Want to know how to get your licence without paying anything for it? Learn all about CNH Social and find out how to register for the programme
Adverts
A CNH Social is an initiative that goes beyond offering the National Driver's Licence (CNH) free of charge: it is a powerful tool for social inclusion and transforming lives.
In a country where qualifications are a competitive advantage in the job market, the programme is essential for expanding opportunities and promoting equality, especially among people on low incomes.
Obtaining a CNH involves significant costs, such as Detran fees, medical exams, theory and practical courses, which can exceed the budget of many families.
It is in this scenario that the CNH Social stands out, ensuring that thousands of Brazilians have access to this important document without compromising their finances.
As well as providing mobility, the CNH opens doors to a wide variety of jobs, from drivers transporting cargo and passengers to roles in areas such as logistics and deliveries.
That's why the programme is more than an economic benefit: it's an opportunity to gain autonomy, improve quality of life and promote social development.
In this article, we'll explore how the CNH Social programme works, who can take part and how you can apply. Read on.
Quick Index:
What is the CNH Social?
CNH Social is a programme that subsidises all or part of the costs related to obtaining a National Driver's Licence, such as medical exams, Detran fees and theoretical and practical lessons. This benefit is aimed at low-income people who, without the programme, would find it difficult to afford these expenses.
The main objective of the programme is:
- Promoting social inclusion;
- Increasing access to the labour market;
- Improve the quality of life of the people served.
Many jobs in the labour market require a CNH as a prerequisite, especially for professional categories such as cargo and passenger transport. For this reason, the CNH Social is seen as a tool to reduce inequalities and open doors to new opportunities.
How does the programme work?
How the CNH Social programme works varies from state to state. In general, the State Traffic Departments (Detrans) offer limited places to people who meet specific socio-economic criteria.
The stages of the programme generally include:
- EnrolmentThe candidate must fill in a form on the Detran website in their state during the registration period.
- Analysing the criteriaThe information provided is analysed to check that the candidate meets the requirements.
- Selection of beneficiariesAfter the analysis, the beneficiaries are selected on the basis of income and social vulnerability criteria.
- Course and testsThose selected go through the traditional stages for obtaining a CNH, such as a theory course, practical lessons and exams.
The programme can include both first licence or the addition of categories, such as changing to categories C, D or E.
Criteria for participating in the CNH Social
The criteria for participation also vary from state to state, but the most common include:
- Low incomeBe a member of a family with a monthly per capita income of up to half the minimum wage.
- Single Registry (CadÚnico): To be registered in the Federal Government's Single Registry for Social Programmes.
- Minimum ageBe at least 18 years old.
- EducationIn some states, you need to have completed primary school.
- UnemployedIn some regions, priority is given to people who are unemployed or who receive social benefits such as Bolsa Família.
Be sure to check the specific rules on your state's Detran website.
Advantages of the programme
Taking part in the CNH Social programme offers many benefits, not only for the successful candidates, but also for society as a whole. Check out some of the advantages:
✔️ Cost reductionThe programme covers all fees related to obtaining a CNH, which can exceed R$ 3,000 in some categories.
✔️ Social inclusion: Enables low-income people to access job opportunities that require a qualification.
✔️ Strengthening citizenshipIt gives beneficiaries more autonomy, especially in areas where public transport is limited.
✔️ Economic boostStimulates the labour market by enabling more people to qualify for jobs that require a driver's licence.
How to register for the programme
Registration for the programme usually takes place via the official Detran website of the state in which the benefit is offered. See the common step-by-step instructions for applying:
- Access the Detran website for your state: Check if there is an open call for tenders for the CNH Social programme.
- Fill in the registration formProvide all the information requested, such as personal details and documents proving your income and socio-economic situation.
- Send the documentation: In some states, it is necessary to attach documents during enrolment. Make sure they are legible and up-to-date.
- Follow the resultsAfter the enrolment period, Detran will publish the list of successful candidates.
- Follow the guidelinesIf selected, you will receive instructions on the next steps, such as scheduling theory and practical classes.
Programme availability
The programme CNH Social is available in several Brazilian states, but does not yet cover the whole country. Among the states that offer this initiative are: Acre, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceará, Distrito Federal, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais and Pará.
The programme is administered by State Traffic Department (Detran) The conditions for applying may vary. Vacancies generally open according to the public notice published by the agency, with selections taking place once or twice a year, depending on the region.
In addition, some states have specific nomenclatures for the programme, such as:
- Roraima: CNH Cidadã
- Pará: CNH Pai D'mare
- Mato Grosso: Ser Família CNH Social Programme
- Alagoas: First Qualification/CNH Low Income
- Amapá: Amapá Youth Programme
- Maranhão: CNH Joven
- Pernambuco: CNH Rural
- Rio Grande do Norte: CNH Popular
Although the names and rules vary, the aim of the programme in all states is to offer free or subsidised access to qualifications for low-income people, promoting inclusion and job opportunities.
Tips for those wishing to take part
If you're interested in taking part in the CNH Social programme, here are some tips to increase your chances of being selected:
- Keep your CadÚnico data up to dateOutdated information may prevent you from taking part.
- Follow the official websites: Visit your state's Detran website regularly to check for open public notices.
- Organise your documentsMake sure all the necessary documents are up to date, such as ID, CPF and proof of residence.
- Keep an eye on the deadlinesEnrolment is often very tight, so it's important to act quickly.
- Read the notice carefully: Each state has specific rules. Understand all the criteria before applying.
Final considerations
The CNH Social programme is a transformative initiative that helps to reduce inequalities by offering a significant benefit to people on low incomes.
Although it is not available in all states, it has already had a positive impact on the lives of thousands of Brazilians, promoting inclusion and expanding possibilities in the labour market.
If you think you could benefit from the programme, stay informed about the opportunities in your state and don't miss the chance to take part.
The programme not only facilitates access to qualifications, but also promotes autonomy and hope for those who need it most.
CNH Digital: see how to download the app
Find out how to download your CNH Digital and enjoy all the benefits of the app!
Continue reading →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CNH Social?
The CNH Social is a programme that offers free or subsidised driving licences to people on low incomes, promoting social inclusion and access to the job market.
Which states offer the CNH Social?
The programme is available in several Brazilian states, such as Acre, Amazonas, Ceará, Espírito Santo and the Federal District, but not throughout the country.
How do I sign up for the programme?
Registration takes place on the websites of the participating Detrans, usually after the publication of annual public notices.
What are the criteria for taking part?
The criteria include an income of up to half the minimum wage per person, registration with CadÚnico, a minimum age of 18 and priority for beneficiaries of social programmes.
What is included in the CNH Social programme?
The programme covers all costs, such as Detran fees, medical exams, lessons and practical and theory tests, as well as including category changes in some regions.