In order to drive in Brazil, the foreigner is subject to the driver’s license and previous authorization, regardless the type of visa he may have. For the ones who have temporary visa (even for those who come to the country for tourism or business), this authorization can be:
Temporary authorisation to drive
It will be issued based on the driver’s license of the country of origin and for the same categories of vehicles (its maximum validity will depend on the responsible state Department of Transportation); or
International Driver’s License issued by a country signatory of the Vienna Convention: The driver’s license of the country of origin (since it is a signatory of the Vienna Convention) and its sworn translation.
Among the options above, each DETRAN (Department of transportation) has authority to decide which option to use. However, if the country where the driver’s license was issued is not a signatory of the Vienna Convention, the driver must go through all procedures and examinations required from Brazilians. Due to the different practices used in each state of the country, we recommend foreigners to check the criteria and local requirements.
It is also important to observe that the ones who have a permanent visa must, first place, get the temporary driver’s license before receiving their definitive ID card. After that, the Brazilian National Driver’s License can be obtained.