Car Rental for Under 25 in the UK

Cheap car rental under 25 in the UK

Getting behind the wheel as a young driver is easy to do with Rental24h.com. On our website, you can get a cheap car hire for 24-year-olds in the UK and enjoy our user-friendly search engine. Once you've completed your search, you can start making a reservation.

The minimum price young travellers in their 20s will pay for a rental car in England is £13 per day. If you're looking for a car in Scotland, expect to shell out around £17 per day. Meanwhile, in Wales, the lowest price is £19 per day, while in Northern Ireland the same deal costs around £21 per day.

If you are ready to book a cheap car rental in the UK under twenty-five, fill out the search form or browse through our best deals below.

Minimum age to rent a car in the UK

According to British law, you can drive on public roads from the age of 17. However, the minimum car rental age in the UK is much higher and ranges between 21 and 25 depending on the specific location and company.

Also called the Under 25 fee, a Young Driver Surcharge serves as compensation to the company for the increased risk undertaken when an inexperienced driver takes the wheel. Younger drivers are more likely to get into accidents, and each such incident causes financial losses for the provider. This is why roadtrippers who haven't reached 25 must pay an extra charge.

Car hire age limit in the UK and Europe

Whether your trip covers only the UK, or also includes other countries, knowing the age limits will ensure a hassle-free ride. In fact, you can confidently pick up a car hire for 24-year-olds almost anywhere in Britain and Europe. For exact age requirements, check the map below, which is coloured according to specific age requirements.

Top locations for under 25 car rental in the UK

Enjoy top-quality car hire for young drivers in 42 locations across the UK! If you're heading to England, London, Manchester, and Birmingham are the most obvious places to start your trip. You can expand your itinerary by visiting the natural gems of the Cotswolds or the beach areas of Cornwall.

Equally exciting adventures await you in Wales, where the architectural sights of Cardiff elegantly complement the charm of Snowdonia National Park. Aberystwyth and Holyhead are also perfect places to pick up a car and cruise the local motorways.

Are you a driver under 25 planning a big Scottish road tour? Consider Glasgow or Edinburgh as a departure point. The main attractions you can reach from there are Loch Ness, Inverness Castle, and Ben Nevis. And, if your goal is to visit the vast expanses of Northern Ireland, keep Belfast car hire locations in mind.

Please note that only airports remain open on Sundays, so look for a suitable collection point with this in mind.

Cheapest rental car company for under 25 in the United Kingdom

One of the benefits you get on our website is access to all UK rent-a-car under 25 companies at once. You can compare them based on your desired parameters, thereby increasing your chances of finding the best deal.

Pay special attention to the following companies which rent to young drivers:

• Sixt. This agency stands out for its loyal age policy and allows you to start driving a hire car from 21 years old. Operating from 79 locations in the UK, it offers an extensive fleet of nearly new vehicles. The average price from Sixt is about £100 per day including an underage charge of £79/day.
• Europcar. With over 100 locations in the United Kingdom, Europcar offers money-saving weekly rates starting at £175 for vehicles like the Fiat 500. You'll also pay an additional £32 as a young driver fee if you're between 22 and 24 years old.
• Enterprise. This company has the widest coverage, offering over 400 UK locations. Its age policy requires a minimum age of 25 to rent under normal conditions. However, the age limit is only 19+ for Enterprise Car Club members.

So, you can easily find the best car hire for under 25 in the UK if you closely explore different companies, compare them, and study their T&Cs.

Car hire young driver surcharge for different companies

Unfortunately, no company can provide a car rental without a young driver fee in the United Kingdom. Therefore, be prepared for your daily total rate to increase by £30-£79 if you collect the car on a general basis.

The exact amount of the underage charge depends primarily on the specific company you are renting from. For example, Avis charges £37.7/day, while Europcar charges £32.50/day. The renter’s age also matters. While 21-24-year-olds have to pay £79/day additionally when renting with Sixt, a young driver aged 25-27 will pay £18/day as an extra charge. For more details on minimum ages and underage surcharges for different companies, take a look at the following table.

Car hire company	Minimum age to hire a car	Young driver’s surcharge
Hertz	21 years old	£37.5/day
Thrifty	22 years old	£35/day
Budget	23 years old	£40/day
Sixt	21 years old	£79/da
Europcar	22 years old	£32.50/day
Avis	23 years old	£37.7/day
Drivalia	23 years old	£30/day
Firefly	24 years old	£30.84/day
Easirent	23 years old	£30/day
Green Motion	21 years old	£38.50/day
Surprise	23 years old	£30/day

Driving tips for under 25 car hire in the United Kingdom

Young drivers with car rental options can enjoy multiple travel benefits in the UK. The only condition that must be fulfilled for a trouble-free road trip is compliance with local traffic regulations. Check out a few valuable recommendations below before starting your trip.

