Can someone hire a car in the UK if he has passed his medical after a 3 year ban?

My boyfriend was banned for 3 years for drink driving. His ban has now come to an end and has done is medical where he was declared 'fit & healthy', he was wondering if he hire a car in England now (before he buys his own)? We are going to South Africa this september - will he be able to hire a car there? Also he says he can't go to Canada for a holiday for the next 5 years is this true? thanks