How Old Do You Need to Be to Drive in Iceland?

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland — maybe as a fun gap year experience or as a friend trip with your college pals — you may be considering renting a car. Doing so will allow you to see more of the country, conveniently, so you can really have a more immersive travel experience.

However, most countries do have specific driving laws related to age, and rental car companies may also have age requirements for renting a car while visiting. So, are you old enough to drive in Iceland?

If you’re wondering about the driving age in Iceland and how old you need to be to drive in Iceland, here’s everything you’ll need to know — plus some suggestions and tips for how to have the best, safest Iceland road trip possible.

How Old Do You Need to Be to Drive in Iceland?

Age requirement for inhabitants in Iceland 

Iceland residents can get their driver’s licence at 17 years old. Other than passing a driver’s test, this is the only legal requirement for Iceland residents who want to drive a passenger car while living in the country.

Age requirement for travellers in Iceland 

If you’re travelling to Iceland, though, you’re not looking to get an Iceland driver’s licence — and you don’t need one. Your driver’s licence from your home country will very likely work just fine, and we’ll discuss what kind of licence you’ll need further below.

However, to rent a car, you’ll have to meet a separate age requirement. 

The driving age in Iceland for travellers renting a car is 20 years old or older. This requirement is enforced by the country’s rental car companies, who will not rent a car to anyone whose identification shows that they are younger than 20. In fact, some rental car companies may even require a greater driving age for travellers, if they feel it’s necessary and adopt it as part of their individual policies.

These age restrictions are in place because Iceland road conditions can be very tricky for those who aren’t accustomed to them, and travellers should be well-seasoned, experienced drivers before they head out on an Iceland road trip. Most young drivers only have a few years’ experience of driving before they visit Iceland, and may have no experience driving in a foreign country or in harsh conditions, such as on gravel roads or in the snow and ice.

These rules keep both the drivers and their passengers safe, as well as the other motorists on the road, while also protecting the rental car companies from undue risks that might impact their insurance.

If you are under 20 and want to rent a car in Iceland, you’ll want to travel to Iceland with an older individual who will be permitted to rent a vehicle and drive you around.

Age Rules for Renting a Car in Iceland

Rental Companies Set Their Own Rules

As mentioned, it’s the rental car companies that are the ones enforcing the 20-year driving age requirement in Iceland. Also, as noted, that means that each rental car company can increase this age limit if they feel that it’s necessary. Additionally, things can get even more complicated, as some rental car companies may also put age restrictions around the type of car you can rent, or they may charge you a young driver fee if you’re below a certain age.

For example:

• A rental car company may only allow 20-year-old travellers to rent small, economy vehicles, which are usually easier to drive. They may then require you to be 23 or even 25 years old to rent larger, more expensive vehicles like SUVs. 
• Other rental car companies may charge young driver fees in Iceland, to those travellers that are 20 years old. This extra fee will differ according to the company, but could range from 11 to 25 EUR per day, or 13 to 27 USD per day. If you’re travelling to Iceland and are in your early 20s, this fee is something you’ll need to factor into your travel budget.

Car Rental Age Comparison in Iceland 

Here are some of the main car rental companies in Iceland, and what you can expect in terms of vehicle type age restrictions, as well as young driver’s fees. All listed companies will allow you to at least rent a basic, economy car, if you’re 20 years old and if you have had a driver’s licence for at least a year.

Company	Rent a 4x4 at 20 years old?	Without a young driver's fee?
Blue Car Rental	❌	❌
Lagoon Car Rental	❌	❌
Iceland Car Rental	❌	❌
Hertz	❌	❌
Lotus Car Rental	✅	❌
Go Car Rental	✅	❌
Lava Car Rental	✅	✅

As you can see, Lava Car Rental is one of only three main car rental companies in Iceland that will allow you to rent any type of car at the age of 20, and is the only main car rental company that does not charge young driver fees in Iceland.

As such, if you’re travelling on a budget or just don’t want to pay fees, and if you’re under the age of 25, Lava Car Rental is going to be your best option.

Age Requirement For Renting a Normal Car in Iceland 

As mentioned, some car rental companies may have different age requirements for renting a “normal,” or economy or small vehicle, than for renting a larger or luxury vehicle. The majority will allow you to rent a small, economy vehicle at the age of 20 or older.

Age Requirement for Renting Big Cars or 4x4s in Iceland 

If you do want to rent a larger, luxury or 4x4 car — and keep in mind that 4x4 cars are highly advised during winter trips to Iceland and are legally required on Iceland’s F-roads in the Highlands — some rental companies will require that you be at least 23 or 25 years old. This age restriction is in place primarily because these larger vehicles are more difficult to drive, and the people renting them are typically planning on driving in rougher conditions or on more rugged roadways.

However, Lava Car Rental does not put an age restriction on the type of car you can rent when visiting Iceland. You can rent any car in the Lava Car Rental fleet at the age of 20, with no extra fees or restrictions required.

