subject: Tips For Drivers Of Rented Cars [print this page] If you're the lead driver you need to make sure that you have your driving license with you. Not a photocopy, and not a letter from the issuing authority confirming you have one - somewhere! Generally speaking, the driving license should be in roman letters (not script, for example Russian, Greek, Chinese, or Hindi) or it should have a translation in English on it. An international driving license may not be enough on its own, but it never hurts to have one as back up. You must have held the full driving license for at least one year and as lead driver you will need a credit card for deposit purposes.
In most countries you can have a t least one extra driver free, without any extra dues, but sometimes you do have to pay a daily or weekly rate to have a second driver. This is something you should check before you book. You don't normally have to give the names when you make the booking and you shouldn't have to pay for them until you pick up the car. Extra drivers are arranged and paid for locally.
The minimum age to drive a rental car is usually twenty-one, but you will also generally have to pay a surcharge. This is either paid on a daily or weekly rate and if you're between twenty-one and twenty-five you should check before you book exactly what the local rate would be. This is something that you need to discuss with your broker or the car rental company when you book. Budget for it in your plans, but you will most likely pay the charges locally at your pickup site instead of at the time of setting your reservation.
Very often you will find a minimum and maximum age range specified, so if you're under twenty-five or over sixty-five, you need to check with your broker or the car rental company what their policy is before you book. And most importantly, if there will be any extra fees due for your age.
When preparing to rent a car, anybody who's planning to drive should make a checklist of mandatory items they will most likely need to supply the car rental company. First, and foremost would be your original driving license, and you most likely will had to have held it for at least one year. The credit card used in the reservations will need to be in the name of the lead driver. Double check age restrictions and any extra fees that will be charged related to the age of all the drivers on your policy. And make sure you fully understand all charges, if any, for secondary drivers.
When you take the time to plan ahead, you are eliminating potential problems and ensuring that your holiday will be spared from sinking into a pothole and remain a smooth ride from beginning to end.
