Federal Court reverses decision that paralyzed the new rules for obtaining the license; changes should reduce costs and increase process flexibility
The Attorney General’s Office (AGU) managed, this Friday (26), to reverse the injunction that suspended the implementation of the Brazilian CNH program, created by the federal government to facilitate access to the National Driving License (CNH) and the renewal of the document. The injunction had been issued by the Federal Court of Mato Grosso, following a request from the state’s State Department of Traffic (Detran/MT).
The Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region (TRF1), when analyzing the AGU’s appeal, understood that the National Traffic Council (Contran) acted within its regulatory power when establishing the new standards. Federal judge João Batista Moreira, president of TRF1, argued that the change in rules aimed to guarantee the uniformity of the national transit system, and its implementation was already in the execution phase in several states.
With the TRF1 decision, Brazil’s CNH program remains in force, which preserves the continuity of new public policies and avoids negative impacts on millions of drivers across the country. The AGU highlighted that the measure avoids the legal uncertainty generated by fragmented judicial decisions.
The new rules, published on December 10, 2025, promote significant changes in obtaining a driver’s license. The main change is the end of the obligation to attend driving schools for theoretical and practical courses, allowing candidates to take the theoretical course in regular education institutions approved by the traffic authority. Furthermore, the licensing process becomes more flexible, with the possibility of taking classes independently and in private vehicles, as long as they meet the requirements of the Traffic Code.
Another important change is the reduction in the total cost of obtaining a driver’s license, which could fall by up to 80%, once the mandatory driving schools are eliminated. The new model thus promises to facilitate access to the document and reduce the financial barriers faced by many candidates.
Despite the changes, theoretical and practical tests remain mandatory, with passing the exams being the central criterion for obtaining a driver’s license. Detran remains responsible for inspection, but the process becomes more flexible, allowing greater autonomy for candidates to choose instructors and define their study routine.
With the TRF1 decision, AGU guaranteed the continuity of the program and the implementation of the new rules, ensuring a more accessible and efficient qualification process for Brazilians.
