Minimum age to rent a car in UK
The minimum driving age in the UK is 17 for a car. However, the legal age to hire an auto is a different matter.
According to car hire age restrictions in the UK, you must be at least 21 and hold a driver's licence for at least 12 months before your trip. All customers who haven't yet reached 25 are subject to a daily charge. Also, certain vehicle categories such as people carriers, premium, and luxury autos may not be available to underage drivers.
Although the lower age threshold for hiring a car in the UK is 21, some countries have less stringent requirements. They provide rental cars for 20-year-olds and even younger customers.
Cheap car hire for under 21 year olds in the UK
Looking for reliable and cheap car rental for under 21? Our website is the perfect place to start! We offer fast and easy service in hundreds of locations in the United Kingdom. So, fill out the search form at the top of the page to get started.
For convenience, you can sort offers by price or rating. Also, use the filters to focus on a specific car group, brand, or/and company, and find the vehicle you want faster. Finally, don't forget to compare deals by different parameters and check prices in nearby locations. This allows you to choose the perfect auto at an affordable rate.
At Rental24.co.uk, EASIRENT is the cheapest company to hire a car from in London. The minimum price is ยฃ13/day when booking with this agency. However, rates may vary depending on the specific location and car type. Want to find the best under 21 deals now? Review the list of cheap rentals in the UK and their technical specs in the following catalogue. You can click the yellow โRent a Carโ button next to the offer you want to continue booking in that location.
Map of EU minimum age to hire a car by country
Each European country has its own age limits when it comes to the process of hiring a car. For young drivers under 21 years old finding an agency that allows them to rent a car in the UK becomes a daunting task. Yet, they may be surprised to know that some European countries offer good deals for even 18-year-olds.
Take a look at the map below and uncover the minimum car hire age in different countries.
UK car rental requirements for 20 year olds
Companies have specific requirements for renting a car in the UK for 18-24-year-old drivers. They consist of several factors that require customers to present the following documents:
- A full driving licence. At minimum, you must have held your licence for 1 year before the start of the rental period. Some companies may require more driving experience, while others have no such restriction at all.
- Proof of ID. Please provide a valid passport, or National ID Card if you are an EU citizen.
- A credit card. A bank card serves as a valid payment method. In addition, the company blocks a security deposit on the card you provide. The name and surname on the card and the driver's licence must match.
Car rental requirements for under 21 customers vary from company to company. Be aware that an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required for overseas travellers. An IDP accompanies your original licence and must be submitted along with it. Also, some agencies require you to buy special insurance even if you are covered with an external policy. Check the relevant companyโs policy carefully to avoid encountering any issues at the counter.
UK drivers licence terms for under 21 car hire
If youโre an overseas traveller, local laws apply special requirements. Under these requirements, you can use a car hire driving licence for less than 1 year in the UK if it was issued in a different country. If staying longer than 12 months, you need to pass a UK driving test or obtain a UK licence. In any case, keep your original licence with you all the time you are on the road, and be ready to present it to the police upon request.
How much does it cost to hire a car in the United Kingdom?
The average cost to hire a car for a day in a UK city like London is ยฃ30/day. If you take into account cheap car groups such as mini, economy, and compact, the average rate in London is ยฃ19/day. For expensive categories, the average cost reaches ยฃ71/day.
When you rent a car for under 21, prices may vary depending on certain factors. Browse through the major price deciders in the following list:
- car class you select
- trip duration
- specific pick-up location
- company you collect the vehicle from
- default insurance plan
- equipment and optional extras
- additional charges and taxes
Please note that the price may change due to the need to modify or extend your reservation. Choosing a different drop-off location affects the total cost as well.
How much is the rental fee for under 21 years old car hire?
Driving a hire vehicle when you are a young person can be costly due to the underage fee that is applied. You will most likely pay more than a renter who doesnโt fall into this age category, even if their driving record is not stellar. Plus, some companies don't deal with drivers under 21 at all.
The under 25 rental fee in the UK averages around ยฃ20-30/day, depending on the company. Thus, it can significantly affect the daily total rate. If you want to pick the best deal, consider the table below with the list of companies, their minimum driving age, young driverโs fee amount, and related car group restrictions below.
