Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled a list of the most common questions relating to car clubs.

Who can join a car club?

Pretty much anyone with a valid driving licence can join a car club. While the rules of each club varies, generally speaking you need to be aged 19 or over and have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months. Eligibility may also be affected by your driving record including endorsements, insurance claims and convictions.

What if I have a non-UK driving licence?

Most car clubs can accept non-UK licences for the duration they are valid for driving in the UK. Just let the car club know during the joining process and they will provide further instructions.

How do I join?

Joining a car club is a very easy process. Simply apply online through their website or by calling them. Your driving record will then be checked with the DVLA (by means of a three-way call, or you can leave permissions with the DVLA to allow your details to be ‘released’ to the car club) and provided you satisfy the joining criteria, your membership application will be approved.

Can I take a club car for one way rentals?

Unfortunately not. Car clubs operate on a return basis i.e. you must return the car to the parking bay you picked it up from. Each car has its own parking space which is associated with that specific car, so you can’t drop it off in a different location.

One of the benefits of this is that you are always guaranteed a parking spot when you return from your booking - particularly useful in areas of high parking pressure.

How are bookings made?

All car clubs offer the ability to book online or by phone. Some car clubs offer the facility to book by text or directly from the car itself.

Can I book at the last minute or in advance?

Yes and yes. Car clubs are all about convenience, so you can book at the very last minute or months in advance if you prefer. Clearly the further in advance you book, the more likely it is that your preferred choice of car will be available. If you want a car for the weekend or a bank holiday, it is generally recommended that you book sooner rather than later as these are the busiest times for club cars.

Where are the cars located?

Cars are located either in off-street locations (private driveways, garages etc…) or in on-street parking bays. You will be able to see the details of where your car is located when you make your booking. Car locations are cleared marked either with signage or road markings so are very easy to find.

Who pays for fuel?

Each car club offers a certain number of free miles with each booking. If you don’t go over this, you won’t be charged for fuel, but if you do go over the free allowance you will simply be charged a certain amount per mile.

If you need to fill up the car during your booking, just fill up at a petrol station as normal and pay using a fuel card which will be located in the car. These are accepted at most petrol stations and you just hand the card over to the cashier (they will also ask for the current mileage of the car). The card ensures that the car club pays for the fuel so you don’t have to hand over a penny.

As the cars record your mileage, any applicable mileage charges will automatically be passed onto you by the car club.

Do car clubs provide automatic cars?

Yes, some do. Each car club offers a different choice of vehicles and these can range from hatchbacks, to estate cars, vans and more ‘flashy’ cars. Automatics are available with certain car club operators. Check their websites for details.

What if I have a problem during my booking?

Not a problem. Most car clubs have a dedicated phone number you can call for any help or advice before, during or at the end of your booking. These phone numbers are normally available 24/7 so there will always be a reassuring voice at the end of the line. Some car clubs offer the ability to contact them by the touch of a button via a built-in handsfree kit in the car.

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