How to get a driver's license? See information to start driving.
Table of Contents
Many people ended up postponing their dream of starting to drive due to the high costs of the entire process, but due to changes in... Federal government They have allowed more people to achieve this dream. See the new rules and how to get your driver's license quickly.
New rules
Theoretical classes
A major reason why people postponed their dream of getting a... National driving licenseTheoretical classes are no longer mandatory only at driving schools. Now, it's possible to access the content via... Ministry of Transport website or by Brazilian driver's license app.
Anyone who still wants to can still choose to sign up for a driving school plan, but all the material is available for free online; you just need to log in to your account. Gov.BR. The idea is to drastically reduce the price of obtaining a driver's license, with a total cost reduction of up to 80%.
Practical classes
The biggest change, which also helps reduce the investment in the process of obtaining a driver's license, is in the practical lessons. Previously, it was necessary to have at least 20 hours of practical lessons with driving schools, which also led many people to purchase the theoretical lesson package as well.
With the changes made by the Federal Government, the requirement to obtain a driver's license has been reduced to 02 hours, eliminating the need to hire a company for this service. However, if you prefer to take lessons at driving schools, this is still possible. Another option is to hire instructors accredited by the Department of Motor Vehicles (Detran).
It's worth remembering that practical lessons can also be conducted using the instructors' own cars or those of the future drivers. Previously, it was necessary to have a training vehicle, which, in addition to being marked according to standards established by the DETRAN (Brazilian Department of Motor Vehicles), also allowed instructors to control the driving to avoid potential accidents.
Medical exams
What remains unchanged is the requirement for medical exams to obtain a driver's license, but the prices for each exam will be regulated.
It's worth remembering that prices can vary considerably from state to state, but since December 12th, the National Traffic Department (Senatran) published, in an extra edition of the Official Gazette of the Union, the Ordinance No. 927/2025, which establishes a national ceiling protocols for amount The regulations address the exams required for obtaining and renewing a National Driver's License (CNH). The regulation specifically addresses the sum of the exams for... physical and mental fitness and the psychological assessment, as stipulated in the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB). From now on, the exams can have a maximum cost of R$ 180 (R$ 90 for each).
The requirement to have exams performed by doctors accredited to Driver Training Centers (CFCs) has also been eliminated. This means that any doctor or psychologist with professional registration and registration with the National Traffic Secretariat (Senatran) can evaluate a person who is going through the process of obtaining a driver's license.
Conducting tests
Despite the changes, you still need to take the tests to prove that you have studied and have the knowledge to drive on Brazilian roads. This applies to both practical and theoretical tests. Another problem solved with the Federal Government's changes to obtaining a driver's license is that it is possible to take a second round of tests at no additional cost.
Furthermore, there is no longer a deadline to complete the approval process to start driving. Previously, it was necessary to finalize everything within 12 months, requiring careful planning to avoid wasting the investment.
Regarding the theory classes, you need to schedule your participation at the DMV in your city and choose the modality, either in-person or digital. On the day of the test, the exams, lasting at least one hour, can be taken without limit of attempts if you do not pass. To do so, you need to answer at least 20 questions correctly (previously, the minimum limit was 21).
In practical lessons, the candidate must follow a pre-defined route, and the evaluation will be carried out by a driving test committee composed of three members. Candidates can use their own vehicle for the test. In case of failure, it will be possible to take new tests—with no limit on attempts until passing—and the second attempt can be scheduled without additional charges.
Price to get a driver's license.
With the changes made by the Federal Government, the digitization of the driver's license issuance process has allowed the average cost to drop by about 80%, now requiring an expenditure of around R$ 300. The largest expenses are for taking the exam and lessons with instructors.
Those who choose to obtain a digital driver's license still need to pay a fee related to the RENACH (around R$ 134). Renewing a physical driver's license involves fees that vary by state, such as R$ 122,17 in São Paulo, R$ 144,12 in Alagoas, and R$ 89,75 in Acre.
Automatic renewal
Automatic renewal is only valid for those who opt for the digital driver's license (CNH digital). If you have a physical document, you will need to repeat the process at the DMV (Detran) in your city/state. To qualify for automatic renewal, you must meet certain requirements, which are:
- Not having points registered in CNH in the last 12 months;
- Not having any traffic violations recorded on the document during the same period;
- To be registered in the National Positive Driver Registry (RNPC).
O RNPC It has been in place since 2022 and functions as a system to reward drivers who do not commit traffic violations within a one-year period. To validate your automatic renewal, simply follow these steps:
- open the app Brazilian Driver's License
- Select “Conductor"
- Go to “Positive Registration"
- Touch “Authorize participation"
Accessing the Brazilian driver's license app
The first step to getting your first driver's license is through a smartphone. Let's go through the step-by-step process:
Step 01Install the app on your smartphone, via Google Play ou App Store.
Step 02You will need to log in with your Gov.Br account to use the service; this is the same account you use to access other websites and applications of the Federal Government. Tap on Login with gov.br.
Step 03Enter your CPF (Brazilian tax identification number) and password to log in to the application.
Step 04: Authorize the use of your data for the Brazilian driver's license service. If you agree to the terms, simply scroll down and tap the button. Authorize.
Step 05Now, the interface will reload. Tap on Conductor.
Step 06: touch First Driver's License.
Step 07After confirming the data saved in your gov.br account, select your driver's license category and the state where you wish to obtain your driver's license. Tap on Continue.
Step 08If everything is correct, tap on RSVP.
Step 09Now, simply start your theory course right there on your phone by tapping the blue button. You will be directed to a page in your browser. To begin the course, simply scroll down and tap on... Starting my journey.
Step 10As you go through each step, you can track your course progress. When you complete the theory classes, simply proceed with the process at the DMV in your city. See the driver's license course interface:
Detran rules
To begin the licensing process, the candidate must meet some fundamental criteria that remain mandatory under the new legislation. It is necessary to be criminally responsible, which means having... 18 years and over and be accountable for their actions before the law, in addition to possessing full command of reading and writing (know how to read and writeFinally, the applicant must present their [document/document/etc.]. CPF and a official photo ID, such as an RG (Brazilian national identity card) or passport, for formalizing registration in the system.
Do I still need driving school to get my driver's license?
As highlighted above, there is no longer a requirement to adhere to fixed classroom schedules; students study at their own pace and, when they feel prepared, request an appointment for the in-person theory test at the DMV or accredited testing centers through the app itself. Driving schools continue to exist as an option for those who prefer traditional instruction, but they are no longer the only way.
And you, have you already started the process to begin driving? What have you noticed that's different? Tell us in the comments! Comment!
See also other features
See others tutorials And useful websites for a more digital daily life:
With some info: Agency Brazil l Federal government l G1
reviewed by Tiago Rodrigues in 19 / 12 / 2025
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