In Brazil, a new bill has been introduced that suggests creating separate categories for driver's licenses depending on whether the testing was done in an automatic or manual transmission vehicle. The bill has already been approved by a specific committee in the Chamber of Deputies, but it still needs to go through legislative processes before it becomes law. The proposal aims to regulate and clarify the type of vehicles that a licensed driver can operate based on their training and examination experience.

Under this proposal, if a candidate takes practical lessons and an examination in an automatic car, they would only be authorized to drive automatic vehicles, and this restriction would be indicated on their driver's license (CNH). Conversely, candidates who test in manual vehicles would face a similar limitation. The legislation stipulates that drivers wishing to obtain the ability to operate both types of vehicles would need to undergo additional training and pass a separate practical test. Only after passing this test could they update their CNH to reflect this expanded capability.

The initiative comes after recent changes in Brazil's regulations surrounding the national driver's license, reflecting ongoing discussions about the adequacy of driving competency standards. Lawmakers believe this differentiation will help enhance road safety and ensure that drivers have the requisite skills tailored to their vehicle type. The implications of this bill could lead to a significant shift in how driving qualifications are viewed in Brazil, promoting more specialized training for different vehicle types.