Many people do not know, but it is possible get a driver's license for free. In short, it is a public initiative program to help part of the low-income population.
As is known, the process to obtain the National Driver's License is very expensive. Thus, it often ends up being inaccessible for people living in social and financial vulnerability.
Luckily, it's now possible to get a driver's license for free. However, it is a process that many people still do not know about. Below, we will discuss more about this subject.

What is the Free National Card?
In principle, it is a public initiative program. Thus, it takes different names in each state where it is present. Just to illustrate, this program may be called “CNH Social” or “CNH Popular”.
In short, this program was created in some Brazilian states between 2008 and 2011. Despite being an initiative aimed at helping people with less conditions, this is not the only criterion.
Furthermore, unfortunately not all states in Brazil offer the program to their population. Next, learn more about how the program works.
Functioning of CNH Social or CNH Popular
First of all, it must be said that the rules for this program vary from state to state. In fact, it is up to the Traffic Department – Detran of each state to organize this program.
In general, the initiative that helps to get a driver's license for free covers all the expenses that this process demands. So, it ends up covering the fees for theoretical and practical tests, classes, courses, medical exams and more.
But, who can apply for the National Driver's License for free? Then check out the general rules of this initiative. However, know that they can be changed according to the government of each state.
General criteria for getting a driver's license for free
As we said earlier, not all low-income people can get a driver's license for free. So, in the sequence, we will deal more with the general rules of the CNH Social or CNH Popular programs.
- Be over 18 years of age;
- Reside in the state in which the request is being made;
- Knowing how to read and write;
- People who have a monthly income of up to 2 minimum wages;
- Receive Assistance from Brazil;
- Study or have studied in public education;
- Be registered with CadÚnico.
In summary, it is necessary to know how to read and write to be able to take the driving course, as well as to take the Detran theoretical test. In addition, anyone who has been unemployed for 1 year or more can also participate.
In addition, workers in the field of agriculture can also apply for get a driver's license for free. The same goes for people who have been through the prison system.
Importance of CNH Social or CNH Popular
Initially, it is a program that aims to enable low-income people to obtain their CNH. As is known, the entire qualification process can have very high and inaccessible costs for part of Brazilian citizens.
However, not having a National Driver's License ends up being harmful for these people. For example, this could end up being a reason for not getting a job.
In addition, one cannot fail to mention that having a CNH is important to facilitate displacement. Therefore, it is understood that the possibility of get a driver's license for free it makes a lot of difference for low-income people.
Do all states offer this initiative?
As we said before, not all states in Brazil have joined this initiative. This is because it is not a federal government program, so states can choose whether or not to offer CNH Social or CNH Popular.
Among the states that allow the population get a driver's license for free are: Mato Grosso do Sul, Amazonas, Acre, Pernambuco, Minas Gerais, Bahia, Federal District, Espírito Santo, Maranhão, Paraíba and more.
Again, it is worth noting that each state is responsible for the program. So, if you want to know how to participate, follow the next topic.
How to get a driver's license for free
If you fit any of the above criteria and want to know more about it, let us help you. First, you should pay attention to the information on your state's Detran website.
This is because the states that offer CNH Social or CNH Popular disclose vacancies and information through the Department of Traffic. In general, new vacancies are opened annually.
In this way, the ideal is to stay tuned for new information so as not to miss the registration deadline. Furthermore, the entire process is carried out virtually, so it is very simple and practical.