Young drivers
Can you rent a car in Australia if you're under 25?
Short answer
Yes, from age 21. Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a young-driver fee of $16.50 AUD (est. $12) a day, paid to the rental company at pickup, and we show it before you book. Some electric models (Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6) need a driver aged 25+.
Last checked Oct 21, 2026By Brett Gould
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Do I need an IDP?What's the deductible?How do I contact you?Sydney, Jan 4 – Jan 12, automatic, I'm 24Cairns, Dec 20 – Jan 3, an SUV, zero deductible
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Can I rent a car in Australia under 21?
If you turn 21 before your pickup date, you can book now. Under 21 on the pickup date, you can't be a driver on the booking with the rental company we book, so the closest option is a driver who's 21 or older booking the car while you travel with them; from 21 you can rent with a young-driver fee until 25.
- 21 to 24: you can rent most cars, with a young-driver surcharge at pickup (the rental company's fee: $16.50 AUD (est. $12) a day). Some electric models (Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6) need a driver aged 25+.
- Under 21: travel with a driver who's 21+, take tours for the long legs, or use trains and coaches between cities. Is it worth renting a car in Australia?
- Adding a young driver: every driver, main or extra, must be named on the booking and be 21 or older (25 for the cars above).
Not sure how it applies to your trip? Message us and we'll check it for you.
The practical details
- The minimum age is 21 on the day of pickup, for the main driver and every extra driver. Some electric models (Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6) need a driver aged 25+.
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a young-driver surcharge for each day of the rental. It is paid at the rental counter at pickup and is not included in the price you see online, so add it when you compare cars.
- Provisional licenses come with extra conditions from the rental company, so message us before you book and we'll check yours; learner licenses are not accepted. Every driver must be named on the booking and present their own license at pickup.
Common pitfalls
- Forgetting the surcharge when comparing prices. It is paid at the rental counter at pickup and is not in the price you pay online, so add it to the daily rate.
- Booking a car that needs a driver aged 25 or over (some electric models: Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6) when a driver is under 25.
- Forgetting that every driver, including a young additional driver, must be named on the booking and present a license.
Our recommendation
- If you are 21 to 24, book normally and budget for the daily young-driver surcharge, paid at the counter at pickup.
- If your only driver is under 25, skip the cars that need 25 or over: some electric models (Tesla Model 3 and Kia EV6).
- Add any additional drivers to the booking so everyone is covered, and bring each license to pickup.
Related questions
Age rulesIs there a maximum age to rent a car in Australia?No. The rental company we book in Australia doesn't set a maximum age: if you're 21 or older with a full, current license (not a learner's or provisional...Licenses & IDPDo you need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Australia?Usually not. A full US, Canadian or UK driver's license in English is accepted on its own to rent a car in Australia.When to goWhen is the best time for a road trip in Australia?It depends on the region. Australia is large and its seasons are flipped from the northern hemisphere: summer is December to February, winter is June to August.Pickup checklistWhat do I need to pick up a rental car in Australia?Picking up is quick when you bring the right three things: your driver's license, a card in the main driver's name, and an International Driving Permit if...Automatic vs manualAre rental cars in Australia automatic?Yes. Every car you can book on niftirent in Australia is automatic, so you won't need to drive a stick shift on the left side of the road.
Quick answers
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Australia?
21 on the day of pickup for the main driver and every extra driver; some electric models (Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6) need a driver aged 25+.
How much is the young-driver fee?
$16.50 AUD (est. $12) a day for drivers 21–24, paid to the rental company at pickup. It isn't part of the price you prepay, and we show it before you book.
Which cars can I book if I'm 21–24?
Most of the range. Some electric models (Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6) need a driver aged 25+.
Can someone under 21 rent a car in Australia?
The minimum age is 21 on the day of pickup. If you turn 21 before your pickup date, you can book now; or someone in your group aged 21 or over can book as the main driver.
Do provisional license holders need anything extra?
Yes, the rental company sets extra conditions for provisional licenses. Message us before you book and we'll check yours.
Can I rent a car in Australia at 18?
Not as a driver with the rental company we book; 21 is the minimum. Travel with a driver 21+, or book for a trip that starts after you turn 21.
Can a 21-year-old rent an SUV in Australia?
Yes. Every SUV we offer that isn't electric is open from 21, and so is the 8-seat people mover. Some electric models (Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6) need a driver aged 25+.
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