UAE driving licence: Check eligibility for RTA’s ‘golden chance’ test

Image credit: WAM

Expatriates and residents in the UAE have multiple ways to seamlessly convert their existing driving licences to UAE licenses. Citizens of 40 countries can do so by following a simple check list.

But what if your country isn’t on that list?

Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) recently introduced the ‘golden chance’ initiative, which is a one-step method to obtain a new driving licence.

This initiative allows expatriates and residents to take a road test without the need for driving lessons. Previously, if your licence wasn’t eligible for automatic conversion, you had to complete driving lessons before taking the test.

توفّر #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات فرصة فريدة للحصول على رخصة قيادة جديدة بسهولة وبدون أي مجهود، كل ما عليك أن تفعله هو التقدم بطلب الفرصة الذهبية من خلال موقعنا الإلكتروني https://t.co/d59n6xYb3x pic.twitter.com/j2DsrftTNw

— RTA (@rta_dubai) September 3, 2023

Here are the details:

Check your eligibility for the ‘Golden Chance’ test in Dubai

You can verify your eligibility using RTA’s online service called ‘Apply for a new driving license based on exchanging licences.’

Step 1: Provide details on the RTA website

• Start by visiting the official RTA website using this link: RTA Website Link and click ‘Apply Now.’
• Enter your Emirates ID and its expiry date.
• Input your mobile number and the One-Time Password (OTP) sent via SMS to your mobile.
• You’ll see your personal information, including your full name, sponsor’s name, profession, and contact details. Confirm these details by clicking ‘Continue.’

Step 2: Enter your previous license details

• Indicate whether you currently hold a driving license – answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
• Select your licence-issuing country from the dropdown menu.
• Provide your licence details, including category, issue date, and expiry date.
• Specify whether you have the license in your possession and your nationality. Click ‘Next.’
• Choose your driving license category as ‘Light Motor Vehicle.’

If your licence-issuing country isn’t eligible for automatic conversion, you’ll have two options:

‘Golden Chance’: This offers a single opportunity for a road test and knowledge (theory) test without attending driving classes.

‘Normal Stage’: This involves attending driving lectures, practical classes, and driving tests. The number of classes varies based on your driving experience.

Applying for the Golden Chance test

If you opt for the ‘Golden Chance’ test and are eligible, the RTA website will guide you through the application process. Here’s what to do:

Eye test: You can complete this eye test at any optical shop registered with the RTA in the UAE.

Knowledge test: Visit one of the registered driving institutes in Dubai to take the knowledge test (also known as the theory test). This assesses your understanding of road signs, highway rules, junction navigation, and responses to road hazards.

Road test: After passing the knowledge test, book your ‘Golden Chance’ road test.

Upon passing the road test, you’ll receive a two-year driving licence. After the first renewal, it becomes valid for five years.

Cost According to the RTA website is approximately Dhs2,000. However, the final payment will depend on your licence details and the driving school you choose.

What if you fail the test?

You only have one chance for a direct road test without taking driving lessons. If you fail, you’ll need to follow the standard process for obtaining a Dubai licence, which includes attending practical and theory lessons and tests. For a detailed guide, you can click here.

Also read: Here’s how you can get a discount on traffic fines