Month: July 2021

How To Drive Stick? Quick Guide To Manual Cars

Manual cars are nowhere near as popular as automatics, though they aren’t gone completely. In fact, many suppliers around the globe still offer rental cars with a stick-shift transmission. Here’s a short guide to driving a manual car, just in case you need a quick reminder. If you’re wondering how to drive stick, you have come to the right place!

To keep things quick and simple, you can click one of the links below to jump to each section of the guide.

Be sure to check out our blog for more handy tips. Young drivers should take a look at this post. Wondering if now’s the right time to book your rental car? This guide may help.

Without further ado, let’s jump into this guide!

The Basics

Manual cars certainly aren’t for everyone. If you’re renting a car in the US, you probably won’t come across any rental cars with a stick-shift transmission. In other parts of the world, however, manual cars can be quite common. Transmissions are determined by the car type you book, so you can always see whether your rental car is a manual during the booking process.

Check out this guide to learn more about different rental car types, ACRISS codes, and the mysterious “or similar” phrase when booking a car.

Once you’re behind the wheel of an automobile equipped with a stick-shift, you will see three pedals:

  • Clutch– left
  • Brake– middle
  • Accelerator– right

Before driving off, you may want to find out how to turn the engine on in the first place. To start a car with an automatic transmission, you’ll simply need to push the brake pedal and press the engine start button, or turn the ignition key.

Things are a little bit different when it comes to manual cars.

How To Start A Manual Car

The first step to learning how to drive stick is finding out how to turn the engine on. Keep reading to find out.

1. Put the car in neutral

First and foremost, make sure the vehicle is in neutral.

2. Push down the clutch

To start the engine of a manual car, you first have to push down the clutch. That’s the pedal on the left-hand side.

3. Turn ignition

Turn the key in the ignition to start the engine. Make sure the engine is on before letting go of the key.

How To Drive A Manual Car

Once the engine is on, it’s time to set off!

1. Disengage the parking brake

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten about this. The truth is, you will not get very far with the parking brake pushed down. Ensure the parking brake is disengaged before driving off. If you see a “P” icon on the display, the brake is engaged.

2. Put the car in first gear

To get the car in gear, you first have to push down the clutch pedal. With the pedal pushed down, grab the gear stick and put it in first gear. You can use the diagram atop the stick to help you locate the gear. It’s usually in the top-left corner, though that can vary depending on the rental car.

3. Get going!

This is arguably the hardest step when learning how to drive stick. You have to slowly take your left foot off the clutch pedal. Once the car starts to roll, you can gently press the accelerator and lift your foot off the clutch. Be careful not to lift your left foot off the clutch too fast, as you may cause the car to stall.

That said, don’t worry if you stall the car! It’s a common occurrence, especially if it’s your first time driving stick in a while. Simply go back to square one, turn the engine on and try once again. It may take you a few failed attempts to feel the clutch.

4. Switching gears

Switching from first to second gear, then to third and so on is a lot less scary than it may seem. All you need to do is:

  • Lift your right foot off the throttle pedal
  • At the same time, push down the clutch pedal using your left foot
  • With the clutch down, move the gear shift to the desired gear position
  • Once the gear is engaged, slowly lift your left foot off the clutch
  • Push down the accelerator with your right foot, and you’re all set!

Repeat the process whenever you need to switch gears.

5. Coming to a complete stop

When approaching a red light or a stop sign, you’ll obviously need to come to a complete stop. Though the procedure is a little more complicated than stopping an automatic car, you’ll quickly get used to it!

Whenever you need to slow down, it’s enough to simply push down the brake pedal with your right foot. Note that you may want to switch into a lower gear, depending on how much speed you’ve lost.

If you want to come to a complete stop, you’ll need to push down the clutch with your left foot whenever the speed is lower than around 5 miles per hour (8km/h). Otherwise, the engine may stall.

When you’re standing still in a stick-shift car, it’s typically recommended to leave the transmission in neutral and apply the brake with your left foot.

6. Parking a manual car

Parking can get a little tricky, even with an automatic transmission. To engage reverse, you may need to push down the gear shift to disengage a safety lockout first. The method can vary slightly depending on the vehicle, it’s best to take a look at your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.

Once the car is parked, it is highly recommended to leave it either in first gear or in reverse, with the parking brake applied all the way. That way, you can be sure that the car won’t roll down a hill.

Bonus: Starting on a hill

Starting on a hill is another task that can seem a little risky to those, who don’t have much experience driving a stick-shift.

The key to starting on a hill without rolling back is using the parking brake. Engage the parking brake first, then get in gear as you normally would and release the parking brake when you feel the car fighting against it. It may take a few tries to master, but it’s extremely useful to know this.

Now that you know how to drive stick, you’re all set for your next adventure!

DON’T FORGET TO USE RENTALMOOSE TO FIND THE BEST RENTAL CAR DEAL FOR YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP!

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How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent a Car?

