Who can drive a rental car? Your guide to additional drivers

Wondering who else can drive your rental car? Additional drivers are simply other drivers—besides the main renter—who are officially put on the rental agreement and allowed to drive the car:

• Additional drivers can be your spouse or domestic partner, family members, friends or colleagues, or business associates
• Additional drivers need to comply with the same requirements as the main driver
• You may have to pay a fee to assign additional drivers

Whether you want to make road trip memories with someone or split the driving duties, there are plenty of reasons to add a driver to your car rental. Sharing the driving is a fun way to explore a new destination and it also makes accidents less likely by reducing stress and tiredness.

When booking, you’ll need to assign someone as the “main driver” who takes on certain legal responsibilities during the rental. Normally, you can add up to three “additional drivers”, but some rental companies may only allow one extra driver per available seat.

Understanding the role of the “main driver”

The main driver is the person who signs the rental agreement and is therefore legally responsible for the car. For example, if an accident occurs during the rental period, the main driver would need to report it to the rental company and arrange for any insurance claims.

Who qualifies to be an additional driver

Now that we’ve covered the requirements of a main driver, who else can drive a rental car besides the main driver? Each rental company has their own policies around additional drivers, which focus on age and driving experience. As conditions can vary, you should always check the rental company’s specific requirements and policies around additional drivers before booking.

People who can be added as “additional drivers”

• Spouse or domestic partner: Many rental companies (like Hertz, Enterprise, Avis in the US) allow a spouse or domestic partner to be added for free.
• Family members: In some countries, close family—parents, siblings, children living at the same address—may qualify.
• Friends or colleagues: Can be added, but usually for a daily fee.
• Business associates: If the rental is for work, some companies allow a coworker to be added – sometimes at no charge.

Requirements for additional drivers

• Must meet the minimum age requirement – often 21+, but can be 25+ depending on location and company.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license. International drivers may also need an International Driving Permit.
• Must have a valid driver’s license that’s been held for at least two years.
• Must be present at pick-up to sign the rental agreement.
• Must comply with the same rental conditions as the main driver: no driving under the influence, mileage restrictions, etc.

Who cannot be considered an additional driver

• Anyone not listed on the rental agreement. Even if they drive ‘just once’ in an emergency – this may void insurance.
• Underage drivers: below the company’s minimum age.
• People without the proper license for the country or vehicle type.

Why do you need an additional driver?

• Share driving responsibilities: Reduces fatigue on long journeys.
• Convenience: Another person can take over if the main driver is tired, unwell, or wants a break.
• Flexibility: Lets different people drive depending on plans. For example, sightseeing, or business meetings.
• Safety: Prevents risky driving when the main driver is exhausted.
• Emergency backup: Someone else can legally drive if the main driver can’t.
• Insurance coverage: Ensures the second driver is covered – otherwise, unauthorized drivers void coverage.
• Family or group trips: Makes it easier when traveling with a spouse, partner, or friends.
• Business travel: coworkers can share driving during work-related rentals.

How to add an additional driver

The process of adding an additional driver varies between rental companies. More often than not, you can add them when you book online after selecting your car. You can also add them when you pick up your car at the rental counter or by calling the rental company.

Payment for any additional drivers may be taken at the time of booking or when you pick the car up. When you get to the rental counter, additional drivers need to be present to show their driver’s license and any other required documents like a passport.

Details of all additional drivers need to be added to the rental agreement before the main driver signs it.

Adding an additional driver mid-rental

You may find yourself in an unplanned situation where you need to add an extra driver after your trip has already started. For example, if you injure yourself mid-rental and can’t continue driving, you’ll need someone to take over for you. The good news is that many rental companies let you add an additional driver at any point during the rental period.

First, contact the company and check their policies. You’ll most likely need to head to the nearest rental counter with the additional driver so they can show their documents to the staff. If applicable, you’ll also need to pay any additional daily fees.

The costs of adding an additional driver

Most rental companies charge a daily fee for each additional driver. This covers extra insurance, the admin process and the potential for increased wear and tear on the rental car. Some companies offer capped pricing for extended rentals, so it’s worth using this option if you’re renting a car for over a week. If you’re lucky, you may even find a rental company that lets you add a second driver free of charge.

There may also be fees for young drivers under a certain age (often around 25 years old) or senior drivers (often around 65 years old). This is due to the perceived higher risks associated with these age groups when driving.

Examples of additional driver fees:

*The information above is sourced from the official car rental websites in August 2025. Please check specific terms and conditions with your rental company for the most up-to-date costs.