Overview
In Brazil the theory exam for the national driving licence (CNH) is set nationally by CONTRAN, the national traffic council, and run by each state's traffic department (Detran). CONTRAN Resolution 1.020 of 1 December 2025, published in the official gazette on 9 December 2025 and in force from publication, replaced the earlier rules on learning and licensing. Because each Detran applies the resolution through its own state rules, fees, scheduling and timing differ by state. The state-level figures below use Detran-PR (Parana) as a clearly labelled worked example.
Exam pattern
| Part | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 30, drawn from the National Question Bank kept by the national traffic body |
| Time | At least 1 hour; doubled for candidates with dyslexia, ADHD or autism spectrum disorder |
| Format | Set by the state Detran: in person, hybrid (set place and time, electronic monitoring) or remote (candidate chooses place and time, electronic monitoring) |
| Language | Portuguese |
Candidate identity is checked by biometrics at the theory and practical exams.
Marking and results
The national resolution sets the number of questions and the minimum time but does not state the pass mark in the text read for this review. Detran-PR reports that after the change the minimum is 20 correct out of 30, down from 21, and that exam time rose from 50 to 60 minutes. Other states may apply their own figures, so check your Detran.
A candidate who fails may retake the theory exam without a limit on attempts, and the second attempt can be taken without an extra fee under the resolution. Detran-PR said it could not yet apply the free retake and was awaiting legal advice.
How to apply
Detran-PR describes these steps: take the theory course at a driving school or through the national CNH do Brasil app, have the completion certificate sent to the national Renach database, book the opening of your licence process online with your Detran, then do biometrics, the medical exam and the psychological assessment, and then sit the theory test. The resolution also says the first-licence process has no deadline for completion once started, and Detran-PR confirmed it applies this.
Preparation tips
Study the national question bank as published by the traffic authority, and check whether your Detran has synchronised its tests with it.
Confirm the pass mark and exam time with your state Detran before relying on mock tests.
How many questions are on the Brazilian theory test?
30 questions under CONTRAN Resolution 1.020/2025.
How many do I need to get right?
Detran-PR states 20 of 30. The national resolution read for this review does not give a pass mark, so confirm with your own state Detran.
How long is the exam?
At least one hour under the resolution; 60 minutes at Detran-PR, and double for candidates with dyslexia, ADHD or autism spectrum disorder.