New CNH: driver who takes an automatic car test may be prohibited from driving manually

The Commission on Traffic and Transport of the Chamber of Deputies approved a proposal that promises to modernize, but also restrict, the process of obtaining the National Driver’s License. Bill 1452/23 allows candidates to take classes and the practical exam in vehicles with automatic transmission, but establishes that those who opt for this facility will have their license limited exclusively to this type of transmission.

According to the approved text, the restriction must be clearly stated in the driver’s driver’s license document. If the driver wishes to remove the limitation to drive vehicles with manual transmission, the process will not be automatic: it will be necessary to take a complementary course in a vehicle with a mechanical transmission and pass a new practical driving test.

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The approved opinion was the substitute of the rapporteur, Deputy Neto Carletto (Avante-BA). According to the parliamentarian, the change is necessary to align Brazilian legislation with the growth of the fleet of automatic vehicles in the country. However, for the professional categories (C, D and E), the rapporteur maintained the mandatory nature of the test in vehicles with manual transmission, given the complexity and nature of the transport of cargo and passengers.

In addition to the changes in the transmission, the project reorganizes the training of drivers. The proposal authorizes the National Service for Transportation Learning (Senat) to act in the training of drivers in certain categories and validates the use of distance learning institutions for the workload of theoretical courses.

The proposal is being processed in a conclusive manner and now goes to the Commission on Constitution and Justice and Citizenship (CCJ) for analysis. If approved without reservations, the matter could go directly to the Federal Senate without having to go through the plenary of the Chamber.