Import a left hand drive (LHD) car to the UK

LHD UK CAR IMPORT SPECIALIST

Import a LHD car To the UK

Are you looking to import a left-hand drive (LHD) car from Europe into the UK? Whether you are relocating to the UK or seeking to purchase a LHD car, we provide a comprehensive import solution tailored to your needs. We can also register right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles from Japan or Hong Kong. 

Navigating the complexities of car import regulations can be daunting, but our team of dedicated consultants is here to simplify the process for you. We'll ensure that your vehicle meets all of the necessary requirements to be road-legal in the UK, handling everything from paperwork to logistics with expertise and efficiency.

Why choose us for your LHD import needs ?

Vehicle Selection: We assist in selecting the ideal car from Europe, considering your preferences and requirements while ensuring compliance with UK regulations. 

Shipping: We organise fully insured shipping from Europe to your desired location in the UK.

Customs: Our dedicated team manages all aspects of customs clearance for your imported vehicle, ensuring a hassle-free import process.

Modifications: Left-hand drive cars may require modifications to make them road-legal in the UK, including adapted headlights, speedometer replacement, and fog light installation.

Testing and Registration: We arrange for the vehicle to undergo an MOT-test and register it with the DVLA. 

Delivery: Finally, we deliver the car to your desired location in the UK

Frequently asked questions on importing a car into the uk : 

Can I import a RHD or LHD car to the UK?

Yes. We provide a complete import service for left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles from Europe and other regions with sourcing, shipping, UK customs clearance, compliance and DVLA registration all managed on your behalf.

What needs to change on a left-hand drive car to register it in the UK?

To meet UK road-safety standards an LHD car usually needs its headlights and rear fog lamp adjusted to the UK pattern, and, depending on the vehicle, may need Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) or proof of type-approval. We arrange the necessary work and testing so it meets DVLA requirements.

Do I have to pay VAT and import duty when importing a car to the UK?

On a permanent import you normally pay import VAT (currently 20%) and, in many cases, customs duty (typically 10% for cars). Cars qualifying as EU-origin can be duty-free under the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the correct proof of origin. We calculate exactly what's due for your vehicle and handle it as part of clearance.

What is NOVA and when is it needed?

NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) is the notification to HMRC that a vehicle has permanently arrived in the UK, and it settles the VAT position. It must be made within 14 days of arrival, and DVLA cannot register the car until NOVA is processed. We handle this for you.

Do you handle the customs clearance and DVLA registration?

Yes. We manage the full process — shipping, UK customs clearance, VAT and any duty, MOT where required, and DVLA registration — with all documentation provided. You receive a road-legal, UK-registered vehicle.

Can you also import a right-hand drive car from outside Europe?

Yes. Alongside left-hand drive cars from Europe, we source and register right-hand drive vehicles from markets such as Japan and Hong Kong, with the same end-to-end import and registration service, and because these markets drive on the left like the UK, no steering conversion is needed. Whether the car needs an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test comes down to its age: a car less than 10 years old must pass IVA — a DVSA inspection against UK safety and environmental standards, with typical changes being a rear fog lamp, a speedometer reading in mph, UK-specification headlights and indicators, and removal of any front window tint — while a car 10 years old or more needs only a standard MOT instead. Either way, we handle the approval route, any modifications, the testing and DVLA registration for you.

Who is the service for?

Both private buyers — including people relocating to the UK who want to bring in or buy a left-hand drive car — and trade/dealer buyers importing for resale. Please inform us of the make, model and specification and we'll come back with options for you to consider.

How long does importing and registering a car in the UK take?

It depends on the vehicle and where it's coming from, but typically allow around 6-7 weeks for sourcing and shipping, plus time for compliance work, NOVA and DVLA registration. We will always give you a realistic timeline with your quote and keep you updated throughout.

Enquire with us on a LHD import to the UK

Our Order Process :

VEHICLE QUOTATION  :
Once you have decided which specific LHD vehicle you would like to import into the UK we can then provide a fully costed quotation to you based on a ready stock LHD vehicle or a slight used one with low mileage. Our web page enquiry form shown further down this page is where you can enter your specific vehicle requirements. It's really important at this stage that we understand everything about your desired LHD vehicle purchase for the UK.

We supply all the major brands from Europe and further afield such as :
Audi, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Land Rover, Lamborghini, Nissan, Porsche, Tesla, Volvo &  others. 

ORDER CONFIRMATION : 
Once the order form has been signed off with your agreement, we then begin the order process. Our order form will show complete transparent pricing of the vehicle price, logistics costs, UK registration costs and other items associated with compliance and UK registration.

It is at this stage that we then start the payment process with you to secure and lock in the vehicle order. Our specialist team are always in contact with you throughout the process and will be able to explain the payment process in great detail once an enquiry is made. 

 Order process continued....

FINAL STAGE - UK REGISTRATION :
When the vehicle is ready for final payment we then start the important stage of logistics to the UK and then the necessary compliance and customs work for final completion.

Our service includes the following :
- Insured transport to the UK
- Customs declaration 
- HMRC notification of vehicle arrival (NOVA)
- Certificate of Conformity provision 
- LHD modification for UK road saftey standards eg headlights, speedo, rear fog light positioning
- Delivery to your door in the UK once the registration process is complete

Before your imported vehicle can be registered with the DVLA, HMRC requires a NOVA declaration — short for Notification of Vehicle Arrivals. It is how HMRC confirms that VAT and any applicable duty have been correctly accounted for. There is 14 days from the vehicle's arrival in the UK to submit it.

Our company has been established since 2001. You can be assured that you are dealing with an established business with a strong reputation for providing quality support to its clients.

Our payment terms are via bank TT transfer. Our team are more than happy to discuss all of these important points relating to your purchase in more detail. 

Please view the Car Imports section and select a vehicle or simply fill in your contact details on our Contact page.

Import a LHD car to the UK

OBTAIN A UK CAR IMPORT QUOTE

If you are looking to import a left-hand drive (LHD) or right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle into the UK and you know the specific vehicle requirements then we would love to assist you with your enquiry. At this point we would be grateful if you could provide us with the make, model, engine variant, whether new or used is required and also your intended purchase timeline for this vehicle purchase. 

Please enter your contact details below and one of our helpful export consultants will be in touch with you.

- Trade and Private Buyers welcome-