Can a person with a permit drive a rental car?

It depends what the contract for the rental car is. Usually there is one or two specific people that are only allowed to drive, and they usually have to be at least 21. Sometimes you are allowed to rent a car at 18, but because of insurance purposes, the cost is higher. If you want to find out if you are allowed to drive a rental with a permit, check the contract or just call the rental company to check.