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Recent Changes to the Driver’s License Regulations Allow New Forms of Study and Practice, Change Requirements for Driving Lessons, and Create Digital Renewal Mechanisms, with Gradual Implementation by Detrans and Direct Impact on Costs and Access to Licensing.
The rules for obtaining a National Driver’s License (CNH) have undergone recent changes in Brazil following the enactment of Resolution No. 1,020 from the National Traffic Council (Contran), published in December.
The regulation alters stages of the driver training process, allows new formats for theoretical and practical preparation, and has already begun to be applied by Detrans in 17 states and the Federal District, according to information released in a report by Jornal Nacional.
According to data from the Ministry of Transportation, the restructuring of the model coincided with an increase in the number of licensing processes opened in the country.
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The ministry reports that over 1.3 million applications have already been registered in the official app used to track the service.
Other states are still in the process of technological and administrative adaptation to fully operate the new flow.
Theoretical Preparation Without Auto School Requirement
One of the main changes outlined in the resolution is the removal of the obligation to enroll in an auto school for the theoretical stage.
The text establishes that candidates can undertake preparation through digital means, without a minimum hourly load requirement, as long as the content aligns with the guidelines set by the national traffic authority.
In practice, this allows future drivers to organize their studies more flexibly, using authorized platforms or resources provided by traffic agencies themselves.
The Ministry of Transportation maintains an official app that centralizes information, guidance, and part of the services related to the licensing process.
However, some stages continue to require in-person attendance, such as biometric data collection and the completion of mandatory exams.
Despite the flexibility, candidates remain subject to the same evaluations as before.
Passing the theoretical exam remains a requirement for advancing in the process, as does passing the practical driving exam, which remains in-person and under the responsibility of Detrans.
Practical Lessons with Reduced Minimum Load
Another relevant change relates to practical driving lessons.
The Resolution No. 1,020 establishes that the minimum required workload is reduced to two hours for Categories A and B.
The lessons can be conducted continuously or divided, as long as the supervision and record-keeping rules defined by the traffic agencies are respected.
The text also authorizes the use of the candidate’s own vehicle or that of the instructor, provided that the vehicle meets legal requirements and is properly registered for the activity.
Furthermore, the regulation expands hiring possibilities, allowing students to take lessons with accredited independent instructors, instructors associated with driving schools, public traffic schools, or agencies within the National Traffic System.
In all cases, practice can only occur with the candidate holding the Learning License and under the constant supervision of an authorized professional.
The list of accredited independent instructors is published by the Ministry of Transportation.
In the Federal District, for example, over 2,000 professionals are already registered in the national database, according to official data.
According to the president of the National Association of Detrans, Givaldo Vieira, the implementation of the new rules requires significant adjustments.
In a statement reproduced in a report, he noted that the changes involve alterations to systems, training, and administrative routines, which explains the gradual adoption of the model by the states.
Licensing Process Without a Maximum Period
The new regulation also changes the time frame for completing the licensing process.
With this change, there is no longer a maximum time limit for candidates to complete all stages, preventing procedures from being automatically canceled due to the passage of time.
According to assessments by technicians consulted by traffic agencies, the measure seeks to adapt the process to different social and economic realities.
As a result, candidates can progress according to their availability, without the need to restart the process.
Still, state fees and requirements such as medical and psychological exams continue to be applied according to the norms in effect in each state.
The execution of the new model does not occur identically across the country.
Each Detran must adapt its internal systems, integrate data with the National Registry of Authorized Drivers, and adjust enforcement and accreditation procedures.
This scenario explains the operational differences observed during this initial phase.
Automatic Renewal of the CNH and Legal Criteria
For already licensed drivers, a provisional measure enacted by the federal government created the possibility for automatic renewal of the CNH for drivers who have not committed infractions in the period immediately preceding the expiration of the document.
In such cases, the update can occur digitally, without the need for in-person attendance.
However, this benefit is not automatically applied to all drivers.
The measure itself establishes objective criteria, such as the driver’s history and age ranges, which determine when medical or psychological exams are still required.
Additionally, as it is a provisional measure, the text still needs to be analyzed by the National Congress to be converted into definitive law.
Costs, Access, and Enforcement of the New Model
The Ministry of Transportation states that the restructuring aims to reduce costs and expand access to licensing, especially for people facing financial difficulties.
Reports on the subject indicate that high fees charged by driving schools have been cited as a barrier by candidates.
The candidate Andreza, interviewed in one of these reports, reported encountering quotes that were incompatible with her income when trying to obtain her license in João Pessoa.
This testimony illustrates a situation frequently mentioned by system users, according to a survey presented in the same article.
As the new model progresses, Detrans report that they remain responsible for overseeing practical lessons, administering exams, and accrediting professionals.
Traffic experts consulted in reports emphasize that monitoring the effects of these changes on driver training and road safety indicators will be crucial for evaluating the results of the new system.
Isso tudo é blábláblá do governo pra tentar reeleição
a lei foi aprovada sobre renovação automática da CNH mas lá não fala que a renovação automática é só pra chh A / b as categorias C/D/E disse que nao se encaixa na renovação por causa da função renumerada
No meu caso minha CNH é AE e tem renumerada vence agora 26/01/26 e estou no cadastro positivo
Sou de bhzte mg não sei o que fazer ainda
Que mentira desse desgoverno…. conheço várias pessoas com CNH vencida e selo de bom condutor e nada renovação automática, nem se quer fala de prazo pra essa implantação… estão vendendo sonhos.
Minha habilitação venceu dia 23/12 estou com cadastro positivo e ainda não saiu a renovação o que fazer?