Licence-Held Duration
Licence-held duration is how long you must have actually held a full licence before a company will rent to you. Age is one test; experience is another, and this is the experience one. A common requirement is at least one year, sometimes two or three for bigger or premium cars.
It exists because a brand-new licence holder, whatever their age, is statistically more likely to have an incident. The rule lets insurers price for experience rather than just years lived.
The clock runs from when your full licence was issued, not your provisional or learner stage. If you only recently passed your test, check this requirement carefully — it can stop a booking even when you are well over the minimum age.
Your licence usually shows its issue date, and the rental company may check it at the desk. If you are a newly qualified driver, confirm the licence-held rule before booking so there is no surprise refusal.
Related terms
Driving Licence Requirements
The conditions your licence must meet to rent — valid, the right category, and usually in an accepted script.
Minimum Driving Age
The youngest age at which a company will rent you a car at all — often 21, sometimes higher for bigger vehicles.
Young Driver Fee
A daily surcharge for drivers below a set age — often under 25 — because insurers treat them as higher risk.