Drivers' Licences

What type of driver’s licence is required to hire a campervan?

Rental companies generally require every driver to hold a current, full driver's licence without restrictions. A few accept Australian provisional (P plate) licences as an exception, as explained below. When you collect the vehicle, bring your physical photo licence card and the licences of any additional drivers. You don't need a heavy vehicle licence, even for the larger motorhomes. A normal car licence is fine.

Some rental companies also set a minimum driving history. Spaceships needs you to have held your licence for at least 6 months, and Camperman, Campervan Village and Let’s Go need at least 12 months' driving experience. Different liability levels may apply to drivers under 25. Minimum and maximum driver ages are compared in our age restrictions guide.

Learner licence

None of the campervan rental companies we work with accept a learner's licence.

Provisional licence

Many rental companies require a full licence and don't accept provisional licences. A few accept Australian provisional (P plate) licences under their own conditions. Here's a summary of the licence terms we hold for each company. Conditions can change, so confirm them for your vehicle when you book.

Companies that accept a provisional (P plate) licence

• Awesome: Every driver must be 21 or over. Provisional and probationary licences are accepted, but learner permits aren't. International customers also need a passport.
• Campervan Village: Australian and New Zealand provisional licences, including red and green P plates, are accepted, but a surcharge applies. All drivers need at least 12 months' driving experience.
• JUCY: Drivers need a full driver licence. An Australian green P plate (P2) licence is accepted. JUCY does not accept a learner's licence or other probationary licences, including a red P plate (P1) licence.
• Spaceships: Drivers need a full (unrestricted) or probationary licence that they've held for at least 6 months. Learner's permits aren't accepted.
• Star RV: Drivers must be 21 or over and need a full driver licence. An Australian green P plate (P2) licence is accepted, but a learner's licence or a red P plate (P1) licence isn't.

Companies that require a full (non-provisional) licence

• THL brands (Maui, Maui Elite, Britz, Mighty, Mighty Lite and Apollo): Drivers of the Mighty Highball, Mighty Double Down, Mighty Lite HiLITE and Mighty Lite DeLITE need a full driver licence and can be aged 18 or over. For all other vehicles, drivers must be 21 or over. Learner's, provisional and probationary licences aren't accepted, and the licence must be valid for the entire booking.
• Cruisin & GoCheap: Each nominated driver must present a full (non-probationary) driver's licence from their country of residence at the time of rental.
• Let’s Go: Learner's, provisional and probationary licences aren't accepted. You and any authorised driver must have at least 12 months' driving experience.
• Tasmania Campers: Each nominated driver must present a full (non-probationary) driver's licence from their country of residence at the time of rental.
• Travellers Autobarn: Each nominated driver must present a valid full driver's licence (state, national or international) at the time of rental.

Check before you book

• Camperman: All drivers need at least 12 months' driving experience. Camperman's terms say provisional drivers are accepted if they display P plates and follow their licence conditions, but also that probationary licence holders can't drive its vehicles. If you're on P plates, check with us before you book.

Red P plate (P1) licences. Campervan Village accepts red P plates, with a surcharge. Most other companies don't accept a red P plate (P1) licence, so confirm with the rental company before you book. You can read each company's terms on our Australia terms and conditions page by selecting its logo, or contact our team for help with your licence requirements.

If you hold a provisional licence, also check the P plate conditions in your state, as they can limit the passengers you carry or the vehicle you drive. Our age restrictions guide explains more.

International licence

If your licence isn't in English, you need your original licence plus an accredited English translation or an International Driving Permit. Most rental companies accept either. Let's Go accepts only an International Driving Permit, and JUCY's and Star RV's terms ask for an accredited English translation, so it's worth checking which one your rental company needs. We recommend arranging this before you arrive in Australia. If your rental company accepts a translation, you can also have your licence translated in Australia before you pick up your campervan.

Some rental companies also ask to see a passport: JUCY and Star RV for drivers who aren't Australian or New Zealand citizens, Campervan Village for drivers who aren't Australian citizens, and Camperman and Awesome Campers for anyone with an international licence. Bring your original licence and the translation or International Driving Permit to pick-up, plus your passport if your rental company asks for it.

Selecting your driver licence country of issue

Some rental companies charge different prices for international and domestic licences, so choose the correct country of issue when you search. Start your search for a campervan on our campervan home page. Enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, your travel dates and your driver's licence country of issue, then select ‘Search’ to view prices and check availability.

Next steps

• Age restrictions: minimum and maximum ages by rental company
• Required documents for pick-up: what to bring to the branch
• Road rules: driving in Australia for the first time

Part of Before You Book in the Campervan Hire Handbook.