The Department of Transit of Maranhão (Detran-MA) has announced a significant change in the practical examination requirements for obtaining the National Driver's License (CNH) category B. According to Portaria nº 127, the traditional parking maneuver, commonly known as 'baliza', will no longer be part of the test. Instead, candidates will be evaluated through a new requirement that involves reverse parking at an angle into a marked parking space. This change aims to better reflect real-life urban traffic situations, emphasizing skills like vehicle control, spatial awareness, use of mirrors, and attention to the surroundings.

The decision was formalized on February 24, 2026, through an official publication in the State's Official Gazette, solidifying a move to modernize the driver assessment process. The Detran-MA highlighted that this alteration aligns with the National Traffic Council's (Contran) Resolutions, particularly the recently updated guidelines that focus on improving driver education and assessment across Brazil. This adjustment shows a shift in approach toward a more practical understanding of driving and maneuvering in urban environments, which is crucial for new drivers.

The implications of this change are significant for future drivers in Maranhão, as it may reduce the anxiety associated with the parking maneuver while providing an assessment that is more relevant to the actual driving conditions they will encounter. This modification is part of a broader trend in Brazil to enhance driver training and improve road safety, reflecting ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing dynamics of urban transport.