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Government Discusses New Licensing Model While Companies Record Historical Retraction, Mass Layoffs, and Risk of Collapse in Driver Training Sector
The discussion about the possibility of obtaining the National Driver’s License (CNH) without the requirement to attend a driving school is still in its initial phase, but its economic and social effects have already begun to spread across the country. Although the federal government indicates that the project is under analysis, the mere expectation of change has been enough to trigger a scenario of uncertainties and large-scale retraction among Driver Training Centers (CFCs).
The information was disclosed by regional media and confirmed by a survey from Sindicfc-MG in partnership with Fecomércio MG, revealing a concerning picture. According to the research, 98.08% of driving schools in Minas Gerais reported a decline in revenue over the past 60 days, highlighting the immediate impact of the proposal. Additionally, nearly half of the companies reported a reduction of over 60% in enrollments, jeopardizing operations, planning, and financial sustainability.
According to the president of Sindicfc-MG, Alessandro Dias, the subject needs to be approached with technical responsibility, especially because it involves road safety and jobs. He states that the project has not even come into effect yet, but is already affecting the sector in a “million-dollar” manner, with companies shutting down due to their inability to meet basic commitments.
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Layoffs Increase and Risk of Closure Expands in Smaller Municipalities
As the expectation of changes in the CNH advances, the impact directly affects workers in the sector. According to the survey, 77.5% of driving schools had to cut costs, which includes layoffs, reduced hours, and structural adjustments. In 78% of these companies that laid off employees, at least one staff member was let go, and in extreme cases, there were layoffs of over 10 workers in a single driving school.
According to the union, several companies have already ceased operations, and thousands of workers have been laid off without assurance of complete compliance with their labor rights. In smaller towns, the situation tends to be even more critical. The study shows that in 64.3% of municipalities with only one CFC, residents would have to travel to other locations — averaging more than 60 km — if the only driving school were to close.
Another relevant data point reveals that 71.79% of driving schools in Minas Gerais are microenterprises, with up to nine employees. Therefore, they are the most vulnerable to the cascading effects caused by the reduction in enrollments and the uncertainty about the future of the sector.
The survey also indicates that the proposal affects not only the market but also the quality of training for new drivers. 53.85% of CFCs believe that the change will increase the number of accidents, while 19.23% point to a decline in the quality of education as a direct consequence.
CNH Without Driving School: Proposal Promises to Reduce Costs, but Divides Experts
The proposal for the CNH without driving school is part of a study by the Ministry of Transport, led by Renan Filho. The plan allows candidates to take the practical test without mandatory classes, opting to learn independently, with independent instructors, or traditionally at CFCs. Estimates suggest that the total cost to obtain a license could be reduced by up to 80%, making the process significantly more accessible.
A public consultation has been opened on the government’s official platform, a necessary step before a potential Resolution from Contran. Unlike a bill, the measure does not need Congress to be implemented.
However, Alessandro Dias states that Congress is already moving to delve deeper into the topic. The Chamber of Deputies has established a Special Commission that will gather experts, sector representatives, and members of civil society. The objective is to prevent the model from advancing without solid technical studies.
According to him, since the Brazilian Traffic Code, the country has made important progress in reducing accidents and deaths on the road. Therefore, Dias emphasizes that modernizing processes is necessary, but warns that “one does not advance by regressing.”
The research reinforces the concerns of the category: in addition to the risk of accidents and deterioration of training, CFCs also highlight job loss and increased difficulty of access for residents of cities without infrastructure.
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