Touring in the UK is extremely popular with foreign tourists who want to visit attractions such as historic buildings, natural landmarks, and national parks. Their best option to make the most of their trip is to hire a car.
Sometimes UK residents will use car hire, for instance, if they need a larger vehicle to carry a family and their luggage to make the most of their trip. If your vehicle is off the road, perhaps for service or after an accident, car and van hire will keep you on the open road so your routine isn’t compromised.
What are the requirements?
To hire a car in the UK, the hirer will have to provide several documents to the hiring company to ensure that you are who you say you are and have a valid licence to drive. A valid driving licence is the first document most people will think of, but most hire companies will check other details, whether for a short term hire or a long term hire.
When presenting your driving licence, either a photo or paper version, the hire company will ask you for a DVLA code. This is easily obtained from the DVLA website under “view driving licence”. Using the code, your driving licence can be checked for disqualifications, endorsements, and penalty points. These licence details could affect whether or not you will be able to hire a vehicle or increase costs for insurance.
Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement may be asked for from some rental companies. If the hirer holds a non-EU driving license, an International Driving Permit (IDP) will be needed.
What Are The Requirements For Hiring A Car In The UK?
Car and Van Hire companies in the UK will all require several documents to check that the prospective driver fulfills their terms and conditions for hire.
Simply put, these are:
- Valid driving licence – to show the hirer has passed the driving test.
- DVLA code – this is a numerical code that a driving licence holder obtains from the DVLA through their website, going to the “view driving licence” page. Enter your driver number and postcode, plus your NI number. Follow the instructions to generate the code. This code can then be passed on to the rental company to check your license details.
- Passport – If you hold a non-EU drivers’ licence then a valid passport will need to be shown. All drivers should take their passport for an identity check
- IDP – Non-EU licence holders will need to have an IDP issued by their home country motoring organisation, using an application form with a passport size photo.
- Proof of address – This can be a recent utility bill or bank statement.
Although requirements forcar and van Hire can vary between companies, whether for short term hire or long term hire, the hirer should always check the rental T’s &C ’s before booking. There’s nothing worse than not getting your rental car because you haven’t got all the documents you need.