• Keep the manual gearbox in mind. Over 90% of cars in the United Kingdom have a stick shift instead of an automatic transmission.
• Drive on the left side. The British sit on the right and ride on the left. This may seem crazy at first if you are used to the opposite. However, you can master the new technique within a couple of hours of careful driving.
• Use the correct lane. Take the right lane to overtake the car ahead of you on the multi-lane motorway. After overtaking, return to the left lane so as not to interfere with faster-passing traffic.
• Don't speed. The maximum legal speed on a single-carriageway is 60 mph, and 70 mph on dual-carriageways. In cities and other populated areas, the speed limit is 30 mph, and can further drop to 20 mph near schools and residential sections.

Short facts about UK car hire for students

Check out the most vital info for your next trip across the United Kingdom:

Reviews on UK car rental under 25 from our customers

Rental24h.com has made it easier to rent a car for young drivers than ever before. We offer a simple search engine, reliable service, and the lowest prices possible - the recipe for a successful drive. If you still have any doubt, watch the video reviews submitted by our previous clients.

FAQ about car hire for under 25 in the United Kingdom

What documents do I need to rent a car in the UK under 25 years of age?

Arranging a car hire for a young driver is much the same as for an experienced one. According to the requirements, you must provide the following documents:

• Full UK, US, or EU driving licence. You must have held your licence for a minimum of 12 months prior to your trip. An International Driving Permit may be required in addition to the original licence if you are from a non-EU country. UK renters must provide a DVLA licence check code so that the company can check endorsements/penalty points.
• Photo ID. Agencies require a domestic/international passport or other document with a photo card confirming your identity.
• Credit or debit card. A bank card issued in your name serves as the payment method for your reservation. Make sure your card type matches the policy and has a sufficient balance to cover the total booking cost plus equipment and deposit.
• A printed-out rental voucher. If you book online, we will send a confirmation voucher to your email address. You must print it out and then present it at the counter.
• Any other document. The agency may require any other document (such as a return airline ticket or proof of address) in addition to the basic paperwork.

Which suppliers allow car rental for a 23-year-old in the UK?

Surprice, Easyrent, Drivalia, Avis, and Budget provide car hire for 23-year-olds in the UK. At the same time, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, and Green Motion cater to even younger drivers.

Which companies allow car hire for 22-year-olds in the UK?

If you want to pick up a car rental as a 22-year-old driver in the UK, consider companies such as Europcar and Thrifty.

Where can I book a car rental in the UK for a 24-year-old?

In the UK, you can book car rental at 24 years of age with Firefly, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, Avis, and other companies.

Which car rental company in the UK does not have an under 25 fee?

You won’t find a single company offering UK car rental with no young driver fee. All international and local agencies apply charges to underage renters.

When should I book for the best UK car rental rates for 23-year-old drivers?

The main rule is to book in advance. Three to six months ahead of your trip is the optimal period when prices are at their lowest.

What happens if I get caught driving a rental car under 25 years old?

Under 25 drivers are in the permitted category. Thus, there’s nothing to worry about if you comply with the company’s policy and follow traffic rules.

Can I add an additional driver to the rental if they're under 25 in the United Kingdom?

Yes, you can add an extra under 25 driver if they have the necessary documents and comply with the chosen company's policy. A young driver fee also applies to an additional driver.

What rental cars to rent under 25 years old in the UK and why?

If you are looking for a perfect rental car in the UK for young drivers, you can rely on the experience of previous customers. According to statistics, the most popular models are:

• Ford Fiesta
• Ford Focus
• Vauxhall Corsa
• Volkswagen Golf
• Vauxhall Astra
• Volkswagen Polo

These cars are ideal for young drivers due to their stylish looks, cheap price, and high fuel efficiency. Please keep in mind that luxury/premium models and passenger vans are generally not available to underage customers, as stated in most companies’ rental policies.

Can I use my US driver's license to rent a car in the UK in my 20s?

Yes, you can use a US driver's licence to rent a car in the UK if you meet the age policy and have the required documents on hand. Some providers may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP) on top of your domestic licence.