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The Ministry of Transportation Proposal Foresees That Candidates for a Driver’s License Can Study on Their Own or With Independent Instructors, Dispensing Mandatory Classes and Simulators
The process for obtaining the National Driver’s License (CNH) may undergo profound changes in the coming months. The Federal Government is considering abolishing the requirement for classes in driving schools for categories A (motorcycles) and B (passenger cars), making theoretical courses and practical lessons optional.
The proposal was drafted by the Ministry of Transportation and is under analysis by the Civil House, with no set date to begin official processing. If approved, the measure will allow candidates to study independently, hire a licensed instructor, or opt for the traditional training model.
With this flexibility, those interested in obtaining the CNH will need to take physical and mental fitness exams, legislation exams, and the practical test, without the requirement to meet a minimum hourly load in the classroom or behind the wheel. The change follows an international trend already adopted in countries such as the United States, England, Canada, and Uruguay.
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The Current Model Requires Mandatory Classes and Costs, on Average, R$ 3,200 Per Candidate
Currently, to obtain the license, candidates must complete at least 45 theoretical hours and 20 practical hours, in addition to passing three exams: physical and mental, theoretical, and practical. This entire process is regulated by the National Traffic Council (Contran) and the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB).
The average cost of the CNH is around R$ 3,200, with approximately R$ 2,500 allocated to driving schools and R$ 700 to fees charged by the Detrans. The high cost is considered one of the main obstacles for millions of Brazilians who still do not have a license, especially among younger individuals.
According to government estimates, about 40% of car drivers and 45% of motorcyclists drive without a CNHin various regions of the country. With the new proposal, the total cost of the process could decrease by up to 80%, facilitating the regularization of thousands of drivers.
Theory Classes and Simulators Will No Longer Be Required by Law, According to Initial Draft of the Proposal
In addition to the flexibility in education, the draft under consideration eliminates the requirement for the use of simulators and adapted vehicles, which are currently mandated by law. This part of the proposal aims to make the process more accessible and less bureaucratic, provided that the Contran guidelines for the exams are respected.
“The candidate will be able to choose to study alone, with an independent instructor, or at a driving school. The exams remain mandatory, but not the preparatory course”, stated the Minister of Transportation, Renan Filho, in a recent interview. The declared goal of the ministry is to democratize access to the CNH and integrate more young people into the job market, where the document is often required.
Another promise from the government is the reduction of the minimum time required to obtain the license. In the current model, the complete process can take up to 90 days, even if the student passes all stages on the first attempt.
Experts and Traffic Entities Question the Lack of Debate and Impact on Safety
Despite the possible advantages, the proposal has received criticism from experts and entities linked to traffic safety. The main point raised is the announcement of the measure without public consultation or the participation of professionals in the field.
“If the government claims that the reason is high costs, why not start with public fees? There are many fees involved that could be reduced,” questions traffic expert Carlos Elias, author of the channel Traffic Manual. According to him, the costs of state services remain high and would not change with the new rule.
Carlos Elias also emphasizes that training drivers without mandatory training may increase the number of failures in practical exams, leading to more frustration and insecurity on the streets. The proposal, however, may still be adjusted during processing.
A Simpler System Existed in Brazil Before the 1997 Traffic Code
Brazil previously used a similar model in the past. Between 1966 and 1998, before the current CTB, the process for obtaining a license was less demanding. The candidate took a simple theoretical test, focusing on signaling, and then went straight to practical classes — without a mandatory minimum hourly load.
The change occurred with the implementation of the CTB in 1998, which established the current rules. During the transition, existing drivers took an updating exam. Another important change came with Resolution No. 734/1989, which instituted periodic medical exams every five years — or three years for drivers over 65.
Today, any alteration in the structure of the licensing process must go through Contran regulation or through changes in the CTB text via the National Congress.
There Are More Than 200 Projects in Congress with Similar Proposals; Government Can Change Rules via Resolution
This topic is not new in the Legislative. There are more than 200 bills under consideration that address the reformulation of the licensing process. One of the main ones is the PL 4474/2020, authored by Deputy Kim Kataguiri (União Brasil-SP), which proposes the end of the mandatory driving school requirement.
This bill is being processed alongside other similar proposals, such as PL 3781/19, which aims to reduce costs and increase freedom in driver training. Still, the government does not need to wait for the approval of a new law, as it can adopt the measure through Contran resolution.
“It was a surprise to everyone. The minister said the proposal is already on the president’s desk, awaiting only a political decision,” said Carlos Elias. According to him, approval could occur without the need for a bill, as long as the resolution is published and validated legally.
The information was originally published by the CNNBrasil website, based on statements from the Ministry of Transportation, data from the CTB, and interviews with experts in the field.
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