Most car rental companies in Australia rent to drivers aged 21 and over, and charge a young-driver fee to drivers under 25. Some suppliers and car classes have higher minimum ages, and a few rent to drivers from 18 at selected locations.
At a glance
1Age Rules by Supplier
Rules change, so always check the current terms for your booking. As an indication, Canstar Blue reported these policies (last updated in 2021):
| Supplier | Minimum age | Young-driver fee (under 25) |
|---|---|---|
| Hertz | 21 | About A$16.50–27.50 a day depending on vehicle, capped at 7 days per rental |
| Thrifty | 21 | About A$27.50 a day per driver |
| Budget | Usually 25; 21–24 at some locations | About A$22.72 a day per driver |
| Avis | 21 (varies by location) | Varies |
| Europcar | 21 | Varies |
| Sixt | 21 (maximum 80) | Varies |
Figures as reported by Canstar Blue and likely to have changed. Check the conditions shown when you book.
2Restrictions for Young Drivers
- Car classes: drivers under 25 are often limited to economy, compact and standard cars.
- Insurance: some excess-reduction options are not available under 25.
- Licence: most suppliers want a full licence held for at least one year.
- Additional drivers under 25 also pay the young-driver fee.
3How Young Drivers Can Save
- Compare the young-driver fee, not just the daily rate. It can be the biggest extra on a short rental.
- Look for suppliers that cap the fee per rental.
- Choose an economy or compact car; they are usually the classes available to younger drivers.
- If an older travelling companion can be the main driver, the fee may not apply.
4Example: Young Driver Costs on a Week’s Rental
A young-driver fee of around A$22 a day adds about A$154 to a seven-day rental, and the same again for a second driver under 25. Where a supplier caps the fee at seven days per rental, a two-week trip costs the same in young-driver fees as one week, which makes longer rentals relatively better value.
| Rental length | Fee at A$22 a day (no cap) | Fee with a 7-day cap |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | A$66 | A$66 |
| 7 days | A$154 | A$154 |
| 14 days | A$308 | A$154 |
5Documents Young Drivers Should Bring
- A full licence (not learner or provisional) held for at least a year, or longer if the supplier requires it.
- A credit card in your own name for the bond.
- Your passport, and an IDP or translation if your licence is not in English.
- Your booking voucher showing the young-driver fee, so the total at the desk matches.
If you are under 21, contact suppliers before booking. Only a few rent to drivers aged 18 to 20, at selected locations and for small cars.
6Additional Drivers and Age
Every driver must meet the supplier’s age and licence rules, not only the main driver. If an additional driver is under 25, the young-driver fee usually applies to them as well, on top of any additional-driver fee. Some suppliers include a spouse or partner as an additional driver at no charge, but the age rules still apply. Unlisted drivers are not insured, so never let someone drive who is not on the agreement.
7Older Drivers
Few Australian rental companies set an upper age limit, though Sixt was reported to have a maximum of 80. Some suppliers recommend or ask for a medical certificate for drivers over 75. Check the terms if this applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 18 in Australia?
Only with a few suppliers at selected locations. Most require you to be 21.
How much is the young driver fee in Australia?
It varies by supplier and car. Reported fees have ranged from about A$16 to A$28 a day.
Is there a maximum age to rent a car in Australia?
Rarely. Some suppliers have conditions for drivers over 75 or 80.
Do additional drivers under 25 pay the fee?
Yes, usually.
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