Left hand drive questions and answers
Is it legal to drive a left hand drive vehicle in the UK?
Yes. Left hand drive cars, vans and minibuses can be driven, registered, taxed and insured in the UK. Headlights must be set for driving on the left and the speedometer must show miles per hour. See our guide: https://lefthanddriveuk.com/left-hand-drive-uk-guide/
How long can a foreign registered vehicle be driven in the UK?
A visitor can use a foreign registered vehicle in the UK for up to 6 months in any 12 month period. After that it must be registered with the DVLA or exported.
How do I register a left hand drive vehicle in the UK?
An imported vehicle needs a NOVA notification to HMRC, then you apply to the DVLA to register it, usually with form V55/5. Depending on its age you will need an MOT or a vehicle approval check. Many of our vehicles already have NOVA and customs done. See our full guide: https://lefthanddriveuk.com/register-left-hand-drive-uk/
What is NOVA?
NOVA stands for Notification of Vehicle Arrivals. It is how HMRC is told that an imported vehicle has arrived in the UK, and it must be done before the DVLA will register the vehicle.
Can I export a left hand drive vehicle from the UK?
Yes. Left hand drive vehicles are in demand in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Many of our vehicles are ready for export. Tell us the country it is going to and we will talk it through with you.
Can I drive a left hand drive 9-seater minibus on a car licence?
In most cases a minibus with up to 8 passenger seats plus the driver can be driven on a standard UK car licence (category B), as long as it is not used for hire or reward. Check your own licence and use.
Is a left hand drive van cheaper than a right hand drive van?
Usually, yes. Left hand drive vans and minibuses often sell for less than the same vehicle in right hand drive, which makes them good value for UK buyers, export buyers and people working in Europe.
Do you sell left hand drive Mercedes Sprinters?
Yes, we regularly have left hand drive Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, including 9-seater minibuses and panel vans. See https://lefthanddriveuk.com/left-hand-drive-sprinter/
Do you buy left hand drive vehicles?
Yes. We buy left hand drive vans, minibuses and cars, including foreign registered and imported vehicles. Tell us about yours at https://lefthanddriveuk.com/sell-left-hand-drive/ and we will call you back with an offer.
How do I buy a vehicle?
Leave your name and phone number on the vehicle page or our contact form and we will call you back.
Contact us
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