Brazil Enacts New Driver Licensing Rules and Launches CNH do Brasil App

Overview

• The measures took legal effect immediately after publication in an extra edition of the Diário Oficial da União following a Palácio do Planalto ceremony with President Lula.
• Enrollment in driving schools is no longer mandatory, with the government providing the entire theory course online for free and removing any minimum classroom-hours requirement.
• Required practical instruction drops from 20 to 2 hours, candidates may train with Detran-credentialed autonomous instructors or autoescolas, and private vehicles can be used when permitted.
• Theoretical and practical tests remain obligatory, biometric collection and medical exams stay in person, and assessments will be standardized nationwide with simulators available in the app.
• The government sent a provisional measure to Congress for automatic, free renewals for drivers with no points in the prior year and projects major cost reductions as industry groups signal legal challenges and state Detrans begin implementation.