Rental car age limits can get quite confusing, especially if you’re traveling around different countries. Simply being over 18 years old may not be enough to rent a car, depending on the location, car type, as well as the rental company and its policies.

To keep things clear and simple, this blog post is divided into sections based on different countries. Click the links to jump to each section.

Europe

North America

Rest of the world

Rental Car Age Limits in Europe

Young drivers will be happy to hear that they can rent vehicles in most European countries. In fact, the minimum age to rent a car in many countries in Europe is just 18. There are some exceptions, such as Bulgaria or Denmark.

Don’t forget to find your next rental car deal via Rentalmoose. Browse through thousands of locations and pick from the world’s most trusted suppliers. Rentalmoose cares about a better tomorrow, we plant a tree for every booking!

Rentalmoose insider tip: Are you a young driver? Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve driven a manual car. Check out this handy guide to driving a stick-shift.

Keep in mind that your rental company can add extra policies on top of the limits in each country. Be sure to double-check the limits directly with your rental company before booking. That way, you can avoid any misunderstandings during the rental period.

Don’t forget that drivers younger than 25 can face a “young driver fee” added on top of their rental bill. You can learn more about rental car fees in this blog post.

Austria

You have to be at least 18 years old to rent a car in Austria. The country has no maximum age to rent a car, though rental companies may add a senior driver surcharge for older customers.

Belgium

The minimum age to rent a car in Belgium is 19. There is no maximum age to rent a car in Belgium. Young drivers who are less than 25 years old should expect to pay a daily young driver surcharge.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria has some of the strictest rental car limits in Europe. Drivers younger than 21 will not be able to rent a car at all, same as seniors who are above 70 years old. A young driver fee will be added for drivers younger than 25.

Croatia

Croatia is a spectacular Balkan country with scenic roads that make for a perfect road trip destination. Anyone over the age of 18 should be able to rent a car from most suppliers. Note that the maximum age to rent a car in Croatia is 70.

Cyprus

A road trip around Cyprus is the ideal way to actively spend time on this beautiful island. Most suppliers require the renter to be at least 21 years old. Interestingly, most rental companies require at least 3 years of driving experience in order to rent a car in Cyprus.

Czech Republic

Most suppliers require the renter to be either 19 or 21 to rent a vehicle, at the very least. There is no maximum age to rent a car in the Czech Republic.

Denmark

The absolute minimum age to rent a car in Denmark is 21, though some suppliers do raise the limit to at least 23 years of age. There is no maximum age, though it can be imposed by the rental company. As always, be sure to double-check with the supplier before finalizing the booking.

Estonia

Estonia, the home of Rentalmoose, is a vastly underrated tourist destination in the North-East of Europe. Most suppliers will rent a car to anyone over 19, as long as they’ve had their license for at least a year. Young driver fees for drivers under 25 years of age are common and should be expected.

Finland

You need to be anywhere between 20 and 97 years old to be able to rent a car in Finland. What makes renting a car in Finland unique is the fact that most suppliers won’t charge a young driver surcharge. That said, it is completely up to the rental company to add a young driver fee for anyone between 21 and 25 years of age.

France

France has some of the lightest rental car limits in all of Europe. Anyone over the age of 18 should have no issues renting a car, as long as they’ve had a driving license for at least a year. Young driver fees are common and can add up to 40 EUR per day, on top of your rental car bill.

Germany

Germany is the perfect destination to explore by rental car. You can drive through the wonderful Black Forest, or discover Munich and its jaw-dropping surrounding area.

Most suppliers will rent a vehicle to anyone over the age of 18, though some raise the minimum age limit up to 21 years of age. Young driver fees will be applied to most renters aged between 18 and 25, depending on the rental company and its policies.

Greece

No matter whether you’re going to mainland Greece or one of the country’s spectacular islands, a private car is the most convenient way of getting around. In order to rent a car in Greece, you have to be at least 21 years old. Some suppliers also require the renter to be younger than 75.

Hungary

Much like Greece or Denmark, you need to be at least 21 years old in order to rent a car in Hungary. Most suppliers won’t let seniors over 85 book a rental car, either. Both young and senior drivers should expect an additional surcharge on top of their rental bill.

Ireland

Ireland is infamous for its strict rules when it comes to booking a rental car. Although the legal limit to rent a car here is 21 years of age, most suppliers won’t rent an automobile to drivers younger than 23. What’s more, drivers older than 75 may be required to prove that they have had a clean, accident-free driving history for the past five years.

Italy

You have to be at least 18 years old to rent a car in Italy. However, some suppliers raise the minimum age limit to 21 years. It’s best to double-check with your rental company before finalizing the transaction.

Netherlands

Young driver fees are commonplace in the Netherlands. The minimum age to rent a car varies from 21 to 23, depending on the rental company. As always, be sure to read through the terms and conditions before booking. Here are 9 other reasons why you should always read the T&Cs.

