If you’re looking to take a road trip around Australia with a rental car but are unsure whether you can with a restricted or provisional licence or need to wait until you get your full licence, then this blog’s for you. In this article, we’ll be going over the most common questions regarding renting a car in Australia with a provisional or restricted licence.

Can You Rent a Car on a Provisional Licence?

Generally speaking, you can rent a car on a provisional licence in Australia, but it will come with some restrictions and limitations. A provisional licensee may have passed their learner period and practical driving test. However, provisional licence holders must still display green P plates and stick to certain restrictions, including a maximum speed limit of 90km/h.

While renting a car in Australia with a provisional licence, you’ll still need to practice due diligence to ensure the rental company allows it. Some car rental companies have licence and age restrictions, so be sure to call ahead or go through their terms and conditions before booking.

Do You Need a Full License to Rent a Car in Australia?

You won’t always need a full licence to secure a rental vehicle in Australia, but you must hold a valid driver’s licence. This validity may include learner permits, provisional licences or full licences issued in Australia or overseas, provided the latter is written in English.

However, as we’ve previously pointed out, each car rental agency may have its own policy concerning age and licence types. For example, some companies may only rent out to drivers over 21 years of age or require a minimum driving experience of one to two years.

Can You Rent a Car on Your Green P’s?

Yes, you may rent a car on your green P’s, but you’ll still need to check with the rental company beforehand if their policy allows it. Some companies do not allow drivers on provisional licences to drive their cars, while others allow it for an additional fee.

Another essential thing to remember is that if you get to rent a car while holding a provisional licence, you must still display your Green P plates while driving. Additionally, you’ll still need to abide by the restrictions bound to your licence type, such as a lower maximum speed limit.

Tips for Renting a Car on a Provisional or Restricted Licence

  • Check the rental company’s terms and conditions: Before booking, check if the rental company allows drivers on provisional or restricted licenses. Also, make sure you meet their age and license requirements.
  • Display your P plates: When driving a rental car on your provisional license, ensure that you display your P plates as required by law.
  • Adhere to license restrictions: If you have a provisional or restricted license, make sure you adhere to the conditions outlined on your license. This includes a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h and displaying your P plates.
  • Consider additional insurance: Some rental companies may offer additional insurance for drivers on provisional or restricted licenses. This can provide peace of mind and protect you in the event of an accident.

Alpha Car Hire’s Policies on Age and Licence Types

  • You must hold a full and valid driver’s licence to hire a vehicle (no learner’s or provisional driver’s licences are accepted).
  • We do not rent out o drivers below the age of 21.
  • Drivers aged 21-24 (inclusive) can also choose from additional car options such as Mystery Car, Economy Car, Compact Car, Compact SUV, Compact Hybrid SUV, Intermediate Car, and Ute, subject to availability and with an age surcharge.
  • There is no upper age limit for renting vehicles as long as your licence is valid.
  • We accept digital licenses from NSW and SA only, subject to verification. Otherwise, a physical license may be required.

At Alpha Car Hire, we do our best to strike a balance between road safety and our capacity to cater to the largest customer base. This is why we have crafted provisions to allow younger drivers to enjoy our services.

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For further enquiries, you may contact our branches, and our customer care representatives will be more than happy to answer any of your concerns: