Brazil National Driver's License regulation changes

Brazil has implemented several regulatory changes regarding the National Driver’s License (CNH). New renewal rules vary by age: drivers under 50 may receive licenses valid for up to ten years, while those aged 50 to 69 follow a five-year cycle. Drivers in the 50–69 age bracket with clean records and specific enrollment in the National Positive Registry of Drivers (RNPC) may qualify for a one-time automatic and free renewal. Drivers aged 70 and older are subject to physical and mental aptitude exams every three years.

Recent reforms under the ‘CNH do Brasil’ program have significantly impacted application rates and costs. Between January and August 2026, first-time license applications surged by 216%, rising from 2.3 million in 2025 to 7.3 million in 2026. The Ministry of Transport reports that over 2 million new drivers were licensed in the first nine months of the year.

Changes—including free digital theoretical courses, the ability to hire authorized autonomous instructors, and a reduction in mandatory practical driving hours from 20 to two—have saved motorists approximately R$ 10 billion. Specific savings include R$ 4.57 billion in practical training, R$ 2.94 billion from theoretical courses, and R$ 1.44 billion via the ‘Good Driver’ automatic renewal program. While driving schools still handle 86.8% of practical courses, autonomous instructors accounted for 13.2% of the 4.2 million courses conducted in 2026. Additionally, the National Traffic Council (Contran) has extended the validity of certain expired licenses until December 9, 2026, to facilitate the transition to new automatic renewal rules.

Consequently, the median time to obtain a license has decreased by 30%, dropping from 210 days to 147 days. Legally, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) has upheld regulations allowing the use of private vehicles for practical driving lessons and exams.