Can New License Holders Rent a Car?
The car rental process for newly licensed drivers depends on specific experience and age criteria. According to industry standards, simply holding a driver’s license is not enough to rent a vehicle; the driver is expected to have adapted to traffic. Within the framework of the 2026 updated rental policies, here are the details new drivers should keep in mind:
License Duration and Experience Requirements
To minimize the risk of accidents, rental companies require a certain amount of time to have passed since the license issuance date.
General Rule: Most corporate firms require the driver's license to be at least 1 full year old to rent a vehicle.
Segment Differences: A 1-year license is usually only sufficient for economy class vehicles. For mid-range vehicles, 2-3 years of experience may be required, while luxury and premium segments may demand up to 5 years.
Exceptions: Some mobility platforms or local companies may allow rentals for drivers who have completed their "probationary period" (minimum 1 year) and have turned 18 years old.
Status of Probationary (Trainee) License Holders
The 2-year probationary license period, which applies to first-time drivers, is evaluated differently by rental companies.
Limited Options: Most rent-a-car firms do not provide services during the first year of a probationary license (when experience is under 1 year) due to insurance and risk management.
Acceptance Terms: Some companies may accept drivers who have completed at least 1 year of their probationary period, provided they rent an "economy vehicle."
Legal Standing: There is no legal obstacle to probationary drivers driving alone in or out of the city; however, rental companies may apply stricter rules according to their internal policies.
Additional Requirements and Packages for New Drivers
If your license duration or age does not yet meet the standard criteria, the following methods may come into play to enable a rental:
Young Driver Package: Drivers between the ages of 19–21 with at least a 1-year license can rent specific vehicle groups by paying a daily Young Driver Fee.
Higher Provision Fees: The blockage (deposit) amounts held on credit cards may be higher for new license holders.
Full Coverage Insurance: Inexperienced drivers are often required to purchase mini-damage insurance or full coverage insurance packages.
Important Reminder: You must have your physical driver's license with you when renting. Chip ID cards or temporary documents are often not considered sufficient by most firms at the time of delivery.
To review the most suitable vehicle options for your license duration and age with transparent conditions, you can browse the QCAR Mobility vehicle list.
