Driving age restrictions

When I tried to rent a car in England I was told the maximum age was 75. Just try to make a reservation and see what happens (do not enter in Payment).

I believe that age restrictions come from rental companies. They are not governmental. My strategy is to use AutoEurope or Kemwel ( for lots of other reasons, too). When you use their sites, very early in the process, there is a little box to uncheck if you are over 75(79?). They will then show you car choices only from companies that will rent to you. I’m 80, and I rented a car in Spain less than a year ago, when I had already passed that landmark birthday.

We found some car rental companies have age restrictions and others do not. You probably will pay more due to your ages.

Yes, we ran into this when traveling with my parents. It does no good to book and pay in advance they will just return the money. I would advise working with Hertz or one of the larger companies. Frankly, it was a smaller local firm that declined to allow my dad to drive. Fortunately, I was able to drive during the trip.

It was Hertz that declined me because I was 76.

oof that is disappointing to hear.

I know it's disappointing when rental companies impose age restrictions, but it's probably worth remembering that they are considering the risk factors. As we get older our reaction times increase, and other mental faculties required for safe driving probably decrease, and our eye sight worsens. Add to this the fact that drivers coming to the UK from almost anywhere face the additional complication of driving on the other side of the road, and it's not difficult to see that the rental companies would consider an older driver from outside the UK to pose a higher risk. I guess it's up to the rental companies whether they want to shoulder that risk.

Here is an answer on the FAQ part of the Celtic Legend rental car website.

There is no upper age limit however, if you are aged 80 years or over,
you must bring a letter from your Doctor, dated within 3 months of the
start of the rental, stating that you are fit to drive. You can rent
cars in Group Two or Four both Automatic and Manual.

These limitations are the requirements of the insurers and there is no
discretion.

I'm planning a trip to Scotland for next June and have been corresponding with them, they're incredibly responsive and probably the company I will use. Website is http://www.celticlegend.co.uk

While 75 may have been a reasonable age a few decades ago, it really isn't quite right today. You do realize that Joe Biden could not rent a car in Scotland? Luckily he can afford a chauffeur, but most can't. I completely understand restrictions who don't have the driving skills, but if you have a driver's license you are certified as able to drive. I have only 9 more years of driving in Scotland unless this changes. As I really driving in Scotland and there is no way I can afford a chauffeur, I was worried that my travels in Scotland would be limited in the future. I'll seek out Celtic Legend.

In the UK upper age limits have been on the way out on car hire generally.

Hertz UK has no upper age limit corporately, (but does have a minimum one of 23-35 depending on the vehicle type) - although its subsidiary Thrifty does charges more to over 70s. Sixt car hire used to ban over 75s but reversed this policy a few years ago.

That's good to hear Marco. I really want to keep going to Scotland and visiting my favorite haunts. :)