Brazil 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Conselho Nacional de Trânsito (CONTRAN)
Last Updated: February 1, 2026
Summary
Brazil revolutionizes driver licensing in 2026 with CONTRAN Resolution 1.020: driving schools are no longer mandatory for obtaining a CNH, free digital theory courses via the CNH do Brasil app, reduced practical training hours, and automatic license renewal for clean drivers.
Key Changes
Driving School No Longer Mandatory for CNH
Effective January 1, 2026
Driving school required
All candidates had to be enrolled at a registered driving school (autoescola) to obtain a CNH
Independent study permitted
Candidates can start the CNH process via the CNH do Brasil app without being linked to a driving school; theoretical course available free and digitally
Official Source: CONTRAN Resolution 1.020
Instructor's Tip
“CONTRAN Resolution 1.020 removes the requirement to enroll at a driving school. Candidates can complete the theoretical course for free through the CNH do Brasil app, which previously required 45 hours of in-person classes. The cost of obtaining a CNH drops from around R$3,000 to R$700-800.”
Reduced Practical Training Hours
Effective January 1, 2026
25 hours practical training
Candidates required to complete 25 hours of practical driving lessons at a registered school
2 hours practical training
Practical training reduced to 2 hours; candidates can arrange private practice and prepare independently for the practical exam
Official Source: SENATRAN Portal
Instructor's Tip
“The mandatory practical training has been drastically reduced from 25 hours to just 2 hours. While this makes the CNH more accessible, most candidates will still benefit from additional practice. The practical exam standards remain the same.”
Automatic CNH Renewal for Clean Drivers
Effective January 1, 2026
In-person renewal required
All drivers had to renew their CNH in person at a DETRAN office with medical and psychological exams
Automatic free renewal via app
Drivers with no infractions in the 12 months before expiration can register with the National Positive Driver Registry (RNPC) for automatic, free renewal via the CNH do Brasil app
Official Source: SENATRAN RNPC
Instructor's Tip
“Clean drivers get rewarded: if you have no infractions in the 12 months before your CNH expires, you can renew automatically and for free through the CNH do Brasil app or SENATRAN portal. Register with the RNPC (Registro Nacional Positivo de Condutores) to qualify.”
Changes by Category
📋Licensing(4)
Driving School No Longer Mandatory for CNH
Effective January 1, 2026
Driving school required
All candidates had to be enrolled at a registered driving school (autoescola) to obtain a CNH
Independent study permitted
Candidates can start the CNH process via the CNH do Brasil app without being linked to a driving school; theoretical course available free and digitally
Official Source: CONTRAN Resolution 1.020
Reduced Practical Training Hours
Effective January 1, 2026
25 hours practical training
Candidates required to complete 25 hours of practical driving lessons at a registered school
2 hours practical training
Practical training reduced to 2 hours; candidates can arrange private practice and prepare independently for the practical exam
Official Source: SENATRAN Portal
Automatic CNH Renewal for Clean Drivers
Effective January 1, 2026
In-person renewal required
All drivers had to renew their CNH in person at a DETRAN office with medical and psychological exams
Automatic free renewal via app
Drivers with no infractions in the 12 months before expiration can register with the National Positive Driver Registry (RNPC) for automatic, free renewal via the CNH do Brasil app
Official Source: SENATRAN RNPC
Enhanced Digital CNH with Biometric Access
Effective January 1, 2026
Basic digital CNH
Digital CNH available through app but with limited features
Full digital CNH with QR and biometrics
Digital CNH via CNH do Brasil app includes QR code for instant validation, facial recognition access, and real-time updates from SENATRAN databases secured by ICP-Brasil digital signatures
Official Source: CNH do Brasil App
Instructor Tips
Re: Driving School No Longer Mandatory for CNH
Instructor's Tip
“CONTRAN Resolution 1.020 removes the requirement to enroll at a driving school. Candidates can complete the theoretical course for free through the CNH do Brasil app, which previously required 45 hours of in-person classes. The cost of obtaining a CNH drops from around R$3,000 to R$700-800.”
Re: Reduced Practical Training Hours
Instructor's Tip
“The mandatory practical training has been drastically reduced from 25 hours to just 2 hours. While this makes the CNH more accessible, most candidates will still benefit from additional practice. The practical exam standards remain the same.”
Re: Automatic CNH Renewal for Clean Drivers
Instructor's Tip
“Clean drivers get rewarded: if you have no infractions in the 12 months before your CNH expires, you can renew automatically and for free through the CNH do Brasil app or SENATRAN portal. Register with the RNPC (Registro Nacional Positivo de Condutores) to qualify.”
Re: Enhanced Digital CNH with Biometric Access
Instructor's Tip
“The digital CNH is now the primary format, with the physical card becoming optional. Police can scan the QR code for instant validation, and the app uses facial recognition for security. Updates to your license status appear in real time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to go to a driving school to get a CNH in Brazil?
How much does it cost to get a CNH in Brazil now?
Can I renew my CNH automatically in Brazil?
Is the digital CNH accepted everywhere in Brazil?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- Conselho Nacional de Trânsito (CONTRAN) — Official regulatory body
- CONTRAN Resolution 1.020 — Driving School No Longer Mandatory for CNH
- SENATRAN Portal — Reduced Practical Training Hours
- SENATRAN RNPC — Automatic CNH Renewal for Clean Drivers
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
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