Red P plater - Car rental in US

[MargaretH]

Hello

Since results on the Internet are conflicting, I would like to ask if anyone here has experienced renting a car in US (California to be specific) while on red P driving license?

I'm planning on a trip with a friend to US West Coast. She is on full license so renting might not be too much of a hassle, but we do plan to share the driving hours (legally). According to research this must mean i should be added as an additional driver and should have a valid driving license.

The definition of 'valid license' for car rental agencies in US is quite vague, and I heard agencies' HQs can give you one answer like 'no, we don't' and the branches might just accept your license anyway, or vice versa.

Any relevant experience with any car rental place, especially around San Francisco area, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[SYD]

I believe you need to have a full drivers licence for at least 12mths and be over 21 yo to rent a car with the major rental car companies.

If your friend satisfies those, then good to go. I guess you can ask at pickup to include yourself and they may accept or decline depending on who you’re renting with.

Do also note that there’s often an extra additional driver fee.

I wouldn’t push the rules in the US because you could void any insurance and if anything went pear shaped, you could be in serious financial poo.

PS
Welcome to AFF!

 

[NamarrgonFlyer]

Hello

Since results on the Internet are conflicting, I would like to ask if anyone here has experienced renting a car in US (California to be specific) while on red P driving license?

I'm planning on a trip with a friend to US West Coast. She is on full license so renting might not be too much of a hassle, but we do plan to share the driving hours (legally). According to research this must mean i should be added as an additional driver and should have a valid driving license.

The definition of 'valid license' for car rental agencies in US is quite vague, and I heard agencies' HQs can give you one answer like 'no, we don't' and the branches might just accept your license anyway, or vice versa.

Any relevant experience with any car rental place, especially around San Francisco area, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I was on my Ps on multiple occasions in the US, no problems. You can take an IDP if you want too, of which you are eligible for.

 

[MargaretH]

I was on my Ps on multiple occasions in the US, no problems. You can take an IDP if you want too, of which you are eligible for.

Thank you very much. Can I ask which agency you used for car rental in the States?

 

[MargaretH]

I believe you need to have a full drivers licence for at least 12mths and be over 21 yo to rent a car with the major rental car companies.

If your friend satisfies those, then good to go. I guess you can ask at pickup to include yourself and they may accept or decline depending on who you’re renting with.

Do also note that there’s often an extra additional driver fee.

I wouldn’t push the rules in the US because you could void any insurance and if anything went pear shaped, you could be in serious financial poo.

PS
Welcome to AFF!

Thank you for your prompt reply. I guess that would be my final plan. Just want to see if there can be any concrete solution, but probably will have to go your way. Thanks again.

 

[NamarrgonFlyer]

Thank you very much. Can I ask which agency you used for car rental in the States?

Alamo.