The second driver when renting a car in Dubai: terms and agreement
When planning a trip to Dubai, many people consider renting a car to enjoy maximum freedom of movement. However, the question often arises about the possibility of having a second, and sometimes even a third, driver operate the rented vehicle. This option becomes especially relevant for family trips or long journeys, when drivers can take turns, distributing the workload. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the conditions, contractual nuances, and the process of adding a second driver when renting a car in Dubai and the UAE in general.
Terms and contractual aspects
Most major rental companies in Dubai offer the service of adding additional drivers.
However, there are certain conditions that must be met:
– First, each additional driver must meet the company’s age requirements (usually from 21 years old, but this may vary).
– Second, the driver must have a valid driver’s license. For foreign tourists, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required in addition to the national one.
– Some companies may have specific requirements regarding driving experience, especially for renting prestigious or high‑performance cars.
The lease agreement is a key document that sets out all the terms, including information about all drivers authorized to operate the vehicle. It is important to make sure that the second driver’s details are included in the agreement.
Unauthorized transfer of the steering wheel to another person not listed in the agreement may result in the insurance being voided and full financial liability for any damage or incidents.
How to add a second driver
The process of adding a second driver is usually simple and can be done either when booking a car online or directly at the rental company’s office. When booking online, the order form often includes an option to specify the number of additional drivers. After selecting this option, the system will prompt you to enter their details.
When picking up the car at the office, inform the rental company employee about your desire to add a second driver. You will need to present the driver’s license (and, if necessary, the international driving permit) of the potential second driver. There is usually a small additional fee for adding each additional driver, which depends on the policy of the specific rental company. This amount is usually fixed and paid once.
Transferring a rented car to another driver
It is strongly not recommended to transfer a rented car to another driver who is not listed in the rental agreement. This constitutes a violation of the contract terms and may lead to serious legal and financial consequences. In the event of a traffic accident or other incident, the insurance may be invalidated, and all liability will fall on the renter. Therefore, if you plan for someone other than yourself to drive the rented car, make sure their details are promptly included in the rental agreement.
Two drivers: a rental agreement in Dubai
When drawing up a rental agreement with two drivers, make sure that both names are clearly stated in the “Permitted Drivers” section. Check for the presence of the company’s signatures and seal. This information is official confirmation of the right to drive the vehicle. Having two drivers in the agreement provides legal protection and peace of mind in case a driver needs to be replaced during the journey.
Other useful blog articles:
Frequently Asked Questions
For non-residents:
International driving license
Local driving license of the country of origin
Passport
For UAE residents:
Passport
Emirates ID
Local driving license
RENT AND PAYMENT
Rent
Cars can be rented both on a daily basis and comprehensively, for a week, two weeks, a month, or more.
Payment
Payment can be made in cash, VISA, MasterCard, Russian cards or cryptocurrency.
Deposit will be refunded within 25 days.
Insurance
Delivery
Full coverage.
Free in Dubai.
DRIVER CONDITIONS
Docs
Driving experience
1+ years
Age
Passport and driver's license are required. International driver's licenses are also required for non-residents.
from 21+ years (depending on the car)
