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Car Hire

Before You Book

Settle four things before you compare quotes: the car, the drivers, the route and the real cost.

Choose the right car

You book a vehicle category, not a particular model. Every listing says "or similar", and the car you collect can differ from the picture in seats, boot space, equipment and engine size. See types of vehicles and what "or similar" means.

  • Size: a smaller car or compact SUV is easier in the city. Groups need enough seats and room for bags. Listed luggage capacity is a conservative estimate, and soft bags fit more easily than hard cases. See luggage.
  • Transmission: most hire cars in Australia are automatic. If you need a manual, filter for one and check it is available.
  • Drive type: many SUVs are 2WD or AWD. Apart from any short access road a rental company allows, unsealed roads generally need a true 4WD and the rental company's written permission.
  • Electric cars: plan charging stops and check how charged the car must be when you return it. See electric vehicles.
  • Wheelchair access: some rental companies offer accessible vehicles at selected locations. Contact our team early. See mobility specialty vehicles.

Our checklist of features to consider covers kilometre allowances, fuel policy, roadside assistance and extras.

Check every driver can hire

  • Age: with some exceptions, drivers need to be over 21. Drivers aged 21 to 25 may pay a young driver surcharge or be limited to some categories. Drivers over 75 may be asked for a medical certificate. See age restrictions.
  • Licence: rental companies generally require a current, full licence held for at least 12 months. Learner licences aren't accepted, and most rental companies don't accept provisional licences, so check the licence conditions on your quote.
  • Overseas licence: if your licence isn't in English, bring an International Driving Permit or a certified English translation with the original.
  • Physical card: bring your physical licence card. A digital licence may not be accepted.
  • Additional drivers: each must come to the counter with their own licence. Most rental companies charge a daily fee for each one.

Our driver's licence guide has the details.

Plan your route and pick-up

  • Road restrictions: most hire cars must stay on sealed roads, though some rental companies allow a short unsealed access road. Some outback routes are off-limits even in a 4WD, and some rental companies restrict night driving, interstate travel or distance. Breaking the restrictions can void your cover. See road restrictions.
  • Ferries: get the rental company's permission before you take a car on a ferry, and check whether your cover applies on board. See ferries.
  • Airport branches: off-airport branches are often cheaper but may need a shuttle, and their opening hours matter if you land early or late. See on-airport and off-airport car hire.

Understand the price

  • Live rates: prices on DriveNow come live from rental companies and can change daily. Once your booking confirms, the price for your dates is locked in. See understanding pricing.
  • Busy periods: school holidays, Christmas, Easter, long weekends and major events often sell out early, as do people movers, 12-seaters, 4WDs and luxury cars. See booking during school holidays.
  • When you pay: most bookings are paid to the rental company when you collect the car. DriveNow doesn't charge a booking fee. See booking with confidence.
  • Comparing quotes: look beyond the daily rate at the kilometre allowance, the excess and which cards are accepted.

All Before You Book guides

Next stage: Booking Your Car. Part of the Car Hire Handbook. Can't find what you need? Search the handbook.