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Is It Easier to Get a Driver’s License? Exam Changes in Several States, Eliminates Parking Test, Increases Error Limit, and Allows Use of Automatic Cars

Escrito por Ana Alice
Publicado em 26/01/2026 às 20:15
Atualizado em 26/01/2026 às 22:45
Baliza deixa de ser obrigatória na CNH em SP e outros estados, com mudanças no exame prático, uso de carro automático e regras dos Detrans. (Imagem: Reprodução)
Baliza deixa de ser obrigatória na CNH em SP e outros estados, com mudanças no exame prático, uso de carro automático e regras dos Detrans. (Imagem: Reprodução)
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Recent Changes to the CNH Rules Change the Form of Practical Evaluation in Some Brazilian States, with Direct Impacts on the Driving Test, Scoring, Use of Automatic Vehicles, and the Organization of Tests Applied by Detrans.

The parallel parking test is no longer a mandatory step of the practical exam for obtaining the National Driver’s License (CNH) in São Paulo as of this Monday (26).

The change also took effect in other states, such as Mato Grosso do Sul and Espírito Santo, as part of a set of national changes that have been modifying the rules of the qualification process in the country.

The Practical CNH Exam Is Now Done Only on the Route

In states that have already adopted the new guideline, the practical exam now evaluates the candidate exclusively on the route, conducted on public roads and accompanied by a Detran examiner.

With this, the maneuver of parking in a parallel spot, known as parallel parking, is no longer required as a specific step of the test.

In São Paulo, Detran reported that the format of the practical exam follows the model currently applied in the state, focusing on routine driving situations.

According to the agency, the route includes right and left turns, correct use of signaling, stopping in permitted areas, and safe driving under normal traffic conditions.

How the Practical Evaluation Works Without the Parking Test

The removal of the parallel parking test does not eliminate the practical exam nor does it exempt the demonstration of technical skills at the wheel.

According to official communications, the evaluation now observes the candidate’s performance over a predefined route, allowing the examiner to analyze the driving continuously.

In Mato Grosso do Sul, Detran published a regulation that establishes minimum parameters for the practical exam.

The text determines a minimum duration of 10 minutes and provides for maneuvers such as turns, U-turns, lateral parking, and straight-line driving for at least 1,000 meters.

The regulation also maintains the conduct of the test on urban or rural public roads, paved or not.

In municipalities where there is more than one authorized neighborhood, the choice of location may occur by drawing lots, according to local regulations.

Differences Between States in the Application of the New Rules

Although the national guidance has relaxed the mandatory requirement for parallel parking, the application of the changes does not occur simultaneously throughout the country.

Each Detran remains responsible for defining its procedures until the new edition of the Brazilian Manual of Vehicle Driving Tests is published.

This document should standardize the format of the practical exam throughout Brazil.

In this scenario, some states have reported that they would maintain the requirement for parallel parking for now.

Reports and official communications indicate that Acre, Bahia, Paraíba, Rondônia, and Sergipe continue to apply the step, at least until the update of their internal regulations.

In Santa Catarina, the adoption of the new model has been announced, but still depends on formalization.

State agencies have stated that they are waiting for more detailed guidance to promote definitive changes, which explains the temporary differences between the federative units.

Change in the Scoring of the CNH Practical Exam

Another relevant change affects the scoring system of the practical exam.

Previously, the candidate could lose up to three points, considering light, medium, and serious faults.

With the new rules, the limit can go up to 10 points, according to the regulations adopted by each Detran.

The classification of errors now follows the categories of the Brazilian Traffic Code.

Light infractions are worth one point.

Medium infractions are worth two points.

Serious infractions are now worth four points.

Very serious infractions total six points.

The change alters the weight of faults and redefines the criteria for disapproval during the test.

Even with the increase in the point limit, there remains the possibility of interrupting the exam.

The regulations provide that the evaluation committee may terminate the test if the candidate demonstrates technical inability to continue the route safely.

Interruption is also provided for in cases of behavior incompatible with responsible driving.

Use of Automatic Vehicle in the CNH Exam

The recent changes also expand the possibility of conducting the practical exam with vehicles featuring automatic transmission.

In São Paulo, Detran confirmed that candidates can already use this type of car in the test.

Furthermore, a resolution from the National Traffic Council provides for the end of the requirement for vehicles with manual transmission for the practical exam starting in 2026.

The expectation is that by then, states will make gradual adjustments to incorporate this possibility definitively.

Rules for a New Attempt in Case of Failure

The most recent regulations also address the rules for new attempts in case of failure.

According to the guidelines issued, the candidate can take new exams without limitation on attempts until achieving approval.

This process must respect the administrative procedures defined by each Detran.

There is provision for a second attempt to be scheduled on the same day.

This possibility depends on availability and prior scheduling.

In specific situations, no additional fee is charged, according to the most recent regulations.

The application of this measure, however, depends on the adaptation of the systems and operational structure of each state.

In light of the ongoing changes, traffic authorities recommend that candidates consult their own state’s Detran to verify which rules are currently in effect.

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Ana Alice

Redatora e analista de conteúdo. Escreve para o site Click Petróleo e Gás (CPG) desde 2024 e é especialista em criar textos sobre temas diversos como economia, empregos e forças armadas.

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