Car hire - Different driver to person making the booking

wobble_gobble

Is it possible to book a car in my name, but have someone else as the driver and not me?

My license has expired (I have epilepsy which is under control, (no seizures for years, so it is just routine checks) but the medical department hasn't completed all their checks yet. I did apply by post well before the expiry date.

I am allowed to drive under section 88, but probably won't be allowed to hire the car because of an expired licence. I want to add my son as a named driver when collecting the car. Unfortunately he can't book the car in his name as he doesn't have a credit card. I have chased the DVLA, but we fly next week and I am thinking of worst case scenario if the DVLA hasn't processed the renewal by then.

flaneurs_lobster

Long shot.

Would your son qualify for a credit card if he applied? If he's got a proper bank branch it might be worth asking if they could do anything to speed an application up?

Although getting a physical card delivered in a week is pushing it.

Woodstok2000

Most car hire companies require the credit card to be in the name of the main driver. Have you checked with the car hirer if they'll accept your license?

wobble_gobble

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936509#Comment_81936509

I was considering that because it's his first credit card his limit might not be high enough for deposit anyway

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936515#Comment_81936515

Good point.

sheenas

One option might be put your son down as a second driver. Another option would be use a smaller independent car hire company that hires with a full indemnity insurance and then often they accept debt car payment.

adrich

In most cases, the person who books (and pays with the credit card) doesn’t have to be the main driver, but the main driver usually still needs a valid licence at pickup, which is where you might hit issues if yours has expired.

Your son being added as an additional driver could work, but it really depends on the rental company’s policy at the desk, so I’d definitely double-check directly with them before you fly.