Car hire age rules in Australia
Avis and Hertz both set a minimum rental age of 21 in Australia, and Hertz allows exceptions only if approved beforehand in writing. Under-25 drivers face vehicle limits at Avis and a young-driver surcharge at Hertz. If you are 18 to 20, enter your actual age and confirm the chosen company's terms before paying.
Updated
Key facts
- Avis minimum
- 21 years in Australia
- Hertz minimum
- 21 years in Australia, unless approved beforehand in writing by Hertz
- Avis under 25
- Passenger vehicles limited to Groups B Compact, C Intermediate, D Standard, E Full Size, S Compact SUV and K Intermediate SUV
- Hertz young-driver surcharge
- Applies if you or an additional driver is 24 and under in Australia, capped at 7 days per 30-day rental
- Hertz Adrenaline and Dream collections
- Every driver must be at least 25, unless approved in writing by Hertz
- Avis licence
- Current and valid, not restricted, learner or provisional, held for at least 12 consecutive months
Can you hire a car under 25?
Yes, with some companies. Avis rents from 21 but limits under-25 drivers to specified vehicle groups. Hertz also rents from 21 and applies a young-driver surcharge if the renter or an additional driver is 24 or under. The vehicle and payable rate can change once the actual renter age is entered.
For a long booking, check how the surcharge is counted rather than multiplying a daily figure across the whole rental: Hertz caps its young-driver charge at seven days in each 30-day rental period. The amount for your booking is quoted at reservation.
Can you hire at 18, 19 or 20?
Avis and Hertz both start at 21 in Australia, and Hertz allows exceptions only if approved beforehand in writing. Other companies set their own age rules. Search with the real driver age and read the selected company's age, licence and vehicle-group terms before paying.
Does the licence type matter?
Yes. Avis requires a current and valid licence that is not a restricted, learner or provisional licence, held for at least 12 consecutive months. Hertz accepts a provisional licence if the driver meets its other conditions, including holding a licence (provisional or full) for at least 12 consecutive months, but does not accept a learner's permit. Check the rules of the company you book with for every driver.
What about an additional driver?
Only people named on the Avis rental agreement may drive, and any additional driver must be present at the time of rental with a current, full and valid licence. Hertz charges an additional driver fee, and a driver who does not meet its usual requirements must be added as an additional driver and show their licence. Check the age and vehicle rules for each driver before collecting the car.
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Prices are shown in Australian dollars. Check the pickup point and what the agreement allows on the roads in this guide before you book.
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Questions people ask
Can you hire a car under 25 in Australia?
Yes, with some companies. Avis rents from 21 in specified vehicle groups; Hertz rents from 21 and applies a young-driver surcharge at 24 and under.
Can an 18-year-old hire a car?
Avis and Hertz both start at 21 in Australia, and Hertz allows exceptions only if approved beforehand in writing. Check the individual company rather than assuming an under-21 booking is available.
Is there a young-driver surcharge under 25?
Hertz applies one if you or an additional driver is 24 and under in Australia, capped at seven charged days per 30-day rental. Check your quoted amount.
Can a second person drive the hire car?
Yes, if they are named on the rental agreement. Avis requires an additional driver to be present at the time of rental with a current, full and valid licence.
Can a P-plater hire a car?
Avis does not accept provisional licences. Hertz accepts a provisional licence if the driver meets its other conditions, including holding a licence for at least 12 consecutive months.