| Car hire company | Minimum age to hire a car | Young driverโs surcharge | Vehicle restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
21 years old |
ยฃ37/day |
Young drivers are not allowed to hire luxury, exotic, sports cars and also Long Wheel Base Vans. |
|
22 years old |
ยฃ35/day |
Drivers under 25 are not allowed to hire luxury, exotic, sports cars and also Long Wheel Base Vans. |
|
21 years old |
ยฃ33/day |
Drivers of 24 years old and less are not allowed to hire luxury, exotic, sports cars and also Long Wheel Base Vans. |
|
20 years old |
ยฃ40/day |
Clients under 25 are not allowed to hire luxury, exotic, sports cars, VANs and SUVs. |
|
21 years old |
ยฃ41/day |
Young drivers are not allowed to hire luxury, exotic, sports cars, VANs and SUVs. |
|
21 years old |
ยฃ37/day |
Drivers between 21-24 years old are not allowed to hire intermediate, luxury, exotic, sports cars, VANs and SUVs. |
|
23 years old |
ยฃ37/day |
Drivers younger than 25 are not allowed to hire luxury, exotic, sports cars, VANs and some SUVs (usually with Long Wheel Base). |
|
21 years old |
ยฃ34/day |
Young drivers are not allowed to hire intermediate, luxury, exotic, sports cars, VANs and SUVs. |
|
21 years old |
ยฃ50/day |
Drivers under twenty five are not allowed to hire intermediate, luxury, exotic, sports cars, VANs and SUVs. |
|
21 years old |
ยฃ37/day |
Young drivers are not allowed to hire intermediate, luxury, exotic, sports cars, VANs and SUVs. |
What car hire companies rent to under 21 drivers in the UK?
On our website, you can choose from dozens of places to rent a car under 21 in the United Kingdom. These include both large international companies such as Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and Alamo, as well as smaller local agencies.
Don't know how to find the best company? The easiest way is to compare similar deals from different suppliers. Also, you can judge by their customer ratings. At Rental24.co.uk, the TOP-3 under 21 car rental companies chosen by drivers in the UK are Alamo, Enterprise and Sixt. Consider the full list of providers with their ratings in the following list. For more details, click on the desired companyโs logo.
Why should under 21 year olds hire a car in the UK with Rental24.co.uk?
Finding a car rental under 21 years old in the United Kingdom is a great option for many occasions. In England, businessmen often need a stylish auto for official meetings in London, Birmingham, or Manchester. Getting around the wide expanses of Scotland is also much more convenient with a set of wheels at hand. The same applies to Northern Ireland and Wales, which promise perfect conditions for an exciting road trip. Wherever you want to go, Rental24.co.uk is ready to provide you with the right auto for your needs.
On our website, you can hire a car in the UK under 21 with minimal effort and no hassle. We offer cheap economy autos and spacious people carriers. Luxury Jaguar and all-wheel-drive Land Rover are also featured in our lineup.
Choose from hundreds of convenient locations and book a car according to your travel goals!
Top under 21 car hire locations in the UK
When youโre looking for car hire in the UK locations, multiple options are available to choose from. The most popular place to pick up a car is the airport, where you can start your drive right after landing. You'll find the pick-up places around London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, and other top travel destinations in the United Kingdom.
Also, many locations are concentrated at large railway stations and major hotels. In addition, the most important cities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have pick-up points in their centres.
If needed, you can rent a car under 21 years old one way. Collect your car in Bristol and return it to Cardiff, enjoying the amazing scenery along the way. Also, a one-way trip from Newcastle to Edinburgh makes for an exciting and inspiring drive.
Still not sure where to start your upcoming journey? Browse through the popular locations below and select the one you want to make a reservation in.
- Aberdeen Airport Dyce [ABZ]
- Aberystwyth
- Barrow-in-furness
- Basingstoke
- Bath
- Belfast Airport George Best City Apt [BHD]
- Belfast Airport International [BFS]
- Belfast City
- Birkenhead
- Birmingham Airport [BHX]
- Birmingham City
- Bishop's Stortford
- Bolton
- Bournemouth
- Bournemouth Airport International [BOH]
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Bristol Airport [BRS]
- Cambridge
- Cardiff
- Cardiff Airport [CWL]
- Carlisle
- Chelmsford
- Coventry
- Darlington
- Dartford
- Derby
- Durham Airport Tees Valley [MME]
- Edinburgh Airport [EDI]
- Edinburgh City
- Edinburgh Train Station Waverley Station
- Exeter
- Exeter Airport [EXT]
- Glasgow
- Glasgow Airport International [GLA]
- Glasgow Train Station Central Station
- Gloucester
- Guernsey Airport [GCI]
- High Wycombe
- Holyhead Port
- Huddersfield
- Hull
- Inverness Airport [INV]
- Jersey Airport [JER]
- Lancaster
- Leeds
- Leeds Bradford Airport [LBA]
- Leicester
- Leicester City Centre
- Lincoln
- Liverpool Airport John Lennon [LPL]
- Liverpool City
- London Airport Gatwick [LGW]
- London Airport Gatwick North [LGW]
- London Airport Heathrow [LHR]
- London Airport Heathrow Terminal 5 [LHR]
- London Airport Luton [LTN]
- London Airport Stansted [STN]
- London Central
- London City Airport [LCY]
- London Croydon
- London Marble Arch
- London Park Lane
- London Train Station King's Cross
- London Train Station Paddington Station
- London Train Station St. Pancras Station
- London Train Station Victoria Station
- London Waterloo
- London Wembley
- Luton
- Manchester Airport [MAN]
- Manchester City
- Manchester Train Station Piccadilly Station
- Milton Keynes
- Newcastle Airport International [NCL]
- Newcastle Upon Tyne City Centre
- Newquay Airport Cornwall [NQY]
- Northampton
- Norwich Airport International [NWI]
- Nottingham
- Nottingham Airport East Midlands [EMA]
- Oxford
- Oxford Train Station Central Station
- Peterborough
- Plymouth
- Preston
- Reading
- Rotherham
- Salisbury
- Sheffield
- Southampton
- Southampton Airport [SOU]
- Stevenage
- Truro
- Warrington
- Watford
- Wick Airport [WIC]
- Worcester
- York
Places to explore by rental car in the United Kingdom
Deciding to have a road trip in the United Kingdom is a perfect idea. With UK car rental, most of the tourist places in the country are within easy reach. In England, you can cruise along the historic streets of London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Bristol. Also, don't miss local natural highlights such as the Lake District, the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Moors, and the Peak District. The sea coast of Brighton and Cornwall is also convenient to explore by car.
