Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
1 comment 
Federal Government Studies Flexibilizing Driver Training in Brazil, Allowing Self-Study, Use of Apps for Practical Lessons and Exams in Automatic Cars. Proposal Gains Support for Cost Reduction and Criticism for Safety Risks.
The proposal from the Ministry of Transport, with support from Senatran, to make attendance at Driver Training Centers (CFCs) in categories A and B optional has advanced in public debate and Congress, but still lacks a final text.
The government outlined guidelines such as maintenance of theoretical and practical exams, the possibility of theoretical study on Senatran’s digital platform, and end of minimum practical lesson hours, with an official estimate of cost reduction of up to 80%.
On September 2, 2025, the topic was discussed in a hearing of the House Committee on Transportation and Communications, with divergent positions from entities and specialists.
-
After Paraguay, another South American country cuts corporate taxes, reduces the rate from 27% to 23%, and launches a package with over 40 measures to attract investments, generate jobs, and differentiate itself from Brazil in the dispute for competitiveness.
-
Brazil will hold the first exclusive battery auction in history with 18 GW of registered projects, a potential of R$ 10 billion, and savings of R$ 3.2 billion per year compared to thermal power plants…
-
INSS maximum retirement in 2026 pays R$ 8,475 per month, but only 2.1 million Brazilians out of 40 million manage to reach this amount…
-
The first installment of the 13th salary from INSS will be released starting this Friday, and over R$ 78 billion will enter the Brazilian economy in two phases, but not all beneficiaries are entitled to the payment.
What The Government Has Presented
Since August 1, 2025, an official page from the Ministry of Transport has consolidated the central points of the proposal.
The candidate could open the process directly on Senatran’s website or through the Digital Driver’s License, study the theoretical content in person, accredited distance learning, or digital offered by Senatran itself, and choose how to train for the practical exam: with a CFC or with a certified self-employed instructor recognized by the Detrans.
The government also mentions using technological platforms to connect students and instructors, with scheduling, geolocation, and payment through the app.
The same publication emphasizes that exams remain mandatory and that there will be no requirement for 20 hours of practical lessons.
The argument is that the freedom for the candidate to gauge their own preparation would bring competition, reduce prices, and broaden access to licensing — which is still expensive for a large part of the population.
Demand-Driven Practical Lessons and Promise of Lower Cost
In the plan presented by the Executive, the practice no longer has a minimum hourly requirement and becomes demand-driven by the candidate.
The government speaks of a decrease of up to 80% in costs for categories A and B, resulting from digital formats in theory and the elimination of mandatory minimum hours in practice.
The declared goal is to combat informality and bring more people into the formal licensing process, without removing final assessments.
Debate in Congress and Next Steps
The topic arrived at the Committee on Transportation and Communications on September 2, in a public hearing with the government, entities, and specialists.
The meeting exposed convergences regarding the need to reduce costs but also warnings about impacts on road safety and demands for technical studies.
There is still no consolidated bill; the proposal is under review and must go through consultations and possible regulations from Contran to gain legal form.
Automatic and Electric Cars in the Practical Exam
One of the changes being discussed is to allow training and practical exams in automatic or electric vehicles.
The National Secretary of Traffic, Adrualdo de Lima Catão, stated that even taking the exam in an automatic car, the candidate would have the same Category B, qualified to drive manual vehicles, without the creation of subcategories.
This is a sensitive point in the debate and, so far, appears as a guideline in interviews and public explanations, awaiting regulation.
Apps on the Radar and The “New Function”
The government cites platforms similar to mobility apps to connect licensed instructors and candidates, with credential control via the Digital Driver’s License.
In public debate, Uber was mentioned as interested in providing technological infrastructure to mediate practical lessons with self-employed instructors.
So far, there is no formal agreement announced; the idea remains in the realm of studies and conversations described by authorities.
How Detrans, Driving Schools, and Unions Are Affected
Industry entities criticize the removal of the CFCs’ mandatory nature.
Feneauto and other representatives argue that the measure lacks sufficient technical backing, threatens businesses and jobs, and may reduce the quality of training, increasing risks on public roads.
The National Association of Detrans (AND) also expressed concerns, calling for dialogue and preservation of quality standards, without a definitive unified position.
The resistance has been voiced in the Chamber hearing and in recent public demonstrations.
What Remains Open
Even with public guidelines, there is no final text defining procedures, timelines, and operational details — such as the accreditation of instructors, proof of practical experience, requirements for vehicles used in training, and potential adjustments to assessment criteria if the candidate studies independently.
The government states that exams will continue to be the filter, but experts demand metrics, indicators, and evidence that flexibility will not produce collateral effects on safety.
Road Safety at The Center of The Discussion
In the hearing on September 2, specialists reported concern about a potential increase in accidents if training loses consistency and oversight.
The Ministry, in turn, argues that the focus should be on the exam, not on the number of lessons, and that countries with good indicators allow more flexible training pathways.
However, there is a lack of widely disseminated technical documentation modeling risk scenarios and mitigation for Brazil.
While the government shapes the regulatory framework and Congress invites stakeholders to the table, the future of driver training will depend on how the country calibrates cost, access, and safety.
The lingering question is: with what safeguards and shared responsibilities can this flexibilization happen without increasing accident rates?
Wow superb blog layout How long have you been blogging for you make blogging look easy The overall look of your site is magnificent as well as the content