Federal Court Upholds Brazil’s Driver-Licensing Overhaul, Clearing Way for Nationwide Rollout

Overview

• A TRF-1 ruling by Judge João Batista Moreira suspended a Mato Grosso injunction, keeping the CNH do Brasil rules in effect nationwide.
• Seventeen states and the Federal District are applying the new framework, with more than 1.5 million licensing processes opened and a pilot in Mato Grosso do Sul issuing a license in under 15 days.
• Key changes include free online theory with no minimum class hours, a cut in required practical instruction to as little as two hours, options to train with accredited autonomous instructors or a private vehicle, and automatic renewal for drivers with no infractions in the prior year subject to age-based medical checks.
• The CNH do Brasil app centralizes applications, delivers the online course, and tracks progress via acesso.gov.br, while biometrics, medical and psychological exams, and the road test remain in person.
• The Transport Ministry projects required medical and psychological exam fees will drop about 40%, from roughly R$300 to a maximum of R$180.