Dubai Golden Chance Driving License | Test, Cost, How to Apply & More

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been offering expats a 'golden chance' to apply directly for a road test to obtain a driving license without taking any prior training. Residents were previously required to complete driving lessons before taking the road test.

What is included in the Golden Chance test?

With the Golden Chance test, drivers only have to clear a theory test to and a road test to get a UAE driving licence for light motor vehicles. Both these tests have to be cleared in one go to get the driving licence. 

The theory test is designed to gauge your understanding and knowledge of driving and traffic injunctions. The questions put your driving knowledge to the test by giving you various scenarios and asking what you would do if you were a driver in that particular situation. 

The test applicant may be asked about roadway risks recognition, different kinds of traffic signals and road signs and what these traffic light signals or road signs indicate.

The road test allows the test applicant to take out the vehicle on the streets alongside the instructor. The instructor asks the driver to drive on a street alongside other vehicles on it and make right, left, and U-turns.

However, drivers appearing for a golden chance test initiative by RTA 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. 

Prior to the tests, drivers will have to complete an eye test at any registered optical shop in the UAE.

Successful completion leads to a two-year driving license, with renewal extending it to five years.

Failing a test

If applicants fail the Golden Chance test, this means going back to the standard licensing process, and they will have to enroll for regular classes.

What is the cost of getting a Golden Chance license? 

Costs are expected to be around AED 2,000 covering fees for opening a file, tests, and license issuance. The price may vary based on license details and the selection of RTA-approved driving schools in Dubai. 

How to know your elligibility for the Golden Chance test?

To check if you are eligible to take the Golden Chance Test, visit RTA's official website and select 'Apply for a New Driving License by Exchanging Existing Licenses' from the services tab. First, enter your details and then enter your previous licence details.

If your country's license isn't eligible for automatic conversion to UAE's license, then you have the choice to apply for a Golden Chance test or apply for a normal stage of attend driving lectures, practical classes, and driving tests.

How to apply for the Golden Chance driving license 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 

What are the RTA-approved driving schools in Dubai?

1. Dubai Driving Centre
2. Belhasa Driving Centre
3. Emirates Driving Institute
4. Galadari Motor Driving Centre
5. Al Ahli Driving Centre
6. Bin Yaber Driving Centre
7. Eco-Drive Driving Institute
8. Emirates Transport Driving Institute
9. Dubai International Driving Centre (Drive Dubai)
10. Excellence Driving Centre