What are the age restrictions for renting a car?

When renting a car in Australia there are rules and restrictions related to the age of anyone who will be driving the hire car. While each rental provider may have slightly different rules around age restrictions, there are some general requirements that you should keep in mind when planning to hire a car.

I’m not 21 yet. Can I still rent a car?

Unfortunately, the car rental providers we compare at VroomVroomVroom require drivers to be at least 21 years of age.

I’m under 25. What fees and restrictions will apply?

Drivers below the age of 25 are subject to a Young Driver Surcharge, which is a daily fee added to the cost of the hire car by the rental provider. This amount will vary depending on which rental provider you are renting through. Additionally, there may be restrictions around which types of vehicles drivers under the age of 25 are permitted to rent, and there may be restrictions on lowering the excess amount. Some vehicle types may also be restricted to people aged 29 and over.

As with any car rental agreement, make sure you understand all the fees that will be charged. Check out the Terms and Conditions for each rental provider to see their specific requirements, fees, and restrictions.

I’m over 75. Why do I need to provide a medical certificate?

Whilst there is technically no “maximum age” for renting a car in Australia, some rental providers will request that drivers over the age of 75 provide a medical certificate indicating they are fit to drive. It’s best to call ahead to the rental depot to find out their specific requirements. The final decision regarding renting to a driver over the age of 75 rests with the rental depot.

I don’t have a full licence yet. Can I still rent a car?

Provisional licences are not accepted for rental cars in Tasmania.

Car rental providers will not rent their vehicles to learner drivers, and generally require drivers to possess a full, unrestricted licence. In the case of provisional licence holders (drivers on P plates) certain rental providers may grant exceptions if particular conditions are met, typically that P-platers have held their provisional licence for at least 12 months and are at least 21 years of age. As always, it’s best to call ahead to the rental depot to confirm their requirements prior to making a booking.

Which car rental providers rent to drivers under 25?

If you are aged between 21 to 24 and have held a full, unrestricted licence for more than 12 months, you will generally be approved for a rental car by the following rental providers:

The specific depot could make a difference, though, so it’s best to check ahead with the rental provider if you’re under the age of 25. And remember, an additional age surcharge will apply to drivers under 25 years old.

For drivers under 25, please note:

If you need help in booking your rental, or would like to discuss your options, feel free to contact us.

Important Information

Age restrictions

Before you can rent a hire car in Australia, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your license for one year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur an additional young driver surcharge. There is no maximum driving age in Australia, however, make sure to ask your car rental provider or contact your rental depot to confirm your eligibility.