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Federal Project That Could Make Driving Schools Optional Generates Debate About Costs, Inspection, and the Role of Apps as Intermediaries, While Government, Sector, and Experts Discuss Impact on Training and Safety of Future Drivers.
On Friday (08), the National Traffic Secretary, Adrualdo de Lima Catão, stated that Uber expressed interest in supporting the federal project that would make driving schools optional and facilitate practical lessons with accredited independent instructors.
The company, however, denies having submitted a formal proposal, stating that it only discussed “ways to use technology to facilitate access to licensing” in a technical meeting held on August 5.
The measure, supported by the Ministry of Transport, proposes the end of the mandatory theoretical course and minimum practical lesson load for categories A and B, while maintaining the Detran exams.
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The government claims that the new model could reduce the cost of the driver’s license by up to 80% and is awaiting analysis from the Civil House.
What The Government Proposes
The project from the Ministry of Transport establishes that the candidate studies as they prefer and proves their learning in the theoretical and practical exams.
Classes at Driver Training Centers (CFC) would become optional.
The change, according to the ministry, aims to democratize access and reduce costs without eliminating the final assessment conducted by Detran.
Implementation would depend on a resolution from the National Traffic Council (Contran) after approval from the Civil House.
How Uber’s Participation Would Be
According to Adrualdo Catão, Uber has offered to mediate contact between students and independent instructors.
The secretary stated that the proposal would aim to “modernize, lower costs, and reduce bureaucracy” in the licensing process.
The system would allow users to verify, through the app, the name and certification of the instructor, facilitating hiring.
However, Uber declared that it did not present a partnership proposal and that the meeting served only to discuss ideas about the use of technology.
How It Would Work for the Candidate
The candidate could:
- Study independently or access a free theoretical course offered by Senatran.
- Hire practical lessons with driving schools or accredited independent instructors, without mandatory minimum load.
- Use a personal vehicle, an instructor’s vehicle, or a driving school vehicle.
The medical, theoretical, and practical exams would remain mandatory.
Questions About Safety and Inspection
Representatives from driving schools and experts express concern about the risk of road safety in the model with independent instructors mediated by apps.
Ygor Valença, president of the National Federation of Driving Schools (Feneauto), questions who would conduct the inspection and warns about the possibility of vehicles lacking auxiliary brake adaptations.
The traffic education expert, Roberta Torres, also warns about the difficulties in controlling quality and increased risks.
Possible Impacts on Instructors
Industry entities claim that the model could jeopardize instructors’ work, as driving schools offer formal hiring and labor benefits.
The Feneauto president reports that some schools have already seen a decline in enrollment and layoffs following the announcement of the proposal.
Costs and Requirements for the CFCs
To operate, the CFCs must meet legal requirements, such as:
- Standardized classrooms with furniture and equipment.
- Cars adapted with dual controls.
- Own tracks for training.
- Minimum staff structure, including teaching and general directors.
According to entities, these requirements increase costs, which can reach millions in investments for larger centers.
Next Steps and Other Initiatives
The project is still awaiting analysis from the Civil House and, if approved, will proceed to Contran regulation.
Meanwhile, starting on August 12, 2025, Law 15.153/2025 will come into effect, allowing the use of fine resources to cover the driver’s license costs for low-income individuals registered in the Cadastro Único, in a program known as Social Driver’s License.
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