What’s The Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Iceland?
Age restrictions apply to those intending to rent a car in Iceland. Though most road trips are trouble-free, the weather and prevalence of gravel roads can make driving in Iceland a little more challenging than in some other countries. Though some young drivers will be qualified to drive in their own country, doing so in an unfamiliar environment can be trickier. They’ll need to be aware of the various age requirements if they are hoping to get behind the wheel during their stay in Iceland. Here’s what you need to know about the minimum age to rent a car in Iceland.
You’ll need to have held your license for at least a year
Regardless of your age, if you’re keen to embark on an Icelandic road trip as a driver you need to have held your driving licence for at least 12 months. The time is calculated from the start of the rental so if you’ve only passed your test relatively recently, check your dates carefully. If you are hoping to rent an expensive luxury model, then you’ll need to have been in possession of a clean full driving licence for a minimum of 3 years.
If you’re very young, expect to pay a bit more
Drivers who are 16 or 19 years old can rent a car in Iceland but they will need to pay a supplementary charge to do so. This is called the Young Driver fee and it reflects the relative inexperience of this age group when it comes to driving around and parking. Though you might be a careful driver, scrapes and dings often occur early in your driving career before you’ve really honed your skills and the additional charge reflects this.
The minimum age to rent a car in Iceland varies
Jeeps, SUVs, and luxury cars are comparatively high-value vehicles when contrasted to small compacts. This means that any repairs will be more costly. To reflect this, the standard minimum age to rent such a car in Iceland is increased. Broadly speaking, if you’re hoping to drive a Jeep or smallish SUV then you’ll need to be at least 23 years of age, while for a top-of-the-range car or a larger SUV, you’ll need to have already celebrated your 25th birthday.
However, if you fall slightly under these minimum ages and are keen to rent one of these upscale vehicles, there’s a workaround. Remember that Young Driver fee? It can apply here too. You’ll pay it if you are between 20 and 22 and plan to rent a Jeep or small SUV and you’ll also have to cover the extra cost if you are 23 and 24 intending to get behind the wheel of a luxury car or larger SUV.
It’s also worth noting that if you are renting a larger vehicle that requires an advanced license, you’ll need to ensure that the license you hold qualifies you to drive this type of vehicle.
What happens if the license has been reissued recently?
If you’re a young driver and you have a reissued driving license – for example, if you have had a change of address – then it’s possible you’ll be asked for additional proof of how long you have held a full driver’s license for. You can do this by carrying your previous driving license if you still have it.
If not, you may need to apply to the authority that issued your driving license and ask them to supply written proof of the date when you first passed your test. If you need to do this, check the wording carefully and make sure it is clear that you have held a clean, full license for at least one or three years, whichever is relevant to your rental intentions.
What about additional drivers? Are they treated differently?
Additional drivers must meet the same criteria as if they were the main driver. That’s because when they take the wheel, they are solely responsible for their actions. As a result, minimum age requirements and the payment of any fees (where relevant) apply. If you are planning to drive, even occasionally, then make sure you are eligible.
In this article, we’ve covered what you need to know about the minimum age to rent a car in Iceland. So long as you qualify, we look forward to handing over the keys so you can enjoy a memorable road trip in our beautiful country.
FAQ: What’s The Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Iceland?
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Iceland?
The minimum age to rent a car in Iceland is typically 20 years old. However, for luxury cars and larger vehicles like SUVs, the minimum age may be higher.
Can I rent an SUV or luxury car in Iceland if I’m under 23?
To rent a Jeep or small SUV, you need to be at least 23 years old. For a luxury car or larger SUV, the minimum age is 25. However, if you're between 20-22, you can rent these vehicles with a Young Driver fee.
Are additional drivers subject to the same age requirements?
Yes, additional drivers must meet the same age requirements and pay any relevant fees. They are fully responsible for their actions while driving.
