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Is the word motoristas the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling and grammar of "motoristas" are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "motorista" is a generic term used for anyone operating a vehicle, whether they are driving a private car, a bus, or a truck. In Portugal, "motorista" is more specifically associated with professional drivers (such as bus, truck, or chauffeur drivers). For a person driving a private automobile, a Portuguese person is much more likely to use the word condutor.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. O motorista está esperando na frente da casa. (The driver is waiting in front of the house.)
  2. Eu sou um bom motorista. (I am a good driver.)
  3. O motorista do ônibus está cansado. (The bus driver is tired.)
  4. Cuidado com os motoristas na estrada. (Watch out for the drivers on the road.)
  5. O motorista do carro não viu o sinal. (The driver of the car did not see the signal.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. O condutor está à espera à porta de casa. (The driver is waiting at the door of the house.)
  2. Eu sou um bom condutor. (I am a good driver.)
  3. O motorista do autocarro está cansado. (The bus driver is tired.)
  4. Tem de ter cuidado com os condutores na autoestrada. (You must be careful with the drivers on the highway.)
  5. O condutor do automóvel não viu o sinal. (The driver of the car did not see the signal.)