Appeals Court Upholds Brazil’s Overhaul of Driver’s License Process Nationwide

Overview

• TRF-1 Judge João Batista Moreira suspended a lower-court injunction from Mato Grosso, keeping the CNH do Brasil program and its rules in effect across the country.
• The reform enables free online theory, cuts the minimum practical training to two hours, permits accredited autonomous instructors and private vehicles, offers a free second road test, and removes the 12‑month completion limit.
• Official data show 1,522,898 processes opened under the new model, with 17 states and the Federal District updated, seven in implementation, and three yet to report status.
• Early rollout results include a Mato Grosso do Sul candidate obtaining a permit in under 15 days during a pilot as the state prepares broader scheduling for exams.
• Routine enforcement continues under state Detrans, with Detran‑DF suspending 1,823 drivers for one year and Detran‑MS publishing lists with appeal deadlines through January 31 and penalties taking effect February 15 for noncompliance.