The National Traffic Council (Contran) approved on Monday (December 1) changes eliminating mandatory theoretical and practical classes at driving schools to obtain the National Driver's License (CNH). The measure aims to reduce costs and ease access for low-income individuals. Driving schools reacted, threatening legal action.
On Monday, December 1, 2025, the Contran issued a resolution easing requirements for obtaining the CNH. The practical course can now be completed at driving schools or with autonomous instructors accredited by state traffic departments (Detrans), cutting the hours from 20 to 2. The theoretical course, previously 45 hours at training centers (CFCs), can be done at authorized institutions, CFCs, or independently using free online materials from the Ministry of Transportes, eliminating mandatory classes.
The change aims to lower costs, estimated at around R$ 3,000 per applicant, with 77% spent on driving schools, per a Ministry of Transportes study. It particularly aids low-income workers relying on cars and motorcycles for commuting and jobs. In Brazil, 53% of people over 18 drive vehicles, but 12% lack a CNH. For motorcycles, of 34.2 million owners in 2024, 53.8% (17.5 million) were unlicensed.
The policy addresses inequalities, boosts economic activity, and curbs illegality, while emphasizing safety through rigorous exams, integrated enforcement, urban adaptations, and school-based traffic education. Brazil follows flexible models from the United Kingdom, Japan, and France.
Groups like the National Federation of Driving Schools (Fenautoescolas) and the São Paulo Driving Schools Union plan to challenge the resolution in Congress and the Supreme Federal Court (STF), claiming procedural flaws.