An additional driver lets someone other than the main driver legally drive the hire car. It is useful for long journeys, family holidays and business trips, but the person must be added to the rental agreement and accepted by the supplier.
On gocarhire.co.uk, check the supplier conditions before booking because additional driver fees, maximum charges, age rules and document requirements can vary. Do not assume a passenger can drive just because they are insured on another car.
This guide explains how additional drivers work, what they cost in the UK supplier data and what to check at the desk. For collection preparation, see our car hire pick-up tips.
At a glance: additional driver car hire
- Must be declared: only drivers named on the agreement should drive the hire car.
- Documents are required: the additional driver usually needs licence and ID.
- Fees vary: daily and maximum charges differ by supplier.
- Age rules can apply: young-driver conditions may apply to additional drivers too.
- Insurance depends on authorisation: undeclared driving can create serious liability problems.
- Add early if possible: it is easier to organise at booking or collection than during the trip.
What is an additional driver?
The main driver is responsible for the booking, payment card and collection. An additional driver is another authorised person added to the agreement so they can drive during the hire period.
If someone drives without being added, the supplier may treat it as unauthorised use. That can affect insurance, excess, roadside assistance and charges after an incident.
Additional driver costs shown by UK suppliers
The figures below are the available UK optional charges. Final fees can vary by location, vehicle category, dates and supplier conditions, so always check the live offer before booking.
| Hire company | Additional driver fee | Maximum shown |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo | £12 per day | £120 |
| Avis | £15 per day | £150 |
| Budget | £15 per day | £150 |
| Dollar | £21 per day | £206 |
| Enterprise | £20 per day | No maximum shown |
| Europcar | £14 per day | £119 |
| Green Motion | £16 per day | No maximum shown |
| Hertz | £21 per day | £206 |
| National | £20 per day | No maximum shown |
| Sixt | £17 per day | £168 |
Documents required for an additional driver
The additional driver usually needs to be present with a valid driving licence and ID when added. The supplier may also check age, licence duration and country-specific requirements.
If the additional driver arrives later, ask whether they can be added after collection and where. Do not let them drive until the supplier has added them in writing.
Main driver, card and responsibility
Adding another driver does not normally make them the payer or main contract holder. The main driver usually remains responsible for the deposit, card hold and rental agreement.
The card rules still matter. If the main driver cannot provide an accepted card, adding another driver does not automatically solve the problem unless the supplier changes the main driver under its conditions. For card-related checks, see our car hire without a credit card guide.
When an additional driver is worth it
Sharing the driving can reduce fatigue and improve safety.
Another adult can drive while the main driver rests.
Useful when colleagues share appointments or routes.
Helpful on long routes, but cross-border permission still matters.
Insurance, excess and undeclared drivers
Insurance and excess rules normally apply only when the vehicle is used according to the agreement. If an undeclared driver has an accident, the supplier may refuse cover or charge costs under the contract.
Read car hire insurance and excess before assuming that cover follows every person in the car. Authorisation is central.
Additional driver checklist
Before adding another driver
- check daily fee and maximum charge;
- confirm age and licence requirements;
- bring licence and ID for each driver;
- make sure the driver is written on the agreement;
- ask whether they can be added later;
- check young driver charges if relevant;
- confirm cross-border permission if driving abroad;
- keep a copy of the updated rental agreement.
Mistakes to avoid when sharing the driving
The biggest mistake is letting someone drive before they are written on the agreement. Even a short drive to the hotel or petrol station can create a problem if there is an accident, damage or traffic offence.
Another mistake is assuming that the additional driver fee is always a single fixed amount. Some suppliers charge per day and some show a maximum. For a long rental, the difference between a daily fee and a capped fee can be significant.
How to decide if the fee is worth it
An additional driver is usually worth considering when the route is long, the main driver is unfamiliar with the roads, or the journey includes late arrivals and early starts. Fatigue is a real risk, and sharing the driving can make the trip safer and more comfortable.
For a short city hire, the extra cost may not be necessary. Compare the fee with the real benefit: distance, driving hours, road type, weather, passengers and schedule. The option is most useful when it prevents tired driving or gives the group flexibility.
Adding a driver at the desk vs during the hire
Adding a driver at collection is usually simpler because the person can present documents before the agreement is finalised. Adding someone later may require returning to a branch, paying from that point onward and receiving an updated contract.
If you know a second person may drive, organise it early. Waiting until the main driver is tired or the route changes can create pressure to let someone drive unofficially, which is exactly the situation the additional driver option is designed to avoid.
What to check on the updated agreement
After adding a driver, check that their name appears on the rental agreement and that the fee is clear. If the desk adds the driver but does not update the paperwork, ask for a corrected copy before leaving.
Also confirm whether the added driver is authorised for the whole rental period or only from the moment they are added. This matters if the person joins the trip later or if there is a question after an incident.
Final practical check
If the additional driver is added for safety, plan when they will actually drive. Switching drivers before fatigue builds up is better than waiting until the main driver is already tired, especially on motorways or after a late flight.
For business trips, make sure the person driving is named individually. A company booking does not automatically authorise every colleague to drive the vehicle.
If the trip involves several countries or long distances, confirm that the additional driver is also covered for the same route and restrictions as the main driver.
Conclusion: add drivers properly or do not let them drive
An additional driver is often worth the cost when it reduces fatigue or makes the trip more flexible. The important point is that the driver must be officially accepted by the supplier.
Use gocarhire.co.uk to compare additional driver costs and supplier conditions before booking, especially for long journeys or group travel.
Add another driver correctly
Compare additional driver fees, documents and supplier conditions before booking.
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