Can I hire a car if I’ve just passed my driving test?

You have just passed your driving test and the world is your oyster. But before you start planning a road trip, how long after passing a driving test can you rent a car?

The answer may not be as straightforward as you may think! Understand more about car rental for new drivers in our blog which is dedicated to the topic… 

Can a new driver rent a car in the UK?

If you are a new driver in the UK and don’t currently own a car, then car hire could be on your agenda. From the age of 17, you can learn to drive a car, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that once you pass your test, you can instantly hire one. We explain more about this, below… 

What is the minimum age to rent a car in the UK?

In the UK, the minimum age to be eligible for car hire is 23. What’s important to know is that any person under the age of 25 who wishes to rent a car will be classed as a ‘young driver’. 

This means that drivers aged between 23 to 25-years-old will need to pay a young driver fee on top of the standard vehicle hire charge, and will also be restricted from driving certain types of cars too. In addition to this, young drivers are also required to have a clean driving licence void of any penalty points.  

How long after getting a drivers licence can I rent a car?

As we know, passing a driving test doesn’t automatically mean you’re a young driver. People can learn to drive at any age in the UK, so most vehicle hire companies will require drivers to have been driving for at least one year - quite often two. Always check the terms and conditions before you book to avoid disappointment. 

New driver car hire at Rent Direct

Here at Rent Direct, we offer vehicle hire to drivers in East Anglia and beyond. Much like all the major reputable car hire companies in the UK, our fleet is subject to minimum age and experience requirements.

New drivers are required to have at least two years of driving experience before renting a car or van from us. As a motorist, you must have held a full UK driving licence for a minimum of 24 months. As we own all of our vehicles, we are responsible for their upkeep and do everything we can to ensure they can be enjoyed by our customers time and time again.  

Drivers must hold a full UK driving licence and be at least 23-years-old to be eligible for car or van hire from Rent Direct. When hiring a vehicle, drivers under 25-years-old will be required to pay a young drivers surcharge - which we’ll discuss with you upon booking.

Take a look at our Hiring Criteria page for further details and if you have any questions, please do Contact Us by calling one of our branches, or fill out the online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  

Car hire for new drivers FAQs

Do you have a question about hiring a car as a new or young driver? Take a look at our most frequently asked questions to find out more:

Can I hire a car in my first year of driving?

No. To hire a car in the UK, drivers must have had 24 months of experience behind the wheel. 

Can you rent a car aged 21 in the UK?

No. The minimum age to rent a car in the UK is 23-years-old. 

Can you rent a car if you’re under 25?

Yes. You can rent a car in the UK if you’re between the ages of 23 and 25. Anyone aged under 25-years-old will be required to pay a young drivers surcharge in order to hire a car.

Can you rent a van if you’re under 25?

Yes. It is possible to hire a van if you’re aged 25 or under, but there will be restrictions and limitations, plus you’ll be required to pay a young drivers surcharge. Here at Rent Direct, drivers aged 23 and 24 can hire one of our smallest models of van.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in the UK?

The minimum age to hire a car in the UK is usually 23-years-old at most vehicle hire companies.