Left hand drive in the UK: rules, safety and driving tips
Thinking of buying, importing or driving a left hand drive car, van or minibus in the UK? Here is what the law requires, practical tips for driving on UK roads, and how to import and register a left hand drive vehicle.
Legal and safety requirements
- UK standards: a left hand drive vehicle must meet all standard British MOT, safety and emissions rules.
- Headlights: adjust or replace the headlights so they don't dazzle oncoming traffic when driving on the left.
- Speedometer: it must show miles per hour (mph), or have an overlay showing mph alongside km/h.
- Mirrors: the side mirrors must give a clear view of the road and blind spots from the left hand seat.
Practical tips for driving a left hand drive in the UK
- Roundabouts: go round roundabouts clockwise, just like any other vehicle in the UK.
- Overtaking: passing slower vehicles on single carriageway roads is harder because you sit further from the centre line. Hang back to get a better view, and allow a bigger gap.
- Toll booths, car parks and drive-thrus: ticket machines, barriers and drive-thru windows are on the other side of the car, so pull in close or use the passenger window.
- Junctions: take extra care at angled junctions where your view to the right is limited. A passenger can help.
Buying or importing a left hand drive vehicle
- Buy from a specialist: we sell left hand drive vans, minibuses and cars in the UK, many with NOVA and customs already done. We also buy left hand drive vehicles.
- Importing from Europe: complete the customs paperwork, pay any duty or VAT, make a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) declaration, then register the vehicle with the DVLA. See our step by step guide to registering a left hand drive vehicle in the UK, including the V55/5 form.
- Foreign registration: visitors can drive a foreign registered vehicle on UK roads for up to 6 months in any 12 month period. After that it must be registered in the UK or exported.
Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK: importing vehicles into the UK.
Questions
Is it legal to drive a left hand drive car in the UK?
Yes. Left hand drive cars, vans and minibuses are legal on UK roads, as long as they meet UK MOT, safety and emissions rules, the headlights are set for driving on the left, and the speedometer shows miles per hour.
Do I need to change the headlights on a left hand drive car?
Yes. Headlights on a left hand drive vehicle dip towards the right, so they must be adjusted, fitted with beam converters, or replaced so they do not dazzle oncoming traffic on UK roads.
Does a left hand drive speedometer need to show mph?
Yes. The speedometer must show miles per hour. A dual mph and km/h dial, or an mph overlay, is acceptable.
How long can I drive a foreign registered car 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, or if you become UK resident, it must be registered with the DVLA or taken out of the country.
Is it hard to drive a left hand drive in the UK?
Most drivers adjust within a few days. Overtaking on single carriageway roads needs more care because you sit further from the centre line, and toll booths, car park barriers and drive-thrus are on the other side of the car.
How do I import a left hand drive car into the UK?
Complete the customs paperwork, pay any VAT or duty, make a NOVA declaration to HMRC, make the vehicle UK road legal, then register it with the DVLA, usually using form V55/5.
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