Can You Rent A Car As A Novice Driver?

When we pass our driving test, many questions arise. At Espacar, we offer advice for renting a car as a novice driver.

What is considered a novice driver for a Rent a Car?

Generally, a novice driver is considered to be anyone with less than 2 years of driving experience since obtaining their driving license. However, this definition can vary by country and car rental company.

Some of the most common aspects that vehicle rental companies consider when defining a novice driver include:

• License Age: One of the most direct indicators of a novice driver is the time elapsed since the driving license was obtained. Companies may set a specific limit, such as one or two years, considering drivers within this period as novices.

• Driver's Age: Age is another determining factor. Rental companies often set an age threshold (for example, under 21 or 25 years old) below which drivers are considered novices, regardless of when they obtained their license. This is because insurance and company policies associate a higher risk of incidents with young drivers.

• Minimum Required Experience: Some companies specify a minimum amount of driving experience, such as a certain number of years since the license was issued, to not be considered a novice. This measure seeks to ensure that the driver has sufficient practice behind the wheel before renting a vehicle.

• Insurance Policies and Additional Fees: Due to the perceived higher risk, novice drivers may face additional fees or different insurance coverage. These policies aim to mitigate potential costs associated with accidents or vehicle damage.

• Limitations on Vehicle Selection: In some cases, novice drivers may be restricted from accessing certain types of vehicles, such as high-end or more powerful ones, to minimize the risk of accidents.

Therefore, if you are looking to rent a car as a novice driver, make sure to ask the car rental company about their specific requirements and restrictions for novice drivers. This way, you can be prepared and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Tips and considerations for renting a vehicle as a novice driver

If you're looking for renting a car as a novice driver, there are several tips you should follow to ensure a safe and satisfying experience:

• Compare Prices: Explore different options and compare prices before making a decision. Check rates across various car rental companies and ensure you understand any additional fees that may apply.

• Choose an Appropriate Car: Select a vehicle that matches your experience level. Avoid choosing a large or powerful car if you're not experienced with that type of vehicle.

• Have All Necessary Documents Ready: Make sure you have all required documents before renting a car. You'll typically need your driver's license, a credit card, and an identification document.

• Inspect the Car Before Driving: Before hitting the road, ensure everything in the car is functioning correctly. Check the brakes, lights, tires, and any other elements that could affect the car's safety.

• Drive Carefully: Drive cautiously and follow traffic rules. As a novice driver, it's crucial to focus on the road and avoid distractions such as your phone or other devices.

• Ensure You're Covered: Opt for suitable insurance that covers any damage you might cause to the car or others in an accident.

• Return the Car on Time: Make sure to return the car on time and in the same condition you rented it. Late returns or returning the car with damages may result in penalties.

Recommended Cars for Novice Drivers

If you're a novice driver, it's advisable to rent a car that's easy to handle, safe, and economical. Some of the recommended cars for beginner drivers include:

• Small Cars: These are the easiest to maneuver, especially in cities with narrow streets and heavy traffic.

• Automatic Transmission Cars: If you're not used to driving with a manual gearbox, it's recommended to rent a car with an automatic transmission.

• Cars with Driver Assistance: Vehicles equipped with driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking, can be helpful for novice drivers needing extra support.
• Economical Cars: These are usually cheaper to rent and have lower fuel consumption, which can be beneficial for novice drivers on a budget.

• Cars with Good Visibility: Vehicles with good visibility, like hatchbacks and small SUVs, can be a good choice for novice drivers needing a better view of the road.

Some examples for renting a car as a novice driver could be the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, Volkswagen Polo, or Hyundai i20. However, it's important to consider that the choice of car will depend on your specific needs and the options available at the car rental company you choose.

At Espacar, you can find a wide variety of car rental in Málaga. Take a look and choose your ideal car.

If you liked this article, we recommend you read about the things to see in Málaga.