Dubai: How Golden Visa holders can get driving licence without needing to take classes

NAT-INDIA-DRIVING11-(Read-Only) — Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Supplied

Dubai: Golden Visa holders can get a new driving licence without going through training classes. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) made the announcement through its social media channels on Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Golden Visa holders must present the driving licence approved in their home country to obtain a new licence from RTA at driving institutes after passing the knowledge and road tests.

https://twitter.com/rta_dubai/status/1477914483385372673

What are knowledge and road tests?

Normally, to apply for a driving licence in the UAE, applicants need to approach a driving institute and sign up for classes (both theory and practical) and pass three tests:

• Theory test

• Parking test

• Road test

However, in a tweet on its social media channels, the RTA said that those who have a Golden Visa can get a driving licence issued in the UAE without the need to take training classes, if they pass a knowledge (theory) and road test.

What are the documents needed?

For golden residency holders who have a driver licence from their countries:

• A copy of their previous valid driving licence

• Knowledge test and Road test results.

• Vaild Emirates ID

Where do I apply for the driving licence?

You can either do it online through the Road and Transport Authority’s (RTA) official website – www.rta.ae or at any of the following driving institutes in Dubai:

• Al Ahli Driving Centre

• Belhasa Driving Centre branches

• Dubai Driving Centre branches

• Dubai International Driving Centre (Drive Dubai)

• Galadari Motor Driving Centre branches

• Emirates Driving Institute branches

• Excellence Driving Centre

• Emirates Transport Driving Institute

• Bin Yaber Driving Centre

How to complete the process online

• Go to www.rta.ae

• Click on ‘Services’ on the menu tab and click on ‘Drivers and car owner services.’

• Once you have landed on the services portal, type in ‘Apply for a New Driving Licence’ in the search bar.

• Then click on the first option – ‘Apply for a New Driving Licence’.

• Scroll down and click on the red tab labelled, ‘Apply Now.’

• Fill in your Emirates ID number.

• Your identity is verified through an OTP (One-Time Password) sent on your registered phone number in the system.

• Golden Visa holders must submit a front and back copy of their previous driving licence.

• Book the date for the knowledge and road test.

• Pay the required fees after the passing the test.

• After that is completed, your new driving licence will be issued.

How does it cost to issue a new driving licence for Golden Visa holder?

• Dh100 for issuing a new driving licence if the customer is younger than 21 years old

• Dh300 for issuing a new driving licence if the customer is 21 years old and above

• Dh20 Knowledge and Innovation fees

What is a Golden Visa?

Don’t know what a Golden Visa is? In 2019, the UAE implemented a new system for long-term residence visas, with five- and 10-year visa options being made available for certain categories. The new system enables foreigners to live, work and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 per cent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.