Norway

Norway’s spectacular natural beauty makes for a perfect destination to be discovered via rental car. You will have to be at least 19 years old to rent a car in Norway. Most companies will add a young driver surcharge for renters under 25.

Poland

When it comes to cheap tourist destinations in Europe, Poland may be one of the best picks. The vibrant city of Warsaw, or the scenic Baltic Sea coast are ideal for a summer road trip.

When it comes to renting a car in Poland, most suppliers require the renters to be at least 18 years old and have a year of driving experience at the very least. The young driver surcharge is typically only applied when the renter is below 21 years old.

Be sure to check out our guide on driving in Poland before going on your adventure.

Portugal

Portugal is yet another European country with relatively light limitations when it comes to renting a car. As long as you’re over 18 years old and have had your license for at least a year, booking a rental car should not be an issue. Note that seniors who are over 80 years old may not be able to rent a car at all.

Serbia

Rental companies in Serbia will not permit anyone under 21 to rent a car. There is no limit for senior drivers, though.

Slovakia

The rules in Slovakia are rather relaxed when it comes to young drivers. Most suppliers won’t have any issues, as long as the driver is over 19 years old. Drivers younger than 23 years old should expect a daily young driver surcharge.

Spain

Spain’s Costa del Sol or the Northern tip of the country are best explored by car. When it comes to young drivers, most rental companies set the age limit of at least 21, while others raise it to 23 years of age. Drivers younger than 25 will face a young driver fee, too.

Sweden

Sweden’s age limits for car rentals are among the most confusing in all of Europe. They can vary greatly depending on the rental company, ranging from 18 years of age with no young driver fees all the way to 21 or even above. Once again, don’t forget to double-check with the supplier before booking your rental car.

Switzerland

Most tourists will think of Switzerland as a winter wonderland, though the country is worth visiting all year long! The rental limits are far more relaxed than Switzerland’s infamous traffic laws. Most companies require the renter to be either 19 or 21 years old at the very least. There is no maximum limit for seniors.

Turkey

Driving across the sunny Turkish Riviera is a perfect way to spend the summer holidays. Most suppliers require the renter to be at least 21 years old, with at least a year of driving experience. Drivers younger than 25 should expect a daily surcharge. Seniors older than 70 may have limited access to the inventory.

United Kingdom

While a rental car may not be the ideal way of getting around London, it is extremely convenient to have a car if you’re planning to travel between different cities in the United Kingdom. Most companies require the renter to be at least 21 years old, though some may rent their vehicles out to drivers as young as 17. Young driver fees apply to all renters younger than 25, and they can add up to 40 pounds per day.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in North American countries?

Note that the rental limits vary depending on the region and the supplier. In the end, it all depends on the rental company and their policies. Ensure you are eligible to rent a car before booking your vehicle. Contact the supplier directly for verification, if necessary.

Canada

If you want to rent a car in Canada, you have to be at least 21 years old. Like in most other countries, you are required to have held your driving license for at least a year. Note that a young driver fee may be added for renters younger than 25.

Mexico

A road trip around the Yucatan Peninsula, or exploring Baja California by car should land on the bucket list of any traveler. Young drivers may find it difficult to rent a car here, as virtually no supplier will rent a vehicle to someone younger than 21. Young driver fees will be added if the renter is between 21 and 24 years old.

United States of America

Car rental age limits in the US are perhaps the most confusing in the world. The rules vary greatly depending on the state and the rental company. In most states, the renter has to be at least 18 years old. Many suppliers raise the minimum age to 21 years, though.

Young driver fees can be added to the bill if the renter is under 25, though that too depends on the state and the policy of the supplier. Most states don’t have a maximum age to rent a car, though seniors may only have access to a limited part of the inventory.

Rental Car Age Limits in Different Countries Around The World

Australia

You need to be at least 21 years old to drive a rental car across the Great Ocean Road, for example. The minimum age to rent a car in Australia is 21. Drivers younger than 25 should expect a surcharge. As always, be sure to double-check the limit with the rental company, as some locations may have a higher limit than others.

Indonesia

Few holiday ideas are as fantastic as a road trip around Bali. Note that you need to be at least 23 years old to rent a car in Indonesia. At least 1 year of driving experience, based on the issue date of your license, is required.

New Zealand

The vast majority of suppliers set the minimum age limit to rent a car in New Zealand to at least 21 years. Hertz, however, does allow 18 year olds to rent cars in some of their New Zealand locations. Drivers below 25 years of age should expect young driver surcharges.

Singapore

In order to rent a car in Singapore, the renter should be between 23 and 70 years old. However, some suppliers may allow drivers as young as 21 to rent a car. It’s all down to the company and its individual policies, hence it’s best to directly get in touch with the supplier before booking.

Don’t forget to use Rentalmoose to find the best rental car deal for your next road trip!

Post your pictures from your next road trip online using #Rentalmoose! Our favorite ones will be featured in our travel guides.

Get your car from Rentalmoose, we plant a tree for every booking made with our platform.

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