Brazil
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The Brazilian Driver’s License (CNH) is a document that proves that you are qualified to drive a motor vehicle in Brazil and it is mandatory for anyone who drives.

To work with motor vehicles in Brazil you must check if your license fits into proper category requirements for your profession. Consult always the local Traffic Department to check the validity of your license, before you start on your new job.

We present below the categories and the steps to validate or apply for a new driver’s license in Brazil.
Driver’s License Categories

The Brazil Traffic Code has five driving categories:

A: driver of a two or three-whell motor vehicle, with or without side coach (motorbikes).

B: driver of motor vehicle not included in category A, with total gross weight below 3,500 kg, and maximum of 8 seats, including driver (cars).

C: driver of motor vehicle utilized for the transport of cargo, with gross weight above 3,500 kg (such as trucks).

D : drive of motor vehicle used in passenger transport, with passenger carrying capacity above eight, besides the driver (e.g. bus and vans).

And driver of a combination of vehicles in which the driven unit falls under categories B, C or D, and whose attached or towed unit has gross weight of 6 thousand kg or more; or whose passenger carrying capacity is above 8; or that falls under the category of trailer.
Your first license
Reprodução Sample of the Brazilian Driver's License Enlarge

    Sample of the Brazilian Driver's License

In Brazil, only those aged above 18 and literate, bearing ID and Tax ID documents are permitted to drive. The process must be pursued by the interested party as it involves medical and psychological examinations, driving classes, written and practical tests.

Each state charges a different fee to issue the National Driver’s License, in addition to the driving school’s costs. Therefore, the overall value may vary.

You should firstly visit a Traffic Department office (“DETRAN”) in your city with the following documents:

1. Original and copy of your Identification Document (“RG” or “RNE”)

2. Original and copy of your Tax ID.

3. Original and copy of address proof (electricity, telephone bill, bank statement, or other recent document with your name).

4. Two 3x4 photos.

You must also pay the process fees and submit to psychological, physical and mental evaluations. Next, attend a theory course in a driving school and take a test to assess what you have learnt. Upon approval, the applicant should take driving lessons and pass a driving test.

Again, upon approval, a provisory driver’s permit is issued to you within five workdays. The final driver’s license is only issued after a year if the driver stays free of any serious traffic violations over this period. The drive must also be free of any medium traffic violations committed more than once.

The first driver’s license can only be obtained for categories A, B or AB. In the case of AB, you must take two preparation courses.

Acceptance of Foreign Driver’s License

In case you have a valid driver’s license of your country, submit an application for recognition of your license to the nearest Detran office.
Documents Required.

- Original and copy of your country’s driver’s license while still valid.

- Original and copy of document that proves your legal entry and permanence in Brazil.

- Translation of the Driver’s License by a Sworn public translator or the country’s consulate. 

- Copy and original (for verification only) of address document issued within three months from the date of application (bank statement, electricity, gas or telephone bill, condominium bill, Real Estate Tax Bill ("IPTU"), rental agreement).

All documents must be submitted to the nearest Detran Foreigners’ Service Office.
National Traffic Department

Also known as Denatran, the National Traffic Department is in charge of the development of educational programs and activities, as well as the control, coordination, supervision and inspection of all traffic policies in Brazil.

The Detran offices are local branches that represent the national department. They are responsible for the formation of new drivers and all motor vehicle and driver documentation.

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