You are here: Forum > Living in South America > Brazil > Cars and transportation > Driving license in Brazil
  Register and reply  

Driving license in Brazil


#1  2012-06-14 14:59:02

Armand
Team
Armand
From: Ile Maurice / Mauritius
Registered: 2011-02-23
Posts: 21577

Driving license in Brazil

Hi all,

Can a foreigner take the driving test in Brazil?

What are the formalities to get a driver’s licence in Brazil?

Do you need special or extra documents being an expatriate?

How much does it cost?

Thank you for participating wink.

Armand




 

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter !
  • Offline

#2  2012-06-15 19:35:51

wjwoodward
Brazil Animator
wjwoodward
From: Macaé, Rio de Janeiro
Registered: 2010-06-20
Posts: 2223

Re: Driving license in Brazil

Hi Armand,

Only foreigners with permanent resident status can apply for a Brazilian driver's licence. The process is very long and bureaucratic as is everything else in this country.

For those in Brazil for 180 days or less (tourist visa) you will be allowed to drive using your foreign driver's licence, notarized translation (done here in Brazil) after making an application for permission to drive at DETRAN and paying the applicable fee.

Brazil does NOT accept an IDP (International Driver's Permit) they do accept an IADP (Inter-Americas Drivers Permit) for those from North, Central and South American countries. This will allow one to drive for up to one year when the IADP is accompanied by a valid drivers licence from your home country.

Cheers,
William James Woodward - Brazil Animator, Expat-blog




 
 
 

  • Offline

#3  2012-06-16 10:47:12

Christine
Administrator
Christine
From: grand baie
Registered: 2008-09-29
Posts: 23438

Re: Driving license in Brazil

Thank you smile




 
 
 
 

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
  • Offline

#4  2012-07-11 06:47:31

emilie116
Contributor
From: Sao Paulo
Registered: 2012-02-17
Posts: 128

Re: Driving license in Brazil

Hi William,

I know you are from Canada too, do you know by any chance how I can get an IADP here?

Also, how (very) long does it take to have the driving license once in Brazil? Does it help to have the IADP or we need to do all the procedure over there?

Thanks very much for your help!

Emilie




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  • Offline

#5  2012-07-11 14:32:14

wjwoodward
Brazil Animator
wjwoodward
From: Macaé, Rio de Janeiro
Registered: 2010-06-20
Posts: 2223

Re: Driving license in Brazil

Hi Emilie,

If you already hold a valid Canadian driver's license then check with the nearest office of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). I believe that they issue the IADP as well as the IDP. Make sure to specify the Inter-Americas Driver's Permit or you will likely end up with the wrong permit.

Your driver's license must continue be valid for at least one more year from the date you request the IADP. If CAA, in fact, does not issue the IADP I don't know what else you can do since the International Driver's Permit is not recognized in Brazil. You might try crossing into the USA and ask the AAA if they will issue one to someone who holds a Canadian license. The answer to that one is probably NO, but it's worth a shot.

Cheers,
William James Woodward - Brazil Animator, Expat-blog




 
 
 

  • Offline

#6  2012-07-12 00:06:23

emilie116
Contributor
From: Sao Paulo
Registered: 2012-02-17
Posts: 128

Re: Driving license in Brazil

Thanks WJ, I saw your other post on the subject and actually understood that since i am moving permanently to Brazil, its better to do the whole process....and from the french forum i understood it is about 1000$R and 45 hours of courses to do the whole process, so I might let my husband drive for a while wink

Até mais!

Emilie




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  • Offline
Like this topic? Share it with your friends!


Expatriate health insurance Brazil

Free advice and quotation service to choose an expat health insurance in Brazil.
>> Click here

Moving to Brazil

A few tips from professionals about moving to Brazil.
>> Click here

Expat banking Brazil

Discover the benefits of expat banking for people living and working abroad.
>> Click here

Businesses and services in Brazil

Find the professionals in Brazil in the Expat blog directory.
>> Click here

Luggage shipping Brazil

Useful information about luggage shipping to Brazil.
>> Click here

Travel insurance Brazil

Don't worry and travel happy across Brazil.
>> Click here

To
Subject *
Message *
   You are here: Forum > Living in South America > Brazil > Cars and transportation > Driving license in Brazil