Official: it is no longer necessary to restart the driving school after 12 months of deadline

The Detran-SP (São Paulo State Traffic Department) made official the end of the maximum period of 12 months for the completion of the first license process. The measure, which is already in force, allows the candidate’s agenda to remain active indefinitely, eliminating the need to restart the process and pay new fees if the document is not issued within a year.

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Focus on proficiency and cost reduction

In line with the new national rules that made the issuance of the CNH more flexible, the new guideline establishes that the qualification process will only be closed administratively in three situations: issuance of the CNH itself, formal withdrawal of the candidate or permanent inaptitude (medical or psychological). The objective is to adapt the procedure to the financial and time availability of the citizen.

In addition to the extended validity, Detran-SP promoted a structural change in the training of drivers. The rigid obligation of the workload of 20 hours/practical class was made more flexible in favor of a model based on technical proficiency. Under the new rule, it becomes possible to issue certificates with a reduced workload – with the legal possibility of being sent to the exam with only 2 hours of practice – as long as the instructor assesses that the student already has the necessary skills for the test.

Independent instructors and digitalization

In order to reduce the final costs for the consumer, the state also enabled the accreditation of professionals who work outside traditional driving schools (CFCs). The measure seeks to increase competition in the sector and democratize the offer of classes.

To manage the new system, the DMV launched the CNH Paulista portal. The platform centralizes the scheduling and monitoring of the stages in a completely digital way, reducing face-to-face bureaucracy. According to the department, the changes aim to make the driver’s license journey more agile and less costly, focusing on real driving capacity instead of bureaucratic procedures.