How old do you have to be to rent a car in NZ?

New Zealand is a relaxing and breathtakingly beautiful country best explored by car, and the driving rules are designed to keep people, wildlife and protected landscapes safe.

As a Kiwi-owned business, we are passionate about encouraging locals and travellers to see this stunning country. With New Zealand car rentals across the North and South Island, we’re always keen to get people on the road exploring.

However, some car rental age restrictions are in place for a reason. We break down New Zealand’s driving rules so you can plan a road trip with safety as a priority.

Breaking down the rules on car rental age restrictions

What is the minimum age to drive a car in New Zealand?

New Zealand requires drivers to be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner’s licence. Even with a learner’s licence, drivers will face many restrictions when driving a vehicle in New Zealand.

These restrictions include:

1. Constant supervision at all times when you’re driving.
2. The car must have Learner plates at the front and rear.
3. Zero blood alcohol limit.
4. Harsh penalties if you drive beyond your licence conditions.
5. Need for supervisor’s approval to accept passengers in the vehicle.

New Zealand uses a graduated driver licensing system. Once you’re at least 16 and a half years old and hold a learner’s licence for 6 months, you can apply for a restricted licence—which notably allows you to drive without supervision from 5 am to 10 pm, but with supervision on hours off that time.

The final licence type is a full licence, where all the restrictions of prior licence categories are nullified. Locals can get this licence as early as they turn 17 and a half years old, whereas foreign applicants must be at least 18 to apply for it.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in New Zealand?

Driving a car you or your family own is one thing, renting a car from car rental companies is another story. Car rental companies typically impose an age limit ranging from 18 to 25, depending on their company policies. This applies to both local and foreign customers.

It’s typically common for New Zealand car rental companies to charge drivers from 18 to 25 years old an additional surcharge to rent their vehicle. This is because they’d be classified as more risk-prone than other customers. 

Some companies may also impose restrictions on rentals for certain car groups (like Luxury, SUVs, and Premium SUVs) to people below the age of 30 years old. This rental agreement varies from company to company, but as a rule of thumb, your ability to rent is usually subject to the conditions of your licence.

It’s essential to follow New Zealand laws and regulations to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Breaking the law can lead to your licence getting revoked, so we urge you to familiarise yourself with local laws and stay within the bounds of legal driving limits in NZ. 

What is the minimum age to rent a car from GO?

At GO, you must meet a minimum age requirement of at least 21 years old to rent a car. Most rental companies also follow the same procedure. You must also have held a full licence for at least one year.

However, there are two notable exceptions. You must be at least 25 years old to rent a Tesla Model 3 or a Tesla Model Y.

What is the maximum age to rent a car from GO?

You’re only as old as you feel, we say! We don’t have a maximum age restriction for renting a car. The only thing we ask for is for the licence to remain valid and unexpired by the last date of the rental period.

For foreign applicants, there’s no age restriction either. You simply have to pop into one of our branches, show an international driver’s permit or licence, and you can get to driving one of our vehicles in no time. If your licence is not in English, you are required to obtain an official NZTA-approved English translation and carry both copies with you at all times.

Can you rent a car with GO on a restricted licence?

If you hold a NZ restricted licence, you are good to GO with a GO Rentals car hire. You must be at least 21 years old for a standard car and 25 years old for a Tesla EV hire. 

For insurance purposes, you are bound to the restrictions of your licence during the full rental period. If you, unfortunately, need to make an insurance claim and the result is from driving outside of these conditions, you may be liable for the claim. 

To keep you safe while you’re still learning, there are some conditions you must follow while on your restricted licence:

1. You can drive on your own between 5 am and 10 pm.
2. You must have a supervisor in the front passenger seat when driving between 10 pm and 5 am.

What type of vehicle can you hire at 21 years of age?

Almost every car in our fleet is up for rent to people aged 21 years and up! Take a look at rental vehicles for hire in New Zealand. 

We offer cars that fulfil different purposes, from compact cars for budget-strapped travellers to people carriers for the whole family or friend group. 

That said, our electric vehicle selection is exclusive to people who are slightly older. If you want to rent our Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y, you’ll have to wait until you’re 25 to be able to rent one.

Can overseas drivers rent a car with GO?

Yes, you can drive and rent a car with GO even if you’re an overseas driver. We accept full international driver’s licences and international driving permits as a full, unrestricted New Zealand driver’s licence. 

If you’re coming from a country where your licence isn’t printed in English, then you must obtain an official NZTA-approved English translation. Submit both the original copy and the translated copy for verification, and be sure to carry both copies with you at all times when driving New Zealand roads.

If you’re keen to learn more about the overseas driving rules per country, read our respective country blogs below to learn more about it:

• Australia
• Canada
• China
• Germany
• Japan
• Singapore
• United States
• United Kingdom

Tips for driving in New Zealand

1. Drive on the left-hand side of the road: In New Zealand, everyone must drive on the left side of the road. So stay sharp and follow left-hand side driving at all times. If you’re accustomed to right-hand side driving, then an easy way to adjust is to keep the driver’s seat as close to the centreline as possible. This helps you stay positioned for safety.
2. Follow the speed limit: Respect the speed limit when driving on New Zealand roads. The maximum cap when driving across national highways and open roads is 100km/h. Local roads—which are typically managed by local governments and used by local communities—have a lower imposed speed limit. This is due to their winding paths, single-lane design, and more rugged, natural location.
3. Don’t turn left on the red light: In some countries, you may be permitted to turn left on the red light. But in New Zealand, if you do the same thing, you could receive a ticket.
4. Learn roundabout etiquette: When driving in New Zealand, you’ll likely come across roundabouts in most urban cities in the country. It’s essential to know how to navigate the roundabout to keep traffic smooth and flowing.
5. Don’t drive inebriated: Not only is drunk driving against the law in the country, but the local culture is set up to frown upon drunk drivers. If you’re inebriated by alcohol, then you should hail a taxi, use a rideshare app, or ride with a non-drinking friend. Being a responsible driver not only keeps the road safe but also ensures that you get to keep your licence and driving privileges in the country.
6. Read up on weather and terrain conditions: New Zealand’s weather can shift quite rapidly, especially if you’re traversing through rocky and gravelly terrain. So, before embarking on a road trip with your rental car, get familiar with your route’s general climate and landscape. For instance, winter driving in New Zealand may demand extra caution due to icy roads and snowy conditions. Y
7. Approach gravel roads slowly: The farther you drive from the city, the higher the likelihood of you driving through gravel terrain. New Zealand roads aren’t all asphalt and paved. In fact, over 40% of New Zealand’s road network is made up of dirt and gravel.
8. Slow down during animal crossings: On rural and country roads, you’ll likely pass through farmlands and habitats of local wildlife. It’s not uncommon for a flock or herd of animals to unexpectedly cross in front of you.
9. Take frequent rest breaks: When renting a car in New Zealand, it’s tempting to stay on the road as much as possible to make the most of it—but don’t overdo it! You should take frequent rest breaks and soak in the natural beauty of wherever you choose to rest. It’s best to take a 15-minute break every two hours of driving to stay refreshed and alert.

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From rules to the freedom of the road

Experiencing New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and it’s best enjoyed with the freedom of hitting the road anytime you want.

At GO Rentals, we want nothing more than your New Zealand journey to be a smooth and memorable one. We provide car rentals to locals and travellers, both the young and the young at heart.

With unlimited km, basic insurance coverage and a helpful GO App, you can drive with ease, no matter your age. Our Total Road Care package, priced at $3 per day, has safety built right in with 24/7 breakdown assistance for any situation and toll road coverage for a smooth ride.

 

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