Brazil's CNH do Brasil Driver's License Program Upheld by Federal Court and Expands Access Nationwide
Brazil’s new CNH do Brasil driver’s license system is legally upheld and expanding nationwide, with digital, simplified access improving licensing, notably in Mato Grosso do Sul.
- • Federal Regional Court upholds CNH do Brasil driver’s license regulations nationwide, overturning a prior suspension.
- • New rules simplify the process with automatic renewals, free online courses, and reduced practical lessons.
- • Nearly 46,000 applications have been made nationwide since December 9, 2025.
- • Bruno Amorim Gonçalo is Mato Grosso do Sul’s first driver licensed under CNH do Brasil, demonstrating rural access improvements.
- • Legal experts confirm program’s constitutionality and warn against judicial disruption of national traffic policy.
Key details
Brazil's new driver’s license regulations under the CNH do Brasil program have been upheld by the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region (TRF-1), ensuring continued nationwide implementation of the updated system aimed at simplifying and digitalizing the licensing process. Judge João Batista Moreira reversed a prior suspension issued by the Mato Grosso judiciary, emphasizing that maintaining the new rules prevents disruption of regulatory uniformity across Brazilian states and protects a key public policy.
The CNH do Brasil framework, officially launched on December 9, 2025, streamlines access to the National Driver's License by introducing automatic renewals for drivers without infractions, free online theoretical courses, and a reduction of practical driving lessons from 20 hours to just 2 hours. With nearly 46,000 applications recorded nationwide since its launch, the program is already operational in 16 states, including São Paulo, Alagoas, Piauí, and Paraná, while others continue adapting.
In Mato Grosso do Sul, the Department of Traffic (Detran-MS) has celebrated a milestone with Bruno Amorim Gonçalo becoming the first individual in the state to obtain a driver's permit under these new CNH rules. The program prioritizes digital, secure processes tailored to improve accessibility, especially for rural populations. Bruno’s journey involved biometric registration via the CNH app, medical exams, and both theoretical and practical driving assessments. Despite some delays due to system security protocols, he successfully passed the theoretical exam and the practical lessons, highlighting the program's positive impact on rural drivers.
Legal advisor to the Ministry of Transport, Marconi Filho, praised the TRF-1 decision as critical for validating the legality and constitutionality of CNH do Brasil. The ruling also cautioned against excessive judicial interference that could hinder important public administrative initiatives. As the program expands, Detran-MS reports over 21,300 CNH app applications, reflecting robust public interest particularly for the category AB license.
These developments mark a significant advancement in Brazil’s driver licensing system, highlighting government efforts to make licensing more equitable, efficient, and accessible across the country.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
