How to add a new category in the CNH do Brasil app; see Senatran’s tutorial

The process to change or add categories to the National Driver’s License (CNH) has updated rules and greater ease in 2026. The candidate for addition can make the request via the CNH do Brasil application and start the process in digital media in a more flexible way and with less bureaucracy.

In this article you can check out the step-by-step guide to start the process and what were the changes proposed by the Ministry of Transport.

SEE ALSO:

• CNH categories: know the types of driver’s license
• New CNH rules: check out how to change categories in 2026
• CNH do Brasil; Understand how to use the new app and request the 1st license

How to request the addition of category A and B through the CNH do Brasil application

In addition to the changes for professional drivers, the request to add categories A (motorcycle) or B (car) can be made digitally through the CNH do Brasil application.

The simplified procedure allows you to start the process directly from your cell phone:

1. Access the app’s home screen and select the Driver option;
2. Tap on CNH Services and choose Change of Category;
3. Select the category you want to add, read the guidelines and confirm;
4. Download your learning license and tap Access Hands-on Course;
5. Choose between a self-employed instructor or a driving school in the Linking tab (you can filter the search by state, municipality, and neighborhood);
6. Finish submitting the request.

After linking, the entire progress of the category addition process, from the monitoring of classes to issuance, can be monitored in real time by the application itself.

What changes in the transition to categories C, D and E

Regulated by Resolution No. 1,020/25 of Contran and by Ordinance No. 923/25 of Senatran, the new guidelines simplified the route of those who intend to migrate to categories C, D or E. The update focuses on reducing costs and streamlining training procedures.

The main change is the 50% reduction in the minimum workload of the practical course. The previous rule (Resolution 789/20) required at least 20 hours of driving lessons; Now, the minimum required has dropped to 10 class hours.

The official flow for the change of category follows standardized formal steps:

• Exams: with the maintenance of the requirements of the toxicological test;
• Specialized practical course: with the new reduced workload;
• Practical driving test;
• Automatic issuance of the CNH.

Despite simplifying obtaining the license, the reduction in practical classes generates discussions among traffic safety specialists. Large vehicles require high technical mastery, emotional control and risk management on public roads, raising a debate about the impact of less practical supervision on driver training.