Driving in the USA: A UK Expat's Guide to Licences, Roads and Shipping Your Car

Unlike some countries, the USA doesn't have a single national policy on foreign licence recognition — rules are set individually by each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some states allow UK licence holders to drive for a set period (often up to a year) on their existing licence before requiring a local one, while others require a written and practical test relatively soon after establishing residency.

Because requirements vary so significantly, it's essential to check the specific rules for the state you're relocating to rather than assuming a blanket policy applies. States like California, Texas, and Florida each have their own timelines and testing requirements for new residents, and these are periodically updated.

The most immediate adjustment for UK drivers is switching from driving on the left to driving on the right, which takes conscious effort particularly at junctions, when turning, and on multi-lane highways. Speed limits are typically posted in miles per hour, which UK drivers will find familiar, though limits and enforcement practices vary considerably by state.

American highways often feature wider lanes and more relaxed lane discipline than UK motorways, and right turns on red lights are permitted in most states unless specifically signed otherwise — a rule that doesn't exist in the UK and catches many new arrivals off guard. Fuel is sold in gallons and priced per gallon, and distances are measured in miles, so navigation apps set to imperial units will feel familiar.

Unlike many countries, the USA is relatively accommodating of right-hand drive vehicle imports, and there is no blanket ban on driving a UK-spec RHD car on American roads. However, standard UK vehicles less than 25 years old must comply with US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, which most standard UK-market vehicles do not meet without significant and costly modification.

The well-known exception is the 25-year rule: vehicles that are 25 years or older from their date of manufacture are exempt from DOT and EPA compliance requirements and can be imported and registered relatively straightforwardly. This is why the USA is such a popular destination for UK classic car exports, while shipping a modern UK-spec car for personal daily use is generally impractical unless it was originally manufactured to US specification.

For eligible vehicles (typically classics over 25 years old, or US-spec vehicles), shipping from UK ports such as Southampton to major US ports like New York, Baltimore, or Los Angeles typically takes two to four weeks depending on the route. Container shipping is generally recommended for classic and higher-value vehicles, while RORO can be used for eligible running vehicles on established routes.

Costs typically range from £1,200 to £2,800 depending on the destination port and shipping method, plus US customs duty (generally 2.5% for passenger cars) and any state-specific registration fees once the vehicle arrives and clears customs.

US car insurance operates very differently from the UK, with coverage requirements set at the state level and premiums often calculated based on driving record, credit history, and location rather than the no-claims discount system familiar to UK drivers. Building a US driving history from scratch can initially mean higher premiums, though many insurers will consider a UK driving record and no-claims history if you can provide documentation.

It's also worth noting that many US states require proof of insurance to register a vehicle, so arranging cover promptly after your vehicle arrives — or before, if importing a classic — is an important step in the process.

Before shipping a vehicle to the USA, confirm whether it qualifies under the 25-year exemption or was originally built to US specification, as this determines whether the shipment is realistic. If your vehicle doesn't qualify, it's generally more practical to sell in the UK and purchase locally once you've relocated.

Our team can advise on eligibility, recommended ports, and realistic costs for shipping a qualifying vehicle to the USA, helping you avoid the disappointment of a shipment that can't be legally registered on arrival.