In 2026, the process for modifying or including categories on the National Driver's License (CNH) has been updated, bringing greater ease and revised rules. Interested parties can initiate this request digitally through the CNH do Brasil application, which provides a more flexible and less bureaucratic procedure.
Requesting Categories A and B via the Application
For those who wish to add categories A (motorcycle) or B (car), the request can be made digitally using the CNH do Brasil application. This simplified procedure allows the user to start the process directly from their mobile phone by following specific steps:
First, one must access the application's home screen and select the Driver option. Next, they tap on Services for CNH and choose Category Change. The applicant must then select the desired category, read the instructions, and confirm. Subsequently, it is necessary to download the learner's license and click on Access practical course.
In the Linking tab, the user can choose between an independent instructor or a driving school, with the ability to refine the search by state, municipality, and neighborhood. After finalizing the submission of the request, the entire process progress, from monitoring classes to issuance, can be tracked in real time within the application itself.
Changes to Categories C, D, and E
The new guidelines for migrating to categories C, D, or E, regulated by Resolution No. 1.020/25 of Contran and Ordinance No. 923/25 of Senatran, aim to reduce costs and speed up training procedures. The most significant change is a 50% reduction in the minimum required hours for the practical course. Previously, Resolution 789/20 established a minimum of 20 hours of vehicle driving instruction, but now the minimum requirement drops to 10 hours of instruction.
The official flow for changing categories maintains formalized stages: taking exams, including maintaining the requirements for the toxicology exam; completing the specialized practical course with the new reduced workload; passing the practical driving test; and finally, the automatic issuance of the CNH.
Despite the simplification in obtaining the license, the reduction in practical lessons has generated debate among traffic safety experts. It is argued that large vehicles demand a high level of emotional control, risk management, and technical mastery on public roads, which raises questions about the effect of less practical supervision on driver training.
