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Car Hire

Car Hire Handbook

Practical guidance for every stage of hiring a car in Australia, from choosing a car and checking your licence to pick-up, driving and return.

Start with the stage you're at, or follow the steps in order if this is your first hire. DriveNow compares car hire from rental companies across Australia. The rental company you book with supplies the car, and its rental terms apply to your hire.

If you can't find what you need, contact our team or search the handbook.

Need help now?

  • Had an accident? Call emergency services if anyone is hurt. Then follow the steps in our breakdowns and accidents guide.
  • Breakdown or a problem with the car? Call the rental company's roadside assistance number on your rental agreement.
  • Running late for pick-up? Contact the rental company as soon as you can, and confirm how and when you can still collect the car. See late pick-ups and delayed flights.
  • Running late for drop-off? Call the branch you're returning to. See late and early returns.
  • Charged after your hire? Check the rental company's invoice, then see unexpected additional charges for who to contact.

How car hire works

  1. Compare and book. Search your dates and locations on DriveNow to compare rental companies. You book a vehicle category, such as compact or SUV, not a particular make or model.
  2. Check the requirements. Rental companies generally require a current, full driver's licence, and the licence conditions on your quote apply. If yours isn't in English, bring an International Driving Permit or a certified English translation. Drivers must meet the rental company's age requirements. A credit card in the main driver's name is usually needed for the bond. Some rental companies accept debit cards, so check the card policies on your quote. See making payment.
  3. Decide how to manage your excess. Your rental terms set an excess for covered damage, and excluded damage can cost the full amount. Understand your excess and reduction options and their exclusions before you collect the car.
  4. Pick up and inspect. At the branch, you sign the rental agreement, show your licence and card, and check the car for existing damage before you drive away.
  5. Drive and return. Keep to the road restrictions in your rental agreement, and return the car on time with the fuel level your agreement requires.

Before You Book

Choose the right car, check that every driver can hire, and plan around road restrictions and live pricing. Key guides: age restrictions, driver's licence, types of vehicles and road restrictions. Go to Before You Book.

Booking Your Vehicle

Compare quotes on more than price, decide how to manage your excess, and request extras such as child seats. Key guides: insurance and excess reduction and optional extras. Go to Booking Your Car.

Managing Your Booking

Already booked? Check your confirmation, know what you'll pay at pick-up and which cards are accepted, and how to cancel. Key guides: making payment and how to cancel your reservation. Go to Managing Your Booking.

Picking Up Your Car

Bring the right documents, understand the counter charges and the security bond, and check the car before you leave. Key guides: required documents and vehicle inspection. Go to Picking Up Your Car.

During Your Trip

Know what to do after a breakdown or accident, how toll roads and parking fines are charged, and how to stay safe around wildlife. Go to During Your Trip.

Returning Your Car

Refuel to the level your agreement requires, return the car on time, and know which charges can follow your hire. Key guides: late and early returns and unexpected additional charges. Go to Returning Your Car.

Post-Rental Support

If a problem isn't resolved at the branch, the issues, complaints and feedback guide explains how to escalate it to the rental company and then to DriveNow customer care.

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