Updated 15 October 2026.
Renting a car without driving experience does not meet BLS's standard self-drive requirements. For most passenger cars, you must be at least 21 and have at least two years of driving experience. If you have just obtained your licence or have only one year's experience, paying extra, increasing the deposit or buying insurance does not replace these requirements. A car with a chauffeur is an alternative for your trip.
This guide explains BLS Car Rental's requirements for rentals in Ukraine. Other rental companies may have different policies. An offer for new drivers elsewhere does not mean the same arrangement is available from BLS.
Minimum age and driving experience at BLS
You must meet both the age and experience requirements. Turning 21 does not make you eligible if you lack the necessary experience. Having two years of experience also does not remove a higher age limit for a particular vehicle class or rate.
| Vehicle or rate | Minimum age | Minimum driving experience |
|---|---|---|
| Most passenger cars on standard terms | 21 | 2 years |
| VIP cars and convertibles on standard terms | 23 | 2 years |
| Trucks | 25 | 5 years and the appropriate licence category |
| Prime for eligible vehicles | 25 | 3 years |
Check the basic eligibility rules and vehicle class age limits in the BLS rental terms. Confirm that you qualify for your chosen vehicle and rate on the collection date before booking.
Can you rent with less than two years of experience?
Under BLS's standard terms, no. This applies whether you have six months or one year of experience. Being 25 or 30 does not compensate for insufficient driving experience.
For example, a 22-year-old with one year's experience does not yet meet the basic requirements. A 22-year-old with two years of experience meets the basic age and experience criteria for most passenger cars, but does not yet qualify for Prime or VIP cars. Completing a rental also depends on your documents, vehicle availability and the agreed booking conditions.
Does a larger deposit, insurance or Prime change eligibility?
The deposit, insurance cover and driver eligibility serve different purposes. The deposit secures payments due under the contract; insurance operates within its stated cover and exclusions. Paying a larger deposit or choosing an economy car is not a confirmed way to rent without the required experience at BLS.
Prime does not waive the experience requirement: you must be at least 25 with three years of driving experience. The BLS FAQ explains the rate and booking requirements. Do not pay for a booking on the assumption that extra insurance will automatically make you eligible to drive.
Documents to check before booking
Ukrainian citizens need a passport or ID card, a valid driving licence and a tax identification number. Prepare the originals and confirm the accepted document format before collecting the car.
International customers should tell BLS which country issued their licence and ask whether an International Driving Permit is required. A foreign licence does not exempt you from BLS's minimum age and driving experience requirements. Confirm acceptance of your documents before paying or travelling to the collection point.
If your licence has been replaced or does not clearly show your earlier driving history, ask the manager how to demonstrate the required experience before payment. Do not assume that a verbal explanation or a photograph of an old document will be sufficient.
An alternative if you do not have enough experience
For a business meeting, transfer, event or intercity journey, consider a BLS car with a chauffeur. A professional driver handles the driving while you travel as a passenger. You do not need to meet the self-drive experience requirements to use the service as a passenger.
To request a quote, provide the city, date and time, route, passenger numbers, luggage and any waiting time. Agree on availability, the driver's working hours, total price and booking change conditions. The service contract sets out each party's rights and responsibilities.
Once you meet the requirements: booking a self-drive car
Check the age and experience criteria for your chosen class, prepare your documents, and agree on the rate, deposit, insurance and mileage allowance. Then follow the BLS guide to renting a car, which covers booking, inspecting the vehicle and returning it.
Frequently asked questions
Can an 18–20-year-old rent a car from BLS?
BLS's standard minimum age for most passenger cars is 21. Holding a driving licence at 18–20 does not meet that age requirement.
Can an experienced friend rent the car and let me drive?
Every driver must be approved by BLS and named in the rental agreement. An additional driver must also meet the age and experience requirements. Booking in someone else's name does not remove them.
Are no-experience, no-licence and no-deposit rentals the same?
No. Experience concerns driver eligibility, a licence establishes the right to drive, and a deposit concerns the financial terms. An offer without a standard deposit does not allow you to drive without a valid licence or the required experience.
Are these requirements the same across Ukraine?
This article describes BLS's terms. Other rental companies set their own rental policies; check directly with the provider before booking.
Author: Stefen Blagovisniy, co-founder and director of BLS Car Rental.