New to driving on the left side of the road? Welcome to England. (Duncan Andison - stock.adobe.com)
Our 2026-2027 “Welcome to The U.K.” magazine is a guide for newcomers and is a vital resource for understanding your new home in England.
You must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and a USAFE Form 435 (driving/fuel permit) to drive in the U.K. Within 14 days of arrival, you must attend a driver’s briefing and take a driver’s test to obtain your permit. Study the official Highway Code book ahead of time at gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code.
Fueling on base
You must have your USAFE Form 435 on hand to fuel your vehicle at any on-base gas station.
Your vehicle must be affiliated with your driving/fuel permit in order to fuel it on base.
Visit Pass & Registration to have new vehicles added.
Off-base Fuel discount It is possible to get discounted fuel off base by participating in the AAFES Fuel Card program. You must have a current USAFE Form 435 and a Military Star Card account. Visit the BX for an application.
To drive a motorcycle, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your state driver’s license. Then you must take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) course, Experienced Rider Course (ERC), Basic Rider Course (BRC) or have proof of equivalent training less than three years old. A motorcycle endorsement will then be added to your USAFE Form 435. An EC-approved helmet is required while riding in the U.K. Check details with your Safety Office.
You have the option to buy a new or used car from dealers and private sellers.
Visit gov.uk/check-mot-history to check a second-hand vehicle’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) history, and to confirm the details given by the seller.
Road tax is not transferable and must be paid before driving the vehicle.
Vehicles cannot be driven on the road without a MOT.
All vehicles must be registered with the British authorities at Pass and Registration within three working days of purchase or import arrival. Only two vehicles are authorized per military member at a time.
Visit Pass and Registration to register your vehicle.
All shipped vehicles are permitted two trips until registered.
You may collect the vehicle from the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) or drive from Europe to your residence.
You may drive from your residence to a pre-booked Ministry of Transport (MOT) or Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) inspection and light conversion appointment.
Shipped vehicles are exempt from the first year of road tax. You must pay the tax 12 months after initial registration at Pass and Registration.
Visit www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-tables for more information about Road Tax on vehicles.
Picking up your shipped POV
Track your POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) at pcsmypov.com. What to bring to the port of pick up:
Vehicle title or letter from lien holder authorizing you to ship the vehicle.
Valid ID card
PCS orders
Vehicle Inspection Form
Insurance certificate
The Vehicle Processing Center will stamp one copy of customs paperwork and return it to you. Keep this copy as you will need it to register your vehicle in the U.K.
Next Steps
Get light conversion completed.
Arrange for a vehicle inspection, MOT or IVA, depending on the age of the vehicle.
Register your vehicle.
Update insurance to a U.K. policy with your new license plates. Ensure breakdown coverage is included in the policy or get this covered separately.
Set a reminder for annual requirements: road tax, insurance and MOT.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) requires all imported vehicles to be inspected before registration to obtain a MOT Certificate.
Shipped vehicles under three years old will get an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test.
Vehicles purchased in the U.K. do not need a MOT inspection until they are three years old.
Vehicles over three years of age must have a MOT inspection yearly.
Drive on the left side of the road.
Look right for oncoming traffic.
On carriageways and motorways, the slow lane is furthest to the left. Passing lanes are on the right. You may not drive in the passing lanes except to overtake another vehicle.
There is a “No Overtaking” policy within a 10-mile radius of RAF Lakenheath. Find out more details from your Safety Office.
Be cautious on country roads. They are narrow, have ditches to the sides, rarely have hard shoulders, have hidden dips and limited sight around curves, and hills that are unmarked. In addition, there is usually no lighting at night.
Tailgating and brake checking are illegal in the U.K.
U.K. laws are very strict on driving over the speed limit. If caught by speed cameras or the U.K. police, large fines and points on your license will be given.
DUI is a very serious offense that will result in a large fine and driving ban.
It is illegal to use a handheld device while driving in the U.K. and on-installation.
Be cautious using a GPS, radio, drinking or eating while driving. If your eyes leave the road, you are susceptible to a “driving without due care and attention.”
Failure to maintain tires may lead to large fines, points on your license or seizure of vehicle.
It is illegal to leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
