With the new driver's license legislation, the process of obtaining a license can be up to 80% cheaper
In Brazil, to obtain the National Driver’s License (CNH), the candidate must complete several steps, such as medical, psychological and toxicological exams, theoretical and practical classes, in addition to theoretical and driving tests. By 2025, this process could cost an average of R$ 2 thousand to R$ 5 thousand, however, the new licensing legislation reduced this cost by up to 80%.
The updated rules that are already in force were officially published by the National Traffic Council (Contran) in Resolution No. 1,020, of December 1, 2025. The text provides for a series of changes such as the free and online theoretical course, the regularization of autonomous instructors, the end of the obligation of driving schools, a new list of criteria for the driving test, among other changes.
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With this transformation comes the question: after all, how much does it cost to get a CNH in 2026? The answer to this question can vary greatly according to the candidate’s choices on the path to becoming a driver.
Now, those who want to get their license do not have a single path to follow, as there are some options with different learning formats and prices. In practice, this does not necessarily mean that getting a license has become cheaper for everyone, everything will depend on the candidate’s choices.
In general, with the flexibility of the model and the reduction of minimum requirements in some phases, the CNH can cost something close to R$ 700 to R$ 900 in many scenarios, but it continues with great variation. Those who have it easy and choose to do the minimum allowed can spend much less, but those who need more classes, fail or live in places where the market charges more, still pays can pay dearly.
Those who prefer to close the complete package with the old-fashioned driving school will still pay a high amount, which should vary between R$ 2,000 and R$ 3,500 depending on the city, demand and student conditions. Those who choose to go on their own can save a lot in steps such as the theoretical course, practical classes and vehicle rental, but will still have to pay the mandatory fees that in Minas Gerais, for example, add up to around R$ 527.40.
Check below the costs of each step to get a driver’s license.
Although driving schools offer classes in face-to-face and distance format, one of the main changes in the new legislation was the availability of the theoretical course online and free of charge. It is possible to access it through the CNH do Brasil application, where the candidate finds recorded classes and other types of content.
To take the theoretical test, it is still necessary to pay one of the mandatory fees of the process, regardless of whether the driver chose to do the process with a driver training center or on his own.
The price of the test is set by the DMV and may vary according to the state. For example, in a table released by the Union of Driver Training Centers of Minas Gerais (Sindicfc – MG), the value to take the legislation exam in 2026 is R$ 115.80.
The psychological evaluation and the physical and mental fitness exam now cost R$ 90.00 each. The medical and psychological procedures will be paid directly to the clinic, on the day of the service. The federal government is already requiring compliance with this rule by Detrans and if this does not happen, the candidate can call the ombudsman or the state public prosecutor’s office.
By 2025, anyone who wanted to get a CNH would have to take a practical driving course of 20 hours/class. But, as of this year, candidates can already complete the stage with a reduced workload of two hours.
This can be done through a driving school or by hiring a freelance instructor. At this stage, prices vary greatly according to several factors such as location, demand, establishment, professionals, etc.
Vehicle rental is one of the costs that can be reduced the most in the entire process. This is because the new rules allow the candidate to take classes and the driving test in private cars, this includes automatic, hybrid and electric models.
The price for renting the vehicle on the day of the exam is on average R$ 230. Now, it is possible to use your own car, as long as it meets the requirements of the DMV: the vehicle must have a removable white strip 20 cm wide with the inscription “AUTO-ESCOLA” in black.
The magnetic strip made according to the determinations can be found for sale on the internet. On Mercado Libre, for example, a magnetic strip costs from R$ 78, while the kit with four bands is available for R$ 294.
The Detran practical test is also one of the steps that depend on the payment of a mandatory fee, regardless of whether the driver chose to do the process through a driving school or on his own.
The price of the test is set by the DMV and may vary according to the state. For example, in material published by the Union of Driver Training Centers of Minas Gerais (Sindicfc – MG), the value to take the driving test in 2026 is R$ 115.80.
Another positive change for all candidates is the free first retest. If you have failed the first attempt, both in the theoretical and practical exams, you can take the second without paying the mandatory fees.
