Regulatory Change Modernizes the System, Flexibilizes Steps, and Seeks to Expand Access to the National Driver’s License
A significant regulatory change with a major social impact was recently approved in Brazil, attracting attention from candidates for licensure across the country. In 2024, a resolution from the National Traffic Council (Contran) eliminated the requirement to complete the process of obtaining the National Driver’s License (CNH) within 12 months, a rule that had been in effect for years. The measure is part of a package announced by the Ministry of Transport focused on modernization, reducing bureaucracy, and expanding access to the document.
Until then, candidates needed to finalize theoretical classes, practical lessons, and tests within a strict one-year deadline. With the new rule, this limit no longer exists. From now on, the process is only completed with the issuance of the definitive CNH, the Provisional License (PPD), or, alternatively, in cases of formal withdrawal or permanent disqualification identified in medical or practical exams. This adjustment directly alters the dynamics of the system and reshapes the expectations of millions of Brazilians.
Regulatory Review Responds to the Reality of Brazilian Traffic
The change stems from a technical assessment conducted by the Ministry of Transport, which identified a mismatch between current rules and the social reality of the country. Currently, according to official data from the ministry released in 2024, around 20 million people drive without a license in Brazil. This significant number reflects financial difficulties, as well as the inability of many candidates to meet the strict deadlines imposed by the previous model.
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In light of this, the government believes that eliminating the time limit reduces forced abandonments of the process and creates more realistic conditions for citizens to complete their training. Thus, the new rule aims to regularize drivers, increase road safety, and, at the same time, make the system more inclusive.
High Costs Remain the Main Obstacle to the CNH
Besides the deadline, the cost of the process remains a central factor. A survey commissioned by the Ministry of Transport in April 2024 indicated that the fees charged are the main reason one-third of Brazilians do not have a CNH. The survey also revealed that nearly half of unlicensed drivers claim they do not regularize their situation precisely because of the price.
Currently, obtaining a CNH can cost up to R$ 5,000, depending on the state and category. With the new model, the federal government projects a reduction of up to 80% in costs, which is expected to ease family budgets and expand access to the document. This point is considered strategic to reduce informality in traffic.
CNH of Brazil Reorganizes the Training Process for Drivers
Within this scenario, the set of changes was named CNH of Brazil. The project was inspired by models adopted in the United States, Canada, England, Japan, and Argentina. The proposal reorganizes the training process, maintaining technical requirements while reducing barriers.
Among the main points are the free and digital theoretical course, offered online. In addition, there is flexibility in practical classes, allowing greater autonomy in organizing training. At the same time, the rule authorizes the operation of independent instructors, which expands the availability of professionals and pressure prices downward.
Social Impacts and Expectation of Regularization
Thus, by combining more time, lower costs, and more flexible steps, the new resolution reorganizes the Brazilian licensure system. The government’s expectation is to reduce the number of drivers without a CNH over the next few years, without compromising the required training.
In this new context, the change represents a step forward in national traffic policy. Still, the actual impact will depend on implementation in the states. With more flexible rules and lower costs, will the new model be able to bring millions of drivers into legality?

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