Car Hire Age Restrictions

Car hire suppliers have detailed terms and conditions in relation to age restrictions and applicable surcharges. So while you may have held a licence since you were 17, unfortunately, it doesn't mean you will be eligible to rent a car. We hope the following explanation on the age restrictions will help with clarifying the rental requirements in Australia.

Age Restrictions

Due to insurance circumstances, car hire suppliers have a minimum age requirement for drivers of their rental vehicles. It is common practice that suppliers will stipulate that you need to be aged 21 and over to be eligible to hire a car. If your age qualifies you to hire a vehicle, it is important to note that a surcharge is generally applicable for drivers aged between 21 and 24, and sometimes it may include drivers aged up to 25.

What is an Age Surcharge?
An age surcharge is an additional cost incurred by all car hire customers that fall within the 'Young Driver' category. Suppliers will each detail their own costs associated with the surcharge and it can vary based upon location and the type of vehicle being hired.

Suppliers may not include this charge within the quoted price, but will request the additional cost at the time of pick up. Therefore, it is extremely important that you read and understand the terms and conditions associated with your chosen rental vehicle.

We have provided two examples of the type of age surcharge terms suppliers will generally display within their rental conditions. These two examples also illustrate the price variation that you can experience between suppliers.

Example: Surcharge for Ages 21 to 24


Example: Surcharge for Ages 21 to 25


We hope the above information has been helpful. Remember to always read the rental conditions for your chosen car hire vehicle and keep a note that pricing and terms can vary between suppliers, locations, and the type of vehicle you have selected.

Enjoy your travels and remember to drive safe!