- Eligibility Criteria
- Ways to Apply for the Golden Chance Test
- Details of the Golden Chance Test
- Required Documents
- Cost of Golden Chance Test
Making it easier for everyone to drive in Dubai, RTA has launched the Golden Chance driving test. The UAE government previously allowed drivers from 40 countries to convert their existing driving licence to a UAE licence. The golden chance test is now available for drivers from other countries to avail a similar opportunity.
This initiative enables expatriates to apply directly for the road test to obtain a licence for light motor vehicles in UAE without taking any driving licence class lessons.
What is Included in the Golden Chance Test by RTA?
Previously, licence holders from non-exempted countries had to go through theory lessons before they cleared the road test to get a UAE driving licence. However, with the Golden Chance test, drivers only have to clear a knowledge test and a road test to get a UAE driving licence for light motor vehicles. Please note that both these tests have to be cleared in one go to get a driving licence. Here is a list of RTA driving tests to give you a preliminary idea of how you can clear these tests.
How to know your eligibility for the golden chance test
To check if you are eligible to take the Golden Chance Test, visit RTA’s official website and select ‘Driver and Car Owner Services’. First, enter your details and then enter the details for your previous licence.
Step 1: Enter details on the RTA website
- Visit the RTA Dubai official website.
- Enter “Emirates ID and Mobile Number.
- Confirm all the personal details and press “Continue”.
- Choose ‘Apply for a new Dubai driving licence based on exchanging licences’.
- Click ‘Apply Now’.
Step 2: Enter Details of your previous licence
After going through the first step, you will be asked if you have a driving licence
- Click ‘Yes’ and select the licence-issuing country from the drop-down menu.
- Enter the details, including the licence category, issuing and expiry date.
- Mention if the licence is in your possession and enter your nationality.
- If your country is not on the list of approved countries for automatic conversion of driving licence in a UAE one, you will be presented with two options:
- Golden Chance Driving Licence: Under this initiative, you get one chance to appear for a knowledge test and then a road test without having to attend any theory and practical lessons. Here is an RTA driving test checklist to help you clear the driving test.
- Normal Stage: You’ll be taking regular driving lessons, practical classes and driving tests to get a driving licence in the UAE. (The number of classes required might vary depending on your previous driving experience). Here is a complete guide to help you book an RTA car driving test along with the fees and required documents detail.
How to apply for the Golden Chance Driving Licence Test
Different ways to apply for the Golden Chance driving licence test include:
- Applying through RTA’s official website
- Registering for the test at any of the RTA customer happiness centres
- Registering for the test at the vehicle registration and testing centre at Hatta Tasjeel
- Registering via the RTA-approved driving schools, including Belhasa Driving Centre, Dubai Driving Centre, Dubai International Driving Centre, Eco-Drive Driving Institute and Emirates Driving Institute.
Details for the Golden Chance Test
The golden chance drivers must clear a knowledge test to appear for the direct road test. Let’s go through both tests in detail.
Test 1: Eye Test by RTA
Drivers are required to complete their eye test from any RTA-registered optical shop in the UAE. Here is a list of RTA approved eye-centres that you can visit.
Test 2: Knowledge Test by RTA
This test can be booked by calling EDI, or any of the RTA-approved driving schools. The knowledge test tests the applicant’s knowledge of road signs, rules for driving on busy roads and highways, and how to react to road hazards.
Students appearing for a golden chance test initiative by RTA don’t have to take any other theory or practical driving lessons before attempting the knowledge test. However, they have the option to take practical road test training before the direct road test. The fee for this optional training is AED 210 + VAT per hour.
If the golden chance student fails the knowledge test, they don’t have to take any theoretical lessons and can reappear for the knowledge test upon request.
A retest fee will be applicable in this scenario and a new test appointment will be booked for the student.
Test 3: Road Test
After passing the knowledge test, drivers can book their golden chance road test at any of the driving schools. If drivers choose EDI, they can apply for the test via the smart screens at the EDI main centres. The road test is then taken at EDI main centres in Al Qusais or Al Quoz. An extra fee is applicable if the candidate wants to take the test on Saturday or Sunday.
Drivers will receive a licence for light motors in the UAE after passing the golden chance road test. This driving licence is valid for two years and will be valid for five years after the first renewal.
If the golden chance student does not clear the road test, they will need to take regular driving lessons and clear the required tests. However, the lessons will be offered after considering their previous driving experience.
Important Documents to Take the Golden Chance Test
Necessary documents required to take the knowledge and direct road test service offered by the Golden Chance initiative include:
- Original Emirates ID
- Visa from Dubai
- An eye test report before opening the RTA file opening.
- Original valid driving light motor vehicle licence from a non-exempt country
Cost of Golden Chance Direct Theory and Road Test
The total overall estimated cost is over AED 2,000. The final price may vary depending on the driving licence details and the selection among the best driving schools in Dubai.
That is all on the Golden Chance driving test initiative for non-exempt drivers. If you have recently arrived and looking for a used car for sale in Dubai, then browse through the listings here.
For more on different driving licences and initiatives by RTA, stay tuned to dubizzle cars blog.
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