Car Rental USA - Does full licence have to be minimum 1 year old?

D

dublinflyer1

Registered User
Messages
25
Im travelling to Boston next month. I passed my driving text in April of this year and am hoping to rent a car and hit the highway in the States.

I went to book a car on numerous websites eg Hertz, Dollar and it stated that I must hold a full licence for a minimum of 1 year. I thought that this was only the case for car rental in Europe?

However, I have booked a GMC Yukon SUV on the Avis website and all it states is the following:


DMV Checks

At the time of rental, the renter or authorized driver may be subject to an electronic DMV check from the issuing state of the driver's license, or may be asked to sign a declaration attesting to specific criteria:
  • The renter/authorized driver has a valid license that is not currently suspended, expired, revoked, canceled or surrendered.
  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months had 1 or more convictions for reckless driving.
  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months had 1 or more convictions for driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), or driving while alcohol impaired (DWAI).
  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months failed to report or leave the scene of an accident.
  • The renter/authorized driver has never been in possession of a stolen vehicle or used a vehicle in a crime.
  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 24 months had 3 or more convictions for moving violations (including seat belt violations).
  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months had 3 or more accidents

There is no mention of having a drivers licence for a minimum of 1 year.

I am a little worried that I will get there and be told that I cannot rent the vehicle.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.
 
I'm not sure but why not just email Avis and ask them, you dont need to let on in the mail that you only have it a few months.....
 
I was going to contact them but was just wondering if anybody on AAM would know off the top of their heads.
 
Last year my husband rented a car with his licence (unknowingly) out of date for more then a year.

I think you will be OK. How will they know you only passed your test recently?
 
brodiebabe said:
I think you will be OK. How will they know you only passed your test recently?
Click to expand...

Its not a case of having passed the test, its how long you have the license, they arent the same thing. Its written on your driving license...."Issued On"
 
Have rented several times all over the US and don't think you'll have a problem once your license is valid (which it is). Check in staff will usually be more keen to sell you the new 'super duper no liability waiver' so they can earn some more commission. Renting a car in the states is pretty hassle free imo so I really would not be concerned if I were you but as suggested send off a couple of enquiry emails for peace of mind.
 
FLANDERS` said:
Its not a case of having passed the test, its how long you have the license, they arent the same thing. Its written on your driving license...."Issued On"
Click to expand...

What if you are on your 2nd licence? Would it appear that you only have a licence for a short time
 
I've rented once in the states and it wasn't an issue and I actually only had a provisional license. I would be careful because if you have an accident their insurance might not cover you and things could get messy. I'd try and get confirmation from them that this won't be a problem.
 
Some of them used to require an International Drivers License for non-US license holders which I think you can get from the AA for about €5 on production of your Irish Drivers License. The DMV checks they speak about only refer to US licensed drivers. I think the websites tend to be very UScentric in regard to information they detail.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top