Have you recently passed your driving test and are wondering whether you can rent a car for your holiday? One of the most common questions among inexperienced drivers is whether car hire for new drivers is actually possible.
The answer is yes, but certain requirements apply.
Car hire companies can set a minimum driver age and may also require you to have held your driving licence for a specific period of time. Therefore, simply having a valid licence does not automatically mean that you can rent any vehicle.
At VIMA Rent a Car, if you want to hire a car in Mallorca, you need to meet certain minimum requirements regarding both your age and how long you have held your driving licence.
In this guide, we explain whether you can rent a car as a new driver, the difference between a new driver and a young driver, what documents you need and what you should check before booking.
Can you hire a car as a new driver?
Yes. Car hire for new drivers is possible as long as you meet the requirements established by the rental company.
At VIMA Rent a Car, drivers must:
- Be at least 20 years old.
- Have held a valid driving licence for at least 1 year.
- Present a driving licence that is valid for driving in Spain.
- Be included as an authorised driver in the rental agreement.
This means that if you passed your driving test only a few weeks or months ago, you will not yet be able to rent a vehicle with VIMA, even if you are already 20 years old.
You can check the latest requirements in our car hire FAQ.
What does “new driver” actually mean?
The expression new driver usually refers to someone who has only recently obtained their driving licence.
However, in the car rental industry, what really matters is not the label itself but how long you have held your licence and whether you meet the minimum age established by the rental company.
For example, you could be 25 years old but have passed your driving test only six months ago. In that case, you would still not meet VIMA’s minimum requirement of having held a licence for at least one year.
The opposite can also happen.
You could be 21 years old and have been driving for more than a year. In that case, you may meet the requirements to rent a car, although you would still be considered a young driver because of your age.
Before making a reservation, therefore, you should check two things:
your age and the date your driving licence was issued.
New driver vs young driver: what is the difference?
These two terms are often confused, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.
A new driver is generally someone who has held a driving licence for a relatively short period of time.
A young driver, on the other hand, is defined according to age and the conditions established by the rental company.
At VIMA Rent a Car, drivers aged 20 to 24 can rent a vehicle as long as they meet the minimum licence requirement. However, a young driver surcharge applies.
This means that you can be a young driver without being a new driver.
Likewise, you can be a new driver without necessarily being particularly young.
The important thing is to check the rental conditions before booking so that there are no surprises when you collect your car.
What is the minimum age to rent a car with VIMA?
The minimum age to rent a car with VIMA Rent a Car is 20 years old.
In addition to meeting the minimum age, drivers must have held their driving licence for at least one year.
There is also a maximum driver age under VIMA’s current rental conditions, so we recommend checking the latest information if you have any questions before booking.
You can find the current age and licence requirements in the VIMA Rent a Car FAQ.
Is there a young driver fee for drivers under 25?
Yes.
Drivers aged 20 to 24 years old currently pay a young driver surcharge of €15 per day.
This is worth taking into account when comparing rental prices, as it can affect the total cost of your booking.
Before confirming your vehicle, always check the final rental price as well as any additional charges associated with the driver’s age.
If you are looking for competitive rates, you can also explore VIMA’s cheap car hire in Mallorca.
What documents do you need to hire a car?
Meeting the minimum age and licence requirements is essential, but you will also need the correct documentation when collecting your vehicle.
The main driver should be prepared to present the documents required under the rental conditions.
These generally include:
- A valid identity document or passport.
- A valid driving licence that allows you to drive in Spain.
- The payment method and documentation required for the selected rate.
Requirements can vary according to individual circumstances and booking conditions, so it is always advisable to check the car rental FAQ and the general rental terms and conditions before travelling.
Doing this a few days before your flight can help prevent unnecessary problems when you collect your car in Mallorca.
Can I rent a car immediately after passing my driving test?
Not with VIMA.
If you have only recently obtained your driving licence, you will need to wait until you meet the minimum requirement of one year of licence ownership before you can be listed as a driver.
For example:
If you are 21 years old but have held your licence for only six months, you do not yet meet the requirement.
If you are 21 and have held your licence for one year and three months, you can meet the licence requirement, although the young driver conditions will still apply.
This is an important distinction because many travellers only check the minimum rental age and forget to look at the required driving licence experience.
What type of car is best for a new driver?
If you do not have much driving experience, choosing the right vehicle can make your holiday much easier and more enjoyable.
You do not necessarily need the biggest or most powerful car available.
For many new drivers, a small or compact vehicle can be easier to manoeuvre, park and drive around unfamiliar areas.
This can be particularly useful in Mallorca, where some routes to beaches, coves and traditional villages can include narrow streets or limited parking spaces.
Before booking, take a look at the vehicles available in VIMA’s car hire fleet.
If you are travelling alone or as a couple with limited luggage, a smaller car may be all you need.
