maintenance, insurance and depreciation onto you.
After the certificate comes the paperwork: registering at the tax office, receipts to the fleet, VAT and Social Security. Zeelity handles that on autopilot, with a certified accountant behind it, from 16.90 euros a month.
Get early accessThis guide is informational and does not replace personalised advice. Legal requirements can change, so always confirm with the IMT.