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National Change Alters the Way to Obtain the CNH and Adjusts Rules to Reduce Costs and Streamline Access
Starting in November 2025, the National Traffic Council (Contran) confirmed, through a ruling analyzed before publication in the Official Gazette, that the process for obtaining the National Driver’s License will undergo structural changes. Thus, the regulation revokes the mandatory requirement for classes in driving schools and, therefore, turns the stage optional for new drivers.
The decision, which was discussed throughout 2024 and finalized in 2025 according to data from the Ministry of Transport, aims to reduce costs for candidates and, at the same time, simplify access to the driver’s license. Additionally, the resolution also reduces the minimum load of theoretical and practical classes and eliminates the validity period for completing the process of the first CNH, which increases flexibility for those facing difficulties during the stages.
What Changes in the Process After National Approval
According to details provided by Contran, the removal of the mandatory classes does not eliminate, however, the evaluative stages. Therefore, candidates are still required to take, and primarily to pass, the following exams:
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- Theoretical Test, which evaluates legislation and traffic rules.
- Practical Exam, which verifies command proficiency of the vehicle.
Moreover, with the implementation of the simplified model, the government asserts that the adjustments directly follow the goal of making the system more accessible. This occurs primarily because many candidates face financial difficulties and, thus, leave the process incomplete.
Why the Measure Seeks to Reduce Costs for New Drivers
According to technicians from the National Department of Traffic (Denatran), the end of the requirement for classes in driving schools tends to decrease immediate expenses. This is because the student will be able to choose to train with a private instructor or with their own vehicle, as long as they follow state rules. Thus, the process becomes more flexible and, at the same time, faster for those who already have prior experience.
Still, the government emphasizes that the practical exam remains an essential barrier, precisely because it ensures that only prepared candidates can achieve approval. That is why the exam continues to represent the most decisive stage.
Flexibilizations, Validity, and Expected Impacts of the New Resolution
Although the regulation eliminates several requirements, it maintains the mandatory pillars. Thus, the model does not reduce the rigor of the evaluations, but only changes how the candidate can prepare. On the other hand, traffic experts claim that the change should generate debates among driving schools, which will remain authorized to offer services, but now on an optional basis.
The federal government expects that the resolution will be published in the DOU still in 2025, according to the promise of the Ministry of Transport, and that states will need to adjust their systems by early 2026. Thus, the transition will be gradual and, therefore, will not cause interruptions in the licensing system.
Key Points Highlighted by the New Measure
- Classes in driving schools are no longer mandatory.
- Theoretical and practical hours are reduced.
- The process for the first CNH loses its validity period.
- Theoretical and practical exams remain mandatory.
- The official goal is to reduce costs and simplify the process.
And, in light of all these changes approved by Contran, how will candidates adapt their preparation to this new national model?
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