Yes, you can rent a car with a permit in some specific situations, but it is highly restrictive and not the industry standard. The vast majority of major rental companies, including Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis, require a valid, full driver's license held for a minimum period, typically one to two years. A learner's permit alone is almost always insufficient because it legally requires a licensed driver to be in the passenger seat, a condition rental companies cannot monitor or enforce. The primary exception is for young military personnel on active duty, who may be able to rent with a permit and valid military ID, subject to corporate policy and underage driver fees.
The fundamental reason rental companies refuse permits is liability and risk management. A permit indicates a driver is still in the learning phase, which statistically correlates with a higher risk of accidents. Companies mitigate this risk by only renting to experienced, fully licensed drivers. Attempting to rent with just a permit will likely result in your reservation being canceled at the counter, potentially stranding you.
If you only hold a permit, your best alternatives are:
- Using a peer-to-peer rental service like Turo. The decision rests with the individual car owner, who may be more flexible, though most will still require a full license.
- Relying on a licensed driver to rent the vehicle and adding you as an authorized driver, if the company's age policies allow it.
The policies of major rental companies are consistent in their strict requirements, as shown below:
| Rental Company | Policy on Learner's Permits | Minimum License Holding Period | Exception for Military Personnel? |
|---|
| Enterprise | Not accepted as primary ID | Typically 1 year | Yes, with specific conditions |
| Hertz | Not accepted as primary ID | Typically 1-2 years | Case-by-case basis with ID |
| Avis | Not accepted as primary ID | Typically 1 year | Policy may vary by location |
| Budget | Not accepted as primary ID | Typically 1 year | Inquire directly with location |
| Turo (P2P) | Depends on individual car owner | Set by the car owner | Depends on individual car owner |
