Starting from 2025, Brazilian drivers will face significant changes when renewing their Carteira Nacional de Habilitação (CNH). With new rules set to address the safety of motorists across the country, drivers of all ages must prepare for alterations to the renewal process, including updated requirements for medical and psychological evaluations.
According to reports from FDR, these changes are intended to improve road safety by ensuring only qualified individuals maintain valid licenses. The modifications include variations in validity periods depending on age, with the goal of increasing the frequency of renewals as drivers age.
For drivers under 50 years old, the renewal of their CNH will remain valid for ten years. For those between the ages of 50 and 69, the validity period will drop to five years, and drivers over the age of 70 will need to renew their licenses every three years. This new regime means older drivers will have to be more vigilant about their license status, as they will have to renew more frequently.
Costs associated with the CNH renewal process are also expected to vary, with the total fee ranging from R$200 to R$400. This estimate includes state fees and costs for required examinations such as medical assessments, which can range from R$80 to R$150, and for professional drivers, toxicology tests costing between R$150 to R$200. Drivers opting for home delivery of their renewed documents will incur additional postal fees of R$20 to R$30.
To carry out the renewal, drivers will need to schedule their medical examinations through their state’s Detran (Department of Transit) website. Post-examinations, applicable fees must be paid before the license can be issued. Once this process is completed, drivers can choose to pick up their CNH at Detran or receive it via mail.
A notable aspect of these upcoming changes is the proposed introduction of mandatory psychological evaluations for all CNH renewals. This proposal, put forward by Senator Davi Alcolumbre, aims to assess the mental fitness of drivers along with their physical health. The psychological test initiative reflects growing concerns over road safety and driver competency, especially among older populations.
Currently, the proposal awaits approval from Brazil’s Congress. If sanctioned, the psychological evaluations will be mandatory for all drivers renewing their licenses, particularly emphasizing categories A and B. Meanwhile, drivers of categories C, D, and E will continue to face existing requirements, which include toxicology tests alongside the new psychological assessments.
The need for psychological evaluations ties back to enhancements made to the Código de Trânsito Brasileiro (Brazilian Traffic Code), aimed at providing more comprehensive checks on driver eligibility. Laura Alvarenga, another expert from FDR, underscored the importance of these evaluations, particularly since they might offer insights not typically captured by physical examinations alone.
Another significant recent change to the CNH system is the reduction of invalidity grace periods. All drivers can only operate vehicles for 30 days after their license expiration; afterward, serious penalties are imposed for driving without valid documentation. Currently, driving with an expired CNH is classified as a severe infraction resulting in hefty fines of R$293.47 and the addition of seven points to the driver’s record.
The updates to the CNH renewal process reflect broader trends aimed at improving traffic safety across Brazil. They highlight the importance of regular monitoring of driver health and fitness, ensuring drivers remain capable behind the wheel as they age. These changes come amid increasing concerns about road accidents involving senior drivers and those under high-stress conditions.
Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about these upcoming regulations and to proactively engage with the renewal process. By scheduling appointments early and complying with new requirements, drivers can avoid unnecessary fines and complications. These efforts not only contribute to personal safety but also to the overall security of road traffic throughout the nation.
2025 could mark a turning point for Brazilian road safety, with these new measures setting the foundation for more regulated and health-conscious driving behaviors. The proactive involvement of the public, alongside legislative support, will be key to the successful implementation of these changes.
