‘Golden Chance’ to get driving licence in Dubai

Dubai residents with a driving licence from a country not eligible for automatic conversion can now take a driving test without needing to have lessons.

The “Golden Chance” initiative was launched by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, following a similar successful initiative in Abu Dhabi.

It is aimed at streamlining the process of acquiring a driving licence.

The authority said people can apply for a licence by visiting its website or the nearest driving institute.

“This is your Golden Chance to apply for a new driving licence without attending driving classes and get a direct road test via RTA’s website,” the authority

The ‘Golden Chance’ initiative was launched to streamline the process of acquiring a driving licence

said in a tweet. The initiative includes a knowledge test and a one-time road test, the authority said.

It allows students to obtain a UAE driver’s licence without having to take any training.

“The Golden Chance was brought in at the start of last month by the RTA and it is proving really popular,” a member of staff from Emirates Driving Institute told The National.

“We’ve already seen loads of people applying to do it.”

To apply, applicants must pay a Dh2,200 fee, which covers the written driving test, as well as getting behind the wheel.

If the applicant fails, they must take lessons before reapplying.

Driving licence holders from 32 approved countries are automatically eligible for a UAE licence upon arrival. These include the US, UK, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China.