Brazil's Ministry of Transport launched a digital platform on Wednesday, May 6, allowing driver's license applicants to hire instructors and schools via an app [3].

This shift removes the traditional monopoly of driving schools over instructor assignments. By introducing a marketplace model, the government intends to lower the financial barrier for citizens seeking a National Driver's License (CNH), making the process more accessible to lower-income populations.

Minister George Santoro said the initiative would increase transparency and grant applicants more autonomy [1, 2]. The platform is 100% digital and free to use [2]. Through the application, users can compare different driving schools and select specific instructors based on their preferences and needs [3, 4].

Government officials said the primary goals are to reduce bureaucracy and cut costs associated with the licensing process [4, 5]. According to official projections, the new system could lead to a cost reduction of more than 70% for those obtaining their CNH [5].

The platform operates nationwide, altering the professional journey for instructors by allowing them to be contracted directly by students [2]. This move is expected to create a more competitive environment among driving schools, as they must now compete on price and quality to attract students through the app [4].

By digitizing the selection process, the Ministry of Transport aims to eliminate intermediaries that previously inflated the price of driving lessons [5]. The system integrates with existing national transport databases to ensure that all hired instructors maintain valid certifications [2].

“The platform is 100% digital and free”

The move signals a broader effort by the Brazilian government to 'uberize' public services, shifting from a regulated agency model to a direct-to-consumer marketplace. By breaking the bundled pricing of driving schools, the state is using digital competition to force a market correction in the cost of essential certifications.