Tourists can usually rent and drive a car while in Australia, with a valid overseas licence. However, requirements may vary by state or rental provider.
You may also need an approved English translation or International Driving Permit and a payment card in your name.
True Australian beauty extends beyond our major cities, with many remarkable destinations best explored by car. As a visitor to Australia, understanding the requirements of hiring a car before you arrive can make your trip much smoother. If you’re researching car hire for tourists in Australia, you’re in the right place. We'll explain what you need to know before booking, the documents you’ll need and key road rules to be aware of, so you can prepare for your trip and enjoy a confident start to your Australian adventure.
Can tourists hire a car in Australia?
Yes, tourists can usually hire a car in Australia, provided they meet the licence, age and identification requirements of the rental provider and the state or territory where they will be driving.
If you’re thinking about renting a car in Australia as a tourist, you’ll need a valid driver’s licence that allows you to drive the type of vehicle you’re planning on hiring as well as a few other requirements we’ll cover below. While Australian road authorities generally allow visitors to drive on a valid overseas licence, each rental provider may have additional eligibility requirements.
Before you travel, check the official road authority guidance for the state or territory you plan to drive in and your rental provider's conditions to avoid any surprises when you arrive.
If you’re ready to rent a car in Australia, explore the KINTO range to find a reliable Toyota vehicle that suits your travel plans.
What documents do you need?
The documents you'll need may vary slightly between providers, but most will ask for the following as part of the booking or collection process.
Your driver’s licence
If you’re hiring a car in Australia on an overseas licence, you’ll need a current, valid physical driver’s licence issued by your home country.
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Australia? If it isn’t written in English, you’ll generally need to carry an approved English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) with your original licence.
A few things to keep in mind: an IDP supports your overseas licence; it doesn’t replace it. And your licence must allow you to drive the type of vehicle you plan to hire.
Before travelling, check the Austroads guidance for visiting drivers and review the requirements for the state or territory you’ll be visiting.
When hiring with KINTO, you’ll need a valid international driver’s licence that’s written in English or accompanied by an accepted English translation or IDP.
Learn more about the KINTO eligibility requirements and how to sign up.
Your passport
Many rental providers will ask visitors to present a passport when collecting a hire vehicle. This is generally needed to complete an identification check and ensure the name and details match your booking and driver’s licence.
If you’re booking with KINTO, you’ll complete your identity verification during the sign-up and approval process through the KINTO app before you make a booking.
A payment card in your name
Most rental providers will require a valid debit or credit card in the main driver’s name and may place a temporary hold or security deposit before your booking begins. Check your provider's payment requirements before you travel.
With KINTO, you’ll need a valid Visa, MasterCard or American Express debit or credit card added to your account at sign-up. A $1 pre-authorisation is held to ensure the credit card is valid. This will be released within 7 days. Bookings are usually debited to this card two hours before your journey begins.
Planning an extended stay in Australia? Read our guide to long-term car rental to see whether it's the right option for your trip.
Car hire requirements that catch visitors out
While requirements vary between providers, there are a few common conditions that can catch visitors by surprise when hiring a car in Australia.
Age and licence requirements
Car hire requirements in Australia differ between providers. Some have minimum age requirements, additional conditions, or surcharges for young drivers. For example, here are the KINTO eligibility requirements:
You must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid full or P2 provisional Australian or international driver’s licence with licence type of ‘car'; and
In the last 3 years, not:
- Had an application for motor vehicle insurance refused, declined or cancelled;
- Had your driver’s licence restricted, suspended, cancelled or endorsed with special conditions;
- Been convicted of, or had any fines imposed for criminal activity;
- Had more than 2 motor vehicle claims where you had to pay an excess.
Want to learn more about KINTO? See How It Works.
Deposits and card holds
Some rental providers collect a security deposit, and others place a temporary hold (pre-authorisation) on your payment card. Before booking, ask how much may be held, when it will be released and whether currency conversion could affect your account.
Insurance excess
An insurance excess is the amount you may need to pay if your hire vehicle is damaged or stolen. Before booking, check the standard excess, whether an excess reduction is available, what’s excluded from cover, whether there are any additional driver conditions, and how damage should be reported.
For KINTO, this information can be found in our FAQs or Member Agreement.
Driving in Australia for the first time
When driving in Australia as a visitor, a few simple tips can help you feel more confident and enjoy a smoother journey behind the wheel.
- Drive on the left: In Australia, you drive on the left and sit on the right-hand side of the vehicle. Take things slowly while getting used to the car, especially at roundabouts, intersections and when leaving car parks.
- Know the road rules: Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt, follow the posted speed limits and avoid using a handheld phone while driving. Speed and mobile phone cameras are common on the roads, and drink-driving limits vary depending on your licence and the state or territory. If you'd like to learn more about road rules, explore our guide to Australian Road Rules for Driving with KINTO. For official requirements, visit the National Transport Commission website.
- Plan for toll roads: Some Australian roads require you to pay a toll, and many no longer accept cash. Check how your rental provider charges for tolls before you travel.
- Prepare for longer drives: Distances between locations can be much greater than they appear on a map. Plan fuel and rest stops, avoid driving while tired after a flight, and watch for wildlife around dawn and dusk, particularly on rural roads.
Hiring with KINTO as a visitor
KINTO makes car hire for tourists in Australia simple. Register, book and manage your journey through the KINTO app, so there’s no need to queue at a rental counter before collecting your vehicle. Once your account has been approved, you can browse available Toyota vehicles, choose one that suits your trip, and book when you need it. All KINTO bookings include fuel, insurance, maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance, making it easier to drive confidently.
Landed and ready to explore? Book a Toyota through the KINTO app.
Do I need an international driving permit in Australia?
Not always. If you’re visiting Australia, you can generally drive using your valid overseas driver’s licence. But if your licence isn’t written in English, you’ll need to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an approved English translation, as well as your original licence. Before travelling, check the official Austroads guidance.
What are the requirements for hiring a car as a visitor in Australia?
To drive a car in Australia, you’ll need a valid driver’s licence, an approved English translation or International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence is not in English, your passport, and an accepted form of payment. Requirements may vary between providers, so check the eligibility criteria before booking.
Is it worth renting a car in Australia?
Hiring a car can be a great option to explore beyond major cities or to visit destinations with limited public transport. A rental vehicle gives you the freedom to visit at your own pace and stay as long as you like. To determine whether renting a car is the right choice for your trip, consider your itinerary, driving distances, parking and tolls.