When driving in Wales, climbing Snowdonia or Brecon Beacons is the first thing to do. Cardiff, with its 13th-century town walls and time-honoured seaside resorts, is worth a look too.
For an even more exciting travel experience in the UK, hire a car under 21 in Scotland. Edinburgh's heritage and Glasgow's contemporary vibe make for the perfect set for a road trip. Of course, touring the Highlands will grant you many unforgettable moments of enjoying nature. Finally, in Northern Ireland, having a car makes it possible to reach the iconic Giant's Causeway, and see filming locations from the hit show 'Game of Thrones' near Belfast.
Wherever you go in the UK, you have access to numerous and varied attractions - and renting a car in the United Kingdom is a great way to see them all.
Car hire video reviews from Rental24.co.uk customers
Booking a car when you are 21 and less becomes much easier with us! Check out short video reviews on Rental24.co.uk from our customers under 21 who already tried our car hire services. They could give your more useful details and help to decide on the most suitable deal for your specific needs!
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FAQ about car rental under 21 years of age in the UK
Is it a good idea to rent a car in the UK for young drivers?
Car hire under 21 in the United Kingdom can be a practical solution in many ways. First, you don't have to worry about long-term parking, which can be expensive and difficult to find in some parts of the city. Secondly, regular maintenance, insurance, and related expenses increase the total cost of an auto. Thirdly, a hire car gives you more flexibility and doesnโt burden you with unnecessary worries. Thus, hiring is often a preferred option over buying.
Can you rent a car at 20 in Scotland?
The minimum driving age in Scotland is 17, as elsewhere in the UK. However, the minimum legal age for hiring a car is 21. Plus, a young driver surcharge may apply to drivers below 25 years of age. Consequently, car rentals for 20-year-olds in the UK are not available under normal circumstances.
Can you rent a car at 19 in the United Kingdom?
As you already know, the minimum required age for renting an auto in the United Kingdom is 21. Travellers can collect a car hire for 19-year-olds in the UK, but this is permissible only under certain conditions and from certain companies.
Can a 19-year-old hire a van in the UK?
Some companies in selected locations provide van rental cars for 19-year-olds. However, this is more of an exception than a rule, and additional requirements may apply in this case.
What car groups can you hire in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, you get access to 19 car groups, including 10 seater, 7 seater, 8 seater, 9 seater, Compact, Convertible, Economy, Electric, Estate, Exotic, Full Size, Intermediate, Luxury, Minivan, Pickup Truck, Special, Standard, SUV, and Van. If you are under 21, the rental car group list of available classes may be shorter and only consist of the economy through full-size models. Check the exact fleet you can choose from in the company's Terms and Conditions.
Do you need additional insurance for student car hire under 21 UK?
Suppliers generally donโt require additional insurance for under 21 car hire in the UK. However, some companies may impose extra protection plans for under 25 drivers. At the same time, companies like Hertz ask young renters to provide a personal auto policy. Whatever the case, you should check your agency's insurance conditions and consider whether you need additional coverage products.
How expensive is it to rent a car in England under the age of 21?
The maximum cost of hiring a car in the UK can be quite significant. Currently, the most expensive deal is in London, and that`s Premium Mercedes E Class or similar available for ยฃ232.97/day from National. However, the final rate may be higher due to extra charges applied to young drivers. For an exact rate, fill out the search form for your desired dates and pick-up location.
Can I rent a manual car in the UK?
Yes, you can easily book a manual car rental in the UK under 21 on our website. Most offers in England come with a manual transmission. However, you can also find automatic cars if needed; they require less driving experience and are simpler to operate. If you prefer this option, opt for locations that provide a wider selection of automatic rentals.
Can you drive a UK hire car abroad if you are under 21?
Conditions and rules of under 21 car rental after Brexit have changed in specific ways. After 31 December 2020, travellers can get by with UK-issued driving licences to cruise the roads of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. The main condition is to have a plastic photocard driving licence. Any extra paperwork or an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required.
Also, drivers must arrange for a Green Card and liability insurance that operates overseas. These documents will be provided at the counter at the beginning of the trip.