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Brazil Sets App-Based Driver Licensing to Begin This Week as Driving Schools Become Optional

Officials tout an app-based process to cut licensing costs.

Overview

  • Transport Minister Renan Filho says the new rules take effect immediately after publication in an extra edition of the federal register, with the CNH do Brasil app launching December 9 at a Palácio do Planalto ceremony.
  • Attendance at autoescolas becomes optional, the theoretical course will be free via the government app, and the minimum practical training drops from 20 hours to 2.
  • Applicants may use a private car and hire Detran-credentialed independent instructors, with no deadline to complete the licensing process and one free retest after an initial failure.
  • Theoretical and practical exams, medical evaluation and biometric capture remain in person, and testing will be standardized nationwide.
  • The government projects up to an 80% cut in licensing costs and plans automatic, free renewals for drivers with no points in the prior year, while a bloc of deputies led by Coronel Meira has filed a decree to overturn the Contran measure.