Car rental for young drivers is something many students and young travellers in Thessaloniki look for, usually just before a long weekend in Halkidiki. You can get a car licence at 18, but rental companies set their own rules on the driver’s age and experience. Here you will see what usually applies, why the price may be a little higher and how to quickly find the vehicles that accept your age.
From what age you can rent a car
There is no single limit for all companies. Many require the driver to be at least 21, while some also accept drivers aged 18 to 20, usually for small city cars. For larger or more powerful models the limits are often higher.
Besides age, many companies also require minimum experience, for example a licence issued at least one year earlier. Check the issue date on your licence before booking, because it will be checked at pickup.
Why there is a young driver surcharge
Insurers consider drivers with little experience to have a higher accident risk. That is why some companies add a small increase to the daily price for younger ages, either as a percentage or as a fixed amount.
This increase is not a penalty and does not mean worse service. It is part of the cost of insurance. What matters is seeing it in the price from the start, so it does not surprise you at the pickup desk.
How you see it on Ridom
On Ridom you choose the driver’s age within the search, next to the dates and the category. The groups are 18–19, 20–22, 23–29, 30–69 and 70 and over. The results show only the vehicles the company accepts for your age.
If the company has an increase for your age, the price you see already includes it, and the vehicle page shows a note with the percentage or amount. That way you compare final prices rather than prices that change later.
Which cars suit a young driver
Small city cars are usually the easiest choice. They park easily in central Thessaloniki, use little fuel and are more often available to younger drivers. For four people with luggage, a compact car is more comfortable.
If you have not driven much on motorways or in the mountains, pick a vehicle you know how to handle. If you learned on a manual, an automatic needs only a few minutes to get used to, while the reverse is harder.
Declare the age and drivers correctly
The age you declare in the booking must be the driver’s real age. If at pickup it does not match the licence, the company may change the price or refuse the vehicle, and the insurance may not apply.
If two people will drive, declare both. The youngest driver’s age is usually the one that counts for the terms. A driver who is not written on the contract is not covered in case of damage.
Deposit and insurance for young drivers
For younger drivers the excess or the deposit may be higher. If you do not have a credit card or do not want to tie up money, check whether the company offers deposit insurance, which replaces the deposit with a small daily amount.
Full cover with zero or a small excess gives peace of mind to anyone driving a rental car for the first time. Compare the extra cost with the excess and choose what lets you drive without stress.
Practical tips for your first rental
Book early for summer and long weekends, because the vehicles that accept younger drivers sell out first. Bring your licence, ID card or passport and the payment card in your name.
At pickup photograph the car, find the lights, the wipers and the fuel cap, and set up navigation before you start. The first roads around the city are easier when you are not searching for anything on the dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a car at 18?
Some companies accept 18-year-old drivers, usually for small cars. On Ridom you choose age 18–19 and see only the vehicles that accept it.
Why is the price higher for young drivers?
Because insurance costs more for drivers with little experience. The increase already appears in the price you see.
Do I need a licence held for over a year?
Many companies require it. Check your licence issue date and the company’s terms before booking.
What if two drivers of different ages drive?
Declare both on the contract. Usually the terms and price follow the youngest driver’s age.
Are there limits for drivers over 70 too?
At some companies, yes. That is why Ridom also has a 70-and-over group, so you only see the vehicles that accept it.
Useful destination resources
- Discover Cars · How old do I have to be to rent a car
- Your Europe · Renting a car in another EU country
These routes are editorial suggestions. Check access, conditions and current opening hours before you travel.