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Flexibilization in Driver Training Brings Savings of Up to 80% on the Cost of the Driver’s License and Allows Independent Instructors to Operate Throughout Brazil.
A structural and unprecedented change in the qualification process is transforming Brazilian traffic. The new proposal from the Ministry of Transport, being implemented since 2025, promises to reduce costs, simplify steps, and create new income opportunities in the sector.
With the new model, practical lessons are no longer mandatory and the theoretical content is reduced to the minimum. Furthermore, the government argues that the modern format will make the driver’s license more accessible. However, state and legal rules remain valid. Therefore, app drivers still need to retain the EAR (Exerce Atividade Remunerada) on their license.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the flexibilization aims to democratize access to the Driver’s License and reduce informality. In this way, the training process becomes more agile, less bureaucratic, and more economical for the citizen.
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EAR Remains Mandatory for App Drivers
Even with the changes, the EAR remains mandatory. The Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) and the National Traffic Council (Contran) require that all paid drivers must include this information in their license.
In practice, Contran inserts the phrase “Exerce Atividade Remunerada” on the back of the license. Thus, the professional link is formalized and recognized. Moreover, to obtain the EAR, the driver must pass a new psychological exam and reissue their driver’s license.
In São Paulo, the average cost is around R$ 275, according to data from Detran-SP. Therefore, those who wish to operate legally as app drivers must prepare for these expenses.
Rules for Motorcyclists Remain Strict
The rules for motorcyclists remain more restrictive. According to Detran-SP, the candidate must be at least 21 years old, have held a license in category A for two years, and complete a motorcycle courier or motorcycle taxi course.
Even so, the impact of flexibilization is significant. According to the Ministry of Transport, optional lessons can lead to savings of up to 80% on the total cost of the driver’s license. Additionally, this measure combats informality and encourages the legal training of new drivers.
In states like Rio Grande do Sul, where the average cost of the driver’s license exceeds R$ 5,000, savings can reach R$ 3,960. Therefore, the federal program has received support from entities linked to transport and mobility.
Autonomous Traffic Instructor: A New Income Opportunity
Alongside the changes, the reform creates a new professional category: the autonomous traffic instructor. This figure, provided for in the amendments by the Federal Executive, promises to expand the job market and diversify practical training.
The instructor will be able to set their own schedules, fees, and vehicles used in lessons. Furthermore, each state Detran will have to maintain a public list of registered instructors, ensuring transparency and security in the process.
In this way, the measure opens space for experienced professionals to offer independent lessons, outside traditional driving schools. Consequently, new candidates will be able to receive personalized guidance, paying less.
Requirements to Become an Autonomous Instructor
To exercise the function, the driver must have completed high school and be 21 years old or older. Moreover, they must hold a driver’s license issued for two years or more.
However, there are restrictions: the candidate must not have committed a very serious offense in the last 60 days, nor have been penalized with revocation of their license. Additionally, it will be necessary to complete a training course recognized by Detran.
This course, offered by accredited institutions, ensures technical and pedagogical standards compatible with national legislation. Thus, the autonomous instructor will act responsibly and with qualification.
Change Marks a New Stage in Traffic Policy in Brazil
The debate on the driver’s license without driving school began in 2023, as part of the federal plan for de-bureaucratization and accessible mobility. In 2024, the Ministry of Transport presented the final project.
From 2025, implementation began gradually, in partnership with state Detrans. According to the Federal Government, the measure aims to modernize traffic, increase access, and reduce costs, without compromising safety.
Therefore, the central objective is to reduce dropout in the training process and facilitate the entry of new drivers into the formal labor market.
Social and Economic Impacts of Flexibilization
Experts evaluate that the changes can generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Furthermore, the transport sector should benefit from the entry of new drivers.
On the other hand, the reduction in the cost of the driver’s license is likely to increase the demand for qualification, strengthening the automotive market and urban mobility. In this way, the program has the potential to stimulate the economy.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the policy is aligned with the plan to reduce bureaucracy, stimulate qualification, and lower costs for the population. Therefore, it is one of the most extensive reforms in the sector in recent decades.
The Future of Licensing in Brazil
The implementation of the driver’s license without driving school marks a new training model, simpler and more accessible. However, success depends on the strict supervision of the Detrans and compliance with safety regulations.
Meanwhile, the creation of the autonomous instructor promises to revolutionize practical teaching, bringing competition, innovation, and new professionalization possibilities. Thus, the driver training sector gains new momentum.
The big question is: Will the simpler driver’s license result in better prepared drivers or compromise safety on Brazilian streets?
And you, what do you think: should Brazil prioritize ease of access to licensing to generate income or maintain strict training to ensure safety? Share your opinion!
Reportagem tendenciosa, faz uma matéria colocando só os pró e o contra que são muitos deixou para uma perguntinha no final, esta proposta está em conluio com App Uber, no qual o ministro esteve com a direção deste antes mesmo de conversar com as auto escolas e instrutores.
Porquê nao tiram o mínimo de aulas para que as auto-escolas possam reduzir custos? O Detran exige até tamanho de lousa, sala, mesa, quantidade mínima de carro e moto, e várias outras que custam e o proprietário tem que repassar para o cliente. Não existe modernização dos Detrans que são precários ninguém fala nada, pois é outra ponta que custa caro com muitas taxas.
Exatamente isso, as auto escolas,são empresas, precisam cumprir regras impostas pelo Detran, a fiscalização que agora com endereço fixo é precária, imagina localizar instrutores autônomos. Eles trabalham no rigor da lei e do sindicato,recebem salário,hora extra qdo ultrapassa a carga diária, vale transporte,vale alimentação, seguro de vida, seguro odontológico, férias,13• terceiro, fazem reciclagem a cada cinco anos. A empresa precisa de espaço determinado pelo Detran, os carros com ano de fabricação obrigatória,pagam o alvará de funcionamento para o Detran, pagam por inserir cada aula na Prodesp, a lá em de pagar tbm pela emissão da ladv que autoriza o aluno a fazer as aulas,no final pagam tbm pela emissão do certificado para a Prodesp e no final a taxa para a emissão da CNH., pagam tbm um escritório de contabilidade para recolher os impostos,alvará da prefeitura,iptu, enfim é uma empresa totalmente legalizada, passar disso para a informalidade é esperar pelo caos sem contar com o desemprego que vai gerar. Todos concordam que o curso teórico poderia ser flexibilizado e que não fosse obrigatório as 20 aulas práticas e sim que os alunos fizessem as necessárias,porque para uns é muito,para outros é insuficiente, respeito as empresas que estão no mercado a muito tempo, trabalhando de acordo com as decisões do Detran.