I want to use a rental car on my trip to Okinawa,Can I still rent if I just got my license?"Many people must be anxious about this.
As it turns out, most car rental companies allow beginners (with a driver's license less than one year old) to rent a car. However, there are some precautions that are unique to beginners, so it is important to check them carefully. In this article, we will explain the key points for beginners to rent a car, necessary procedures, and basic information on indemnity and NOC in an easy-to-understand manner.
Table of Contents
Even beginners can rent a car! However, there is a caveat
Most car rental companies in Okinawa allow beginners to rent a car without any problems.
However, the following points should be noted
A driver's license is acceptable, a provisional license is not.
Rental is possible with a driver's license (even if the driver's license has been held for less than one year)
Provisional licenses are not available (rental cars cannot be rented from car rental companies).
Attaching the beginner's mark is obligatory.
Beginners (those who have been licensed for less than one year) are required by law to put a beginner's mark on the front and rear of their vehicle.
Depending on the car rental company, beginner's marks may be rented for free or for a fee. Be sure to check if they have beginner's marks available for rent before renting a car!
Points to check when inquiring about car rental companies
If there is a fee, how much does it cost?
Can I bring my own beginner's mark?
If you bring your own, you can use the ones you received at the driving school; they are sometimes sold at 100-yen stores!
List of rental car companies that accept beginners (Okinawa)
The following is a summary of car rental companies' responses to beginners in Okinawa Prefecture.
| Car Rental Company | Limitation on the number of years of licensure | age limit | loan of a beginner's mark |
|---|---|---|---|
 Budget Rent-a-Car |
nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | Yes (confirmation required) |
Sky Rent-a-Car |
nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | Yes (confirmation required) |
| Times Car Rental | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | Yes (confirmation required) |
| ORIX Rent-a-Car | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | Yes (confirmation required) |
| OTS Car Rental | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | None, bring your own (confirmation required) |
Many other car rental companies allow beginners to rent a car without problems! However, conditions may differ from store to store, so it is safe to inquire by phone or e-mail in advance. (The information in the table is based on the official website as of February 2025.)
What are car rental deductibles and NOCs?
If you rent a car, it is very important to check the contents of the compensation plan. In particular, you should know about the "deductible compensation" and "NOC (non-operation charge)".
What is indemnity coverage?
This coverage covers the co-payment (deductible) we pay to the rental car company in the event of an accident. The basic rental car plan includes coverage for the vehicle and the other party, but be aware that you may have to pay out-of-pocket in the event of an accident!
Some rental car companies require subscription.
What is NOC (Non-Operating Charge)?
If a rental car is involved in an accident or breaks down and needs to be repaired, that car will not be available for rental to other customers. The cost is charged as compensation for the business during that time. For example, if the car has to be repaired due to an accident, a NOC of several tens of thousands of yen is often charged.
Travelers are especially encouraged to purchase NOC coverage!
Recommendations for choosing a rental car for beginners
The following is a list of points to keep in mind when renting a car for beginners.
Check insurance and coverage carefully.
It is a good idea to have liability & NOC coverage. I live in Okinawa and see accidents with rental cars all the time.
Compact cars are recommended for car size.
Okinawa has many narrow roads and tight parking lots, so choosing a car with a small wheelbase makes driving easier.
Let's know the driving conditions in Okinawa.
My impression of Okinawa is that there is a lot of "fast-paced driving. There are many cars and motorcycles that change lanes without blinking their blinkers, narrow roads where only one car can pass, and dead-ends where you have to back up if you take the wrong turn. Be sure to drive carefully.
Rent a car in Okinawa with confidence, even if you are a beginner!
In Okinawa, there are many companies that allow beginners with less than one year of driver's license to rent a car. Remember, however, that it is obligatory to affix the beginner's mark!
Points to keep in mind for beginners
Beginner's mark is required, check the rental fee in advance.
The company is also able to offer liability & NOC coverage.
We recommend that you contact the car rental company!
Contributor Profile
- Okinawa travel media "OKIBRA" has been happily operated since 2020 by Kazunari, a computer geek, and Son-chan, an anime & food lover! They love Okinawa so much that they have visited more than 50 hotels and 500 restaurants in the prefecture, and they share the charms of Okinawa on Instagram and on the web. We will bring you the charms of Okinawa that you can't find anywhere else, from the unique perspective of a husband and wife team!
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