If you are travelling with several passengers or carrying a lot of luggage, a larger category may be more suitable.
Useful tips for new drivers renting a car
If you meet the rental requirements, having limited driving experience does not mean you cannot enjoy exploring Mallorca by car.
A little preparation can make the experience much more comfortable.
Choose a car you feel comfortable driving
Do not choose your rental car based only on appearance.
Think about the vehicle’s size, transmission and category before making your booking.
If you are used to driving small cars, a compact model may make you feel more confident than a large SUV.
Get familiar with the vehicle before setting off
Before beginning your journey, spend a few minutes locating the main controls.
Check the:
- Lights.
- Windscreen wipers.
- Indicators.
- Air conditioning.
- Parking brake.
- Reverse gear.
- Main dashboard controls.
Adjust your seat and mirrors before you start driving.
It is much easier to familiarise yourself with the vehicle while it is parked than to try to find a control while driving.
Plan your first journey
If you have just arrived in Mallorca and are still getting used to the rental vehicle, avoid starting your holiday with an unnecessarily complicated journey.
Choose a straightforward route first and give yourself time to become familiar with the car.
Once you feel more comfortable, you can start exploring more of the island.
Take your time
Mallorca is ideal for exploring beaches, villages and scenic viewpoints, but there is no need to see everything in one day.
Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, respect speed limits and avoid distractions.
If you feel tired, stop and take a break.
Plan where you are going to park
During the summer months, many popular beaches and tourist areas can become very busy.
Before driving to your destination, check where you can park and avoid entering areas where access or parking restrictions are unclear.
Check your insurance carefully
When you have less driving experience, choosing appropriate cover can provide additional peace of mind.
Before booking your vehicle, make sure you understand what each insurance option includes and which situations are covered.
You can compare VIMA’s options on the car hire insurance page.
Where can you collect your hire car in Mallorca?
If you are flying to the island, one of the easiest options is to start your holiday directly from the airport.
VIMA provides car hire at Mallorca Airport, with vehicle pick-up and return directly at Palma Airport without the need for an external shuttle transfer.
VIMA also has different car hire delivery points in Mallorca, particularly around the south and south-east of the island.
Depending on where you are staying, you can find information about:
Car hire in Cala d’Or, Cala Figuera, Cala Santanyí, Santanyí, Cala Llombards, Ses Salines, Colònia de Sant Jordi, Es Llombards and Portopetro.
Choose the location that works best with your accommodation and travel plans.
What if you want to hire a car without a credit card?
Driver age and licence experience are not the only requirements worth checking.
Payment conditions can also affect your booking.
VIMA allows different payment options depending on the applicable rental conditions, so check the latest details in the VIMA FAQ before completing your booking.
VIMA’s main car rental in Mallorca page also highlights the possibility of booking without a credit card or upfront payment.
Always check the conditions attached to the rate you select before confirming your reservation.
Common mistakes young and new drivers make when hiring a car
One of the most common mistakes is checking only the minimum driver age.
Remember that you must also meet the minimum driving licence requirement.
Another common mistake is completing a booking without checking whether a young driver surcharge applies.
It is also worth avoiding the temptation to choose a vehicle solely because it has the lowest price. The vehicle size, transmission, luggage capacity and type of driving you plan to do are equally important.
Finally, always review your insurance options, required documentation and rental conditions before the day of collection.
The better prepared you are before travelling, the easier it will be to start enjoying your holiday.
Car hire for new drivers in Mallorca: check the requirements first
So, can you rent a car as a new driver?
Yes, provided you meet the rental company’s requirements.
With VIMA Rent a Car, you must be at least 20 years old and have held your driving licence for a minimum of one year. If you are aged between 20 and 24, you should also take into account the young driver surcharge.
If you meet these requirements, the next step is choosing the right vehicle for your trip.
Explore car hire in Mallorca with VIMA, check the frequently asked questions and choose the most convenient delivery point in Mallorca.
And if you are flying into Palma, you can start your trip directly with car hire at Mallorca Airport.
FAQs about car hire for new drivers
What is the minimum age to hire a car with VIMA?
The minimum age is 20 years old, and drivers must have held a valid driving licence for at least one year.
Can I rent a car at 20 years old?
Yes, as long as you have held your driving licence for at least one year and meet the other rental requirements.
Can I hire a car if I have had my licence for less than one year?
No. Under VIMA’s current conditions, you must have held your driving licence for at least one year.
Do drivers under 25 pay more?
VIMA currently applies a €15 per day young driver surcharge to drivers aged between 20 and 24.
Can I add another driver to the rental?
Yes, provided that the additional driver is properly included in the rental agreement and meets the applicable driver requirements.
Where can I check the latest rental requirements?
You can review the current requirements in the VIMA Rent a Car FAQ before booking.
