There is no single global minimum. It is set by the supplier within the limits of local law, and it varies by vehicle class within the same branch — a driver old enough for an economy car may not be old enough for a large SUV or a premium model.
- Under-25 drivers commonly pay a young driver surcharge, charged per day and often capped.
- The surcharge is usually collected at the counter, so it may not appear in the price you compared.
- Some suppliers also apply an upper age limit or ask for extra documentation from older drivers.
- Premium, luxury and large vehicles frequently carry a higher minimum age than the standard fleet.
Check before you book, not after
Age rules appear in the terms attached to the specific offer. If the driver is under 25 or over 70, read those terms before booking — an age refusal at the desk is treated as a no-show by most suppliers.