UK vehicles are generally right hand drive, just like Australian vehicles, which can avoid the conversion needed for left hand drive imports. If you are looking to import a car from the UK to Australia, Personal Import can help you navigate the process, from checking vehicle eligibility and assisting with import approvals to arranging shipping, customs clearance and compliance.
The UK offers a wide range of vehicles, from 4WDs to classic sports cars and luxury marques, including models such as the Land Rover Defender, classic Range Rover, Jaguar and Mini. UK vehicles are generally right hand drive, so importing from the UK can avoid the conversion needed for vehicles from left hand drive markets. Eligibility and compliance requirements still apply.
If you’ve found a vehicle you want to import, Personal Import can help you understand its eligibility, navigate Australian import requirements and arrange the shipping process. We’ll help you identify the necessary steps before you commit to your purchase.
Importing a car from the UK into Australia generally requires an import approval, and the right approval depends on the vehicle and your circumstances. Three common options are shown below, though other approval types may apply. Most UK vehicles do not need left hand drive conversion, but they must still meet Australian import and compliance requirements.
One of the advantages of importing a car from the UK is that conversion is generally not needed. British vehicles are generally manufactured right hand drive, which can mean less cost, time and complexity than importing from a left hand drive country. Vehicles must still meet Australian import and compliance requirements, so eligibility should be confirmed before purchase.
Once the required vehicle import approval has been granted, we can coordinate freight forwarding in the UK and arrange shipping to Australia. Depending on the vehicle and shipping requirements, options may include roll-on/roll-off transport or container shipping, with marine insurance arrangements available.
As experienced vehicle import specialists, Personal Import coordinates vehicle import approvals, shipping, customs clearance arrangements, biosecurity requirements and applicable compliance work. We can also assist with the registration process in your state or territory, subject to local registration requirements. Our volume of shipping also means we receive preferential rates for car imports. Used vehicles must meet Australian biosecurity cleanliness requirements. Inspections or additional cleaning may be required before a vehicle can be released.
Importing a car from the UK involves genuine complexity, even without right hand drive conversion, from confirming eligibility to navigating customs and compliance. Our team supports every stage of the process, so you can focus on the vehicle itself, not the paperwork.
Let Personal Import handle the entire process for you, from shipping to compliance. Contact us today for a seamless car import experience!
Generally not. UK vehicles are normally right hand drive, so conversion is not usually required, unlike imports from left hand drive countries such as the US. The vehicle still needs an import approval and must meet Australian requirements.
It depends on the vehicle. Vehicles built at least 25 years before the date of application may qualify under the older vehicle pathway, while newer vehicles generally need a different approval, such as a listing on the SEVs Register. We can help confirm which pathway applies before you purchase.
Shipping times vary depending on the departure port, shipping method and available vessel schedules. The overall import process can also involve approval, customs clearance, biosecurity checks and compliance requirements. Contact our team to discuss the arrangements for your vehicle.
