WayPoint: Obtaining a Brazilian driver’s licence as an Irish licence holder

If you’re living in Brazil, or planning an extended stay, driving may be unavoidable, especially if you commute daily for work.

A quick search online about driving in Brazil with an Irish licence will show plenty of conflicting information. Some sources say you can drive for three months if you carry your passport (with your entry visa stamp) and your licence. Others say they’ve rented cars without any problem using only an Irish licence. Unfortunately, according to Ireland.ie, an Irish driver’s licence alone does not legally cover you to drive in Brazil, even for a short stay.

While getting a Brazilian licence might seem like the obvious solution, if you’re staying for less than a year, it may not be your best option. Here’s what you need to know to stay mobile in Brazil, no matter how long you’re here.

Driving in the short-to-medium term in Brazil

If you plan to stay for less than one year, your best option is usually an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The IDP, issued in Ireland under the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, allows you to drive legally in Brazil because it is also a signatory to the Vienna Convention.

Applying is straightforward: download the form, fill it out, and submit it to the AA in Ireland. You must be a resident in Ireland with a full driver’s licence valid for at least six more months. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs €10 (or €15 for express service).

Ireland issues two types of IDP depending on where you plan to drive, so be sure to request the 1926 Convention IDP for Brazil. When driving here, you’ll need to carry both your IDP and your Irish driver’s licence.

[You can find more information on how to apply here.]

Driving long-term in Brazil

If you plan to stay longer than a year, it probably makes sense to apply for a Brazilian driver’s licence. The process is more involved than getting an IDP—especially if you don’t speak Portuguese—and you’ll need a CPF (Brazil’s version of a PPS number).

There’s no agreement between Ireland and Brazil for direct licence exchange, so officially you must follow the same steps as someone getting their first licence. However, requirements vary by state, and some DETRAN offices may exempt you from parts of the process if you hold a valid foreign licence. So, it’s worth applying with your Irish licence if you can.

Important: You do not have to give up your Irish driver’s licence to get a Brazilian one. When you finish the process, you’ll legally hold both.

To start, book an appointment with your local DETRAN (Departamento Estadual de Trânsito). Many states also let you begin the process online (each has its own site). Because you may need documents like an official translation of your Irish licence, it’s wise to visit or call your local DETRAN first to confirm exactly what they need, as this can save time and money.

You’ll need to fill out a Formulário Renach, providing your basic information (address, parents’ names, CPF) and supply proof of address.

DETRAN will guide you through the rest of the process. In general, you’ll need to complete a physical and psychological exam, a theory test, lessons with an approved driving school, and a practical test. Requirements can vary by state.

What to expect from the health exams

The medical checks are straightforward. They cover your eyesight, hearing, general physical health, mental fitness, and medical history. The exam must be done at an accredited clinic or doctor approved by DETRAN.

What to expect from the theory test

Depending on your local DETRAN, you may not need to take the theory test. If you do, note that it will be in Portuguese. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions which cover standard road rules; you must answer at least 21 correctly. If you’re applying without a foreign licence, you’ll first need to complete 45 hours of classes, the mandatory CFC course, before sitting the test. Applying with your Irish licence usually lets you skip this step.

What to expect from the practical exam

The practical test is standard across Brazil but can vary slightly by DETRAN office. It usually lasts about 15 minutes and is done on a closed course (pista de baliza). You’ll be tested on things such as parking, hill starts, and reversing. Mistakes like hitting cones, forgetting to signal, or failing to check mirrors can cost you points, just like the Irish test.

When you finish, the examiner will tell you on the spot if you passed. If you pass, they’ll give you a document to take back to DETRAN to finalise your new licence.

Driving lessons before the test

If you apply without your Irish licence, you must complete 35 hours of driving lessons with an accredited school. With a valid Irish licence, you can usually skip this. However, doing a few lessons is a good idea to get used to local roads and test routes.

Final tips

You can have someone accompany you to medical checks and appointments, but no one is allowed to help you during the theory or practical tests. Both are conducted in Portuguese, so you’ll need at least a basic understanding.

When you’re done, you’ll have both an Irish and Brazilian licence, letting you drive legally in both countries. Good luck — and safe driving!