Dubai: If you’ve been driving abroad for years, and are now looking to obtain a driving licence in Dubai, you have a Golden Chance to acquire one for a one-off fee, and zero mandatory lessons.The Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) Golden Chance initiative is a convenient way for expatriates to obtain their driver’s licence without undergoing the full driving school process. Here’s everything you need to know about this initiative, and how to take advantage of it.How do I get a driving licence in Dubai? Obtaining a driver’s licence in Dubai is a milestone moment for any motorist. For first-time drivers, it usually involves registering with an RTA-approved driving institute, completing theory lectures, passing the theory test, receiving driving lessons, and completing road tests.However, expatriates with foreign driving licences from eligible countries don’t need to go through these steps – they can opt for automatic conversion. The RTA recognises licences issued in 57 countries, which can be exchanged for a UAE driving licence. See the full list of countries.If you have a driving licence from a country that is not on RTA’s automatic conversion list, you have to go through the ‘Normal Stage’ – the same route as first-time drivers, which involves taking driving lessons and passing road tests. The number of lessons you would need to take, depends on how long you’ve been driving. According to RTA’s website, if you have an unexchangeable valid driving licence for a light vehicle, issued in another country, you're exempted from training sessions as follows:If the licence was issued more than five years ago, only 20 training sessions are required.If the licence was issued less than five years ago and more than five years ago, 30 training sessions are required.If the licence was issued less than two years ago, 40 training sessions are required.In April 2023, however, the RTA introduced an option that became a game-changer: the Golden Chance initiative. This programme allows eligible residents holding a valid foreign driver’s licence that’s not on the automatic conversion list to skip mandatory driving classes and go straight to taking the theory and practical road tests.The initiative saves time, money, and effort for motorists who have already been driving in other countries.How Golden Chance worksIf your country is not on RTA’s approved list for automatic licence conversion, you can opt for Normal Stage to apply for a licence, or try the Golden Chance initiative. With Golden Chance, you can take the theory or knowledge test, and then directly progress to the road test, without attending any practical driving lessons.There is a catch, however. You can attempt the road test just once, with Golden Chance. If you fail the road test, you must go back to the beginning, and follow the normal process of undergoing driving lessons and a road test, to finally obtain a Dubai driving licence. So, opt for it only if you are confident in your driving experience and skills.Which nationalities are eligible for Golden Chance?The RTA website offers the full list of countries that qualify for the Golden Chance initiative. Here are a few to note:IndiaPakistanPhilippinesBangladeshSri LankaEgyptMalaysiaBrazilRussiaUgandaZimbabweKenyaCheck your eligibilityVerify your eligibility for Golden Chance, using RTA’s online portal. Follow these steps:Visit RTA’s website – rta.ae – and navigate to ‘Services’.Select ‘Apply for a New Driving Licence or a New Category Based on Exchanging Licences’.Indicate that you hold a driving licence currently, by selecting ‘Yes’.Select your licence-issuing country from the dropdown menu.Provide your driving licence details, including category, issue date, and expiry date.Specify whether you have the licence in your possession, and select your nationality. Click ‘Next’.Choose your driving licence category as ‘Light Motor Vehicle’. Click ‘Submit’.At this point, you will be informed whether your licence can be automatically converted, or not.If not, you now have the opportunity to apply for Golden Chance, or go through Normal Stage.How to apply for the Golden Chance driving licenceIf you would like to opt for a Golden Chance driving licence, and are eligible to do so, you can follow these steps:Step 1: Gather your documentsIn order to apply, ensure you have the following documents ready:Passport copyPassport photographEmirates IDEye test certificate from an authorised centre (more details in the next step)Completed application form Step 2: Register for an eye testYou can do this at authorised eye test centres, which conduct eye tests according to RTA guidelines. Here are some approved locations in Dubai:Barakat OpticalEmirates Driving InstituteAster OpticalsMax VisionMagrabi OpticalYateem OpticiansAl Jaber OpticalVasan Eye and Multispecialty, Day Surgical CentreDubai OpticalMalak Typing – Photocopying and OpticalSalik OpticalBelhasa Driving Centre – Eye TestLeen OpticsYou will need to present your Emirates ID, a passport photograph and a copy of your passport and residence visa for the eye test. The process typically takes 30 minutes, and the eye test results are valid for three years.Cost: Dh100-Dh180Step 3: Open a traffic fileYou can register with the RTA by enrolling at an approved driving institute that offers the Golden Chance programme, or via the RTA portal. Follow these steps to open a traffic file online:Visit rta.ae and log in with your UAE PASS.Select ‘Vehicle Services’ and click on ‘Open a Traffic File’.Upload a copy of your Emirates ID and existing foreign driver’s licence, and fill in your personal details.Pay the fee online.You will receive your Traffic Code Number (TCN) instantly via SMS and email.Cost: Dh200-Dh250Step 4: Study and pass the theory testStudy UAE’s traffic rules, road signs and safety regulations thoroughly, as you have only one chance to pass the theory test. The test includes 45 multiple choice questions, lasts for 30 minutes, and requires a passing score of 70%.If you are enrolled with a driving institute, you can expect to receive assistance with studying for the theory test, and booking an appointment for it. If you’re studying on your own, you will need to make an appointment yourself, via RTA’s website. Follow these steps to do so:Log into rta.ae with your UAE PASS. Receive an one-time password (OTP) on your registered phone number to verify your details.Go to ‘Apply for a New Driving Licence’ page. Select ‘Knowledge Test appointment’.Pick a date and time for the appointment.Select Remote Interpretation, if needed, for an extra fee. The remote interpreter connects with you through an online call to translate all the test questions and options, if required.Pay the fees.Receive the payment receipt and scheduled appointment date through SMS and email.Appear for the theory test at least 30 minutes before the start time. After passing the test, you will receive an email and an SMS with a link to book the appointment for the next test.Cost: Dh220, or Dh420 for Instant Service, where you can complete the theory and road tests on the same day.Step 5: Pass the road testThis critical test requires you to pass it on the first attempt – it’s your Golden Chance to fast track obtaining your driving licence. Once you pass the theory test, you will receive an email and SMS, which will direct you to book the road test at a date and time of your choosing.The duration of the test is between 20 to 30 minutes, and involves an RTA examiner testing your knowledge and responses to real traffic conditions.Cost: Dh220, or Dh420 for Instant Service, where you can complete the theory and road tests on the same day.Step 6: Collect your driving licenceOnce you have passed your road test, you can pay the licence issuance fee and collect your UAE driving licence instantly, from the authorities.Cost: Dh320
