Age: You must be at least 18 years old.

Medical Examination: You must pass a medical exam, including a vision test.

Residency: You must be a Brazilian citizen or a foreigner with permanent residency in Brazil.

Completion of a Driving School Course: You need to complete a mandatory theory and practical driving course at an accredited driving school.

Theoretical and Practical Exams: You must pass both theoretical and practical exams.

The entire process typically takes around 3 to 6 months. This includes enrolling in driving school, completing the theoretical and practical lessons, passing the exams, and waiting for the provisional license (Permissão para Dirigir).

The cost varies by state and driving school, but on average, the total cost can range from BRL 1,500 to BRL 2,500. This includes fees for driving school, medical exams, tests, and issuance of the license.

If you’re a tourist or visiting Brazil, you can drive with your foreign license for up to 180 days. However, if you’re a resident in Brazil, you must exchange your foreign license for a Brazilian CNH. The process for exchanging a foreign license depends on the country you’re from and may include additional tests.

Foreign residents can exchange their valid foreign driving licenses for a Brazilian CNH, depending on whether Brazil has a reciprocity agreement with their country. In many cases, you may not need to take the full driving test, but you will need to:

Submit the required documentation.

Pass a medical exam.

Take a written traffic law test in some cases.

Pay applicable fees.

The Permissão para Dirigir (PPD) is a provisional driving license issued after you pass the theory and practical exams. You must hold this provisional license for one year without committing serious traffic violations before you can apply for the full CNH (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação).

The PPD is a temporary license issued after passing the exams, with restrictions (e.g., no major traffic violations for one year). A full CNH is granted once you’ve held the provisional license for one year without violations, and you no longer have the restrictions.

An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is valid for driving in Brazil only for a limited period (usually up to 180 days). If you plan to stay longer or become a resident, you’ll need to exchange your foreign license for a Brazilian CNH.

Proof of Identity: Passport, national ID card, or permanent residency card.

Proof of Address in Brazil: Utility bills, rental contracts, etc.

CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas): Brazilian tax identification number.

Proof of Medical Exam: Results of the medical exam.

Certificate from Driving School: Confirmation that you have completed the necessary theory and practical training.

Recent Photo: For the license.