Motor Vehicles

It is mandatory that you attend the 3rd Air Force Driver's Training class within 15 days of your arrival, you can schedule this with your SQ Command Support Staff via Base Level In-Processing. To prepare in advance for your written exam, it is advisable that you study. The British Highway Code book can be reviewed online.

You will need to have a valid US or European Union license to obtain your UK Drivers' Permit. If you are planning to drive in mainland Europe, obtain an International Drivers' permit before leaving the US (additional information can be found online).

If you or your family members hold a British License, they still need to attend a briefing but are exempt from the test. Be advised that you must be 17 years old to drive in the UK.

For questions call Pass and Registration at DSN 314-226-5982 or Comm 011-44-1638-52-5982.

State and International laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing, and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers, and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand the laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state or country. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites or contact your insurance carrier for more information on international insurance policies.

RAF Lakenheath instillation concerns or questions can be directed to the Pass and Registration section at DSN 314-226-5982 or commercially at +44 01638-52-5982.

Imported vehicles and those purchased in the UK must be registered with the British authorities at Pass and Registration within three working days after arrival or purchase. Under UK Law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle that does not have a valid MOT inspection on public records. The ONLY exception is to and from a pre-booked MOT inspection appointment and to your residence after receiving your vehicle from the Mildenhall VPC. UK registration is required to be completed in the same calendar month your POV arrives.

Your American spec vehicle will require a light conversion, which can cost from £100 to several hundred pounds depending on the make/model of your vehicle. If your vehicle is three years or older, you must obtain a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test and certificate. Vehicles less than three years old require a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA). It is higly encouraged to do your vehicle's light conversion prior to the vehicle arriving in the UK. Information on MOT requirements can be found here.

The MOT and SVA are similar safety inspections. The MOT is an annual requirement for all vehicles over three years old. The SVA is a one-time requirement on concession vehicles less than three years old. An MOT must then be obtained once your vehicle becomes three years old.

Your first year's road tax on your imported tax-free vehicle is free.

You must have proof of a current UK-specific insurance policy to register your vehicle in the UK.

Pass and Registration can be reached at DSN 314-226-5982 or commercially at +44 01638-52-5982.

USAFE Instruction 31-218 sets the rules for POV driving privileges and the requirements for obtaining a USAF Driving/Fuel Permit to drive on USAF installations in the UK and on public roads in the UK.

• The USAF Driving/Fuel Permit is the only license used to identify and permit permanent party US Forces personnel (military, civilian component, and dependents) for driving on and off USAF installations.
• In order to obtain a USAF Driving/Fuel Permit, drivers must pass a written test (Course II Local Conditions) and hold a valid driver’s license. The test will be administered as a part of Base Level In-Processing or Newcomer's Orientation. These can be either a US state issued, European Union, or international driver's licence. A valid license only needs to be current at the time the Driving/Fuel Permit is issued. The valid US driver's license does NOT need to be kept current in order for the Driving/ Fuel Permit to remain valid if that license was issued from a state that honours expired licenses for military member known as the Military Clause. 
• The USAF Driving/Fuel Permit is recognized under UK law as a valid driving permit for US Forces personnel (military, civilians, and dependents) operating vehicles on UK public roads.
• The USAF Driving/Fuel Permit is NOT a valid driving permit under UK law for contractor personnel or others who are not military members, civilian component, or dependents.
• A USAF Driving/Fuel Permit is NOT valid for driving outside of the UK. All US personnel driving POVs or rental vehicles at locations outside the UK must comply with the driving license requirements of the countries where they operate the vehicle. This usually requires a valid US driver’s license.

Pass and Registration can be reached by calling DSN 314-226-5982 or commerially at +44 1638-52-5982.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

For Host Nation (UK) guidance please visit www.gov.uk and search driving and transport. 

U.S visiting forces and family members operate both US and UK spec vehicles. However, there are things to consider before deciding to ship your US spec vehicle to the UK. Please select the link for your situational awareness.

All vehicles imported into the United Kingdom, including motorcycles shipped in household goods, are considered to be concession (tax-free) vehicles. Concession vehicles are any vehicles imported or purchased free of VAT (value added tax and duty/excise tax).

Only military members and DOD civilians are authorized to own a concession vehicle with a limit on how many a person may own. Individuals serving an accompanied tour may own two concession vehicles, single or unaccompanied members one vehicle, mil to mil couples — one vehicle each. If you need to import more than your allocation, please be prepared to carry with you and produce a copy of your US/Foreign registration which shows you have owned the vehicle for more than 6 months and proof that you resided outside the EU for 1 year or pay UK taxes in British pounds for 22.5% of the vehicle value. If traveling from mainland Europe, please provide proof of US registration/ownership when driving from the continent because European titles are not acceptable for over the limit registration in the UK. There are other options that may be specific to your circumstances, which need to be confirmed before shipping your vehicle.

If your family precedes you to the UK, make sure your spouse has a Special Power of Attorney (SPOA) for the specific vehicle and their details included on ALL shipping documentation. Without an SPOA, your spouse will not be able to collect the vehicle when it arrives in the UK.

Customs Forms can only be issued to the military member. However, an SPOA can be issued in an emergency circumstance. You must complete four copies of Customs and Excise Form 941 at the Pass and Registration office before your vehicle will be cleared into the United Kingdom by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

Privately Owned Weapons

Weapons in Public and UK Law

All sponsors arriving in the country will sign a memorandum at Pass and Registration indicating their understanding and compliance with laws and regulations regarding weapons, weapon storage and weapon accountability.

Personnel may store their firearms and weapons in their government military family housing quarters provided the method complies with British law and they register all items at 48 SFS Pass and Registration.

Unusually dangerous weapons other than firearms are defined as any item carried by or concealed on — a person that could be used to cause bodily harm, — or likely to make reasonable persons fear for their safety. These weapons must be registered with Pass and Registration. Examples of these weapons include but are not limited to:

• Knives with a locking mechanism and/or blade in excess of 3 inches in length. Please Note: While Gerbers and knives with a locking blade of less than 3 inches are permitted on base in association with an individual's duty, these items are still prohibited in the dormitories, on-base billeting, and TLFs. Such items carried in association with an individual's duty do not require registration with Pass and ID. 48 SFS OI 31-101, 19 APR 07 50
• Explosive materials (improvised explosive devices, blasting caps, dynamite, ground burst simulators, etc.)
• Club-type hand weapons (i.e., blackjacks, brass knuckles, nunchucks, etc.).
• Bows, crossbows, spears, swords, or similar instruments. Personnel will not be authorized to depart, PCS, separate or retire until all weapons are properly disposed of according to applicable British law.
• Self-Protection Sprays — not all of these items are legal in the UK, our advice would be to leave these in the US and, if you feel it necessary, purchase again once you arrive in the UK.

48 SFS Pass and Registration are responsible for maintaining a current list of all personnel who register any weapons on RAF Lakenheath.

Pass and Registration DSN: 314-226-5982 or COMM: +44 1638-38-5982.