UAE's RTA Unveils "Golden Chance" for Expat Drivers

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a new initiative called "Golden Chance," allowing some individuals to skip driving lessons and take the driving test directly. The move is aimed at making it easier for ex-pats who hold valid licenses from their home countries to obtain a driving license in the UAE.

The initiative allows Golden Residency holders to obtain a Dubai-issued license without undergoing driving training. Moreover, UAE residents who hold a valid driving license from any GCC country are eligible to exchange their license for a local one.

The "Golden Chance" initiative offers significant benefits to ex-pats seeking a UAE driving license. Firstly, it saves them time and money since they no longer need to attend costly and time-consuming driving classes. It also offers greater flexibility for individuals with busy schedules who cannot commit to a regular driving class.

To be eligible for the initiative, individuals must hold a valid license from their home country and pass both the theory and road tests in one attempt. Failure to pass the tests will require them to enroll in regular driving classes.

Residents from 43 countries are qualified to exchange their national driving licenses for local ones without taking classes or tests. However, the new RTA initiative offers residents from non-exempt countries the opportunity to breeze through the rigorous process of obtaining a UAE license in one go.

Applicants for the "Golden Chance" initiative can visit a driving center and pay the required fees, which cover the cost of opening a file, tests, and license issuance. The costs vary depending on the driving school but are estimated to be around Dh2,200.

Despite the excitement and enthusiasm shown by many ex-pats, some people have raised concerns about the safety implications of allowing individuals to skip driving lessons and take the test directly. Road safety is a major concern in the UAE, and all drivers must have a good understanding of the rules of the road and drive safely.

The RTA has assured the public that all drivers who obtain a UAE driving license, whether through the "Golden Chance" initiative or regular driving classes, will have to pass the same rigorous driving tests to ensure they are competent and safe drivers.

The "Golden Chance" initiative is expected to make it easier for ex-pats to obtain a UAE driving license, saving them time and money. While some concerns have been raised about road safety, the RTA's assurance that all drivers will undergo rigorous driving tests should help address these concerns.