What Kind of Driving Licence Do You Need in Iceland?

Your current driver’s licence will likely be suitable for renting and driving a car in Iceland, even as an international traveller, but just to be certain, make sure that your licence meets the following requirements:

• Your licence must be valid in your home country
• You must have had the licence for at least a year
• The licence’s information must be written in the Roman alphabet
• You must have your physical licence with you, or a paper or plastic copy

If you do not have a licence written out in the Roman alphabet, you can get an International Driving Permit that will suffice.

If you’re still unsure if your licence will meet the necessary requirements for a car rental in Iceland, get in touch and we can help. 

Another Requirement to Rent a Car in Iceland: A Credit Card

It’s not just a licence that you’ll probably need to get a car rental in Iceland. There’s one other thing that’s often necessary, and that some younger travellers might not have: a credit card.

Many car rental companies will only accept payments via credit card, and they’ll put a deposit on your card for the duration of your rental.

Luckily, if you don’t have a credit card, that’s just another reason to rent your vehicle for your Iceland trip with Lava Car Rental. We don’t require a credit card, don’t hold a deposit on your card and will accept a debit card for payment.

Tips for Young Drivers in Iceland

Ready to start planning your Iceland road trip? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Roads Can Be Tricky in Iceland 

While it can be very easy and convenient to get around Iceland via car, it does take caution and care. The roadways may be more rugged, unpaved and steeper than what you’re used to, depending on where in the country you travel, and the weather can also change quickly. Not only do you have sudden snow or ice in the winter, but summertime can bring sudden rain storms and heavy winds. Furthermore, you may encounter wildlife on the roadways, as well as narrow bridges or tunnels.

As such, acclimate yourself with the Iceland road system and roadway signage before you arrive, and go slow while you’re here. Additionally, never stop on the road to get out and take photos or take in the views. Don’t pull off the road, either, as driving off the road is illegal everywhere in the country. Wait until you’re at a dedicated pull-off spot to stop.

Insurance Helps

Rental car insurance is a must-have for any car rental in Iceland. Not only can it have your back and help you get back on the road sooner if you have even just a minor accident, but it can also protect you from needing to pay for costly repairs.

With every rental at Lava Car Rental, you get basic and essential insurance that includes:

• Collision Damage Waiver - CDW
• Super Collision Damage Waiver - SCDW
• Theft Protection - TP
• Gravel Protection - GP

From accidents to dents, scratches to cracked windshields, you’ll be covered.

You might also, though, consider adding on extra protection with zero liability, for even more coverage and greater peace of mind. When you upgrade to a Full Protection package, you’ll also get an extra benefit: the ability to pick-up and drop-off your rental any time of day!

Learn Before You Go

As alluded above, get familiar with Iceland driving and roadways before you arrive, with Lava Car Rental’s full and comprehensive driving guide. It’s filled with helpful tips for all ages and travellers, and explains safety details related to gravel roads, roundabouts and more.

Why Pick Lava Car Rental?

To sum up, Lava Car Rental is the perfect fit for travellers of any age, but especially for younger travellers visiting Iceland.

✅ You can rent any and all cars so long as you’re at least 20 years of age and have had a driver’s licence for a year.

✅ There are no young driver’s fees.

✅ You get essential insurance included in the base cost of your rental.

✅ Lava Car Rental offers self-service pick-up and drop-off at any time of day or night.

✅ We have thousands of positive reviews on Google and Trustpilot.

✅ And our friendly, local team is ready to help you have the best Iceland road trip possible.

No matter where you plan on driving or how long you’ll be here, Lava Car Rental can outfit you with the best ride for your adventure.

Quick Questions About Driving Age in Iceland

Can I rent a car at 18 in Iceland?

No, regardless of what the rules are in your home country, Iceland car rental companies require that renters be at least 20 years old.

Is there a maximum age for renting a car in Iceland?

No, so long as you can still safely drive and have a valid driver’s licence, you can drive at any advanced age in Iceland.

Are there any young driver fees for renting a car in Iceland? 

Many companies do charge young drivers’ fees in Iceland, but Lava Car Rental does not.

What if I’m under 20 years old and I want to rent a car in Iceland?

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to rent a car in Iceland if you’re under 20 years of age. You’ll need an older member of your party to rent and drive the car.

Can I drive in Iceland with my country’s licence?

Yes, most driver’s licences are valid in Iceland, regardless of what country they’re from. The only exception is if your licence does not use the Roman alphabet, in which case you’ll need an International Driving Permit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re travelling to Iceland and want to rent a car, you’ll need to be at least 20 years old and to have had your driver’s licence for at least a year. While some other car rental companies may also not allow you to rent certain cars until you’re 25 years old, or might charge you a young driver’s fee, Lava Car Rental does not do either of these. They’ll help you rent the car you want and go about your upcoming Iceland road trip safely.

Ready to start planning your Iceland trip?

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