Getting orders to RAF Lakenheath is exciting — but one of the first practical questions every service member asks is: what do I do about a car? You need wheels to get around. However, you’re heading to a country where they drive on the left and the roads are narrower. If you’re about to PCS to RAF Lakenheath, this guide breaks down every vehicle option available to you, plus the driving tips you need.
You can buy new through Military AutoSource, pick up a certified pre-owned vehicle, ship your current car from the States, or order for stateside delivery. Understanding your options early makes the entire transition smoother. As a result, you can focus on settling in rather than stressing about transportation.
Vehicle Option 1: Buy New Through MAS for Overseas Delivery
For most U.S. military personnel who PCS to RAF Lakenheath, this is the most popular and practical option. Through Military AutoSource Lakenheath, you can order a brand-new US-spec vehicle from the factory and have it delivered directly to your base in the UK.
The advantages stack up quickly. Your vehicle comes at zero markup, factory-direct pricing regulated below MSRP. MAS handles full UK road compliance before delivery — including headlight conversion, rear fog light installation, MOT, and road tax. Essentially, you receive a brand-new vehicle ready to drive on British roads from day one, without sorting out any of the compliance yourself.
Additionally, every MAS purchase includes no-markup financing assistance with a minimum down payment of just $100 for overseas delivery. Rebate Assurance monitors and applies the best available discount from deposit to delivery. On top of that, a 7-year bumper-to-bumper warranty with worldwide coverage comes included in your quote. Your MAS rep — who earns a flat commission regardless of what you buy — guides you through every step.
If you want to custom-build your vehicle exactly how you want it, the Dream Builder programme lets you configure everything from the factory at zero markup pricing. Alternatively, you can choose from available inventory for faster delivery.
Vehicle Option 2: Buy New Through MAS for Stateside Delivery
If you’re already thinking about your next PCS or want a vehicle waiting for you back home, you can order through Military AutoSource for stateside delivery while stationed at RAF Lakenheath. Your vehicle gets delivered to the closest dealer to your chosen U.S. address.
This option is especially smart if you’re 12 to 18 months from heading back. You avoid the rush of buying after you arrive — when you’re juggling a move and new housing. Instead, you lock in today’s regulated military pricing now. Moreover, the Lowest Price Guarantee protects your purchase. Rebate Assurance also keeps working in the background to capture the best discount before your vehicle delivers.
In other words, you handle the car decision while you’ve got time during your UK assignment. Your vehicle then sits ready and waiting when you land stateside.
Vehicle Option 3: Ship Your Current Car from the States
If you already own a vehicle you love, you may be able to ship it to the UK on your PCS orders. However, there are important requirements to keep in mind before choosing this route.
To ship a POV (privately owned vehicle) to the UK, you need more than 1 year and 1 day remaining on your orders. If your assignment is shorter than that, this option won’t be available to you. Additionally, you’re limited to shipping one vehicle.
There are other practical considerations as well. You’ll need to convert your US-spec vehicle for UK roads — headlight beam adjustment, rear fog light, and other compliance work. You’ll need to arrange the MOT and road tax yourself. The vehicle will also remain left-hand drive on left-side roads. This takes real adjustment and can make narrow country lanes, car parks, and drive-throughs challenging.
Shipping your own car makes the most sense if you have a vehicle you’re deeply attached to or one that’s fully paid off. For everyone else, buying through MAS offers a simpler path. MAS handles UK road compliance, delivers a brand-new vehicle at regulated pricing, and takes the hassle out of the process entirely. For a detailed breakdown of the differences, see our MAS vs stateside dealer comparison.
Vehicle Option 4: MAS Certified Pre-Owned
If a brand-new vehicle isn’t in your budget right now, Military AutoSource also sells certified pre-owned vehicles. MAS inspects every pre-owned vehicle thoroughly, giving you a reliable option at a lower price point.
Certified pre-owned through MAS still comes with programme benefits you wouldn’t get buying used privately. Consequently, it’s a strong option if you want Exchange-authorised security without the price of a factory-new build.
Davide at MAS Lakenheath can walk you through current pre-owned inventory and explain what’s available for your budget and timeline.
Getting Your UK Driving Licence
Before you can drive on UK roads, you’ll need a UK driving licence. This is a requirement for all U.S. military personnel stationed at RAF Lakenheath — your American licence alone won’t cover you for driving in the UK.
Fortunately, the process is straightforward. The military helps you obtain your UK licence, and the entire process typically takes about a week. The base provides guidance and support through the application, so you won’t need to navigate the system alone. In short, within your first couple of weeks at Lakenheath, you can be fully licensed and road-ready.
Driving Tips When You PCS to RAF Lakenheath
If you’ve never driven in the UK before, the adjustment takes a few days — but it’s very manageable. Here’s what catches most newcomers off guard when they PCS to RAF Lakenheath:
Driving on the left. This is the obvious one, but it affects more than you’d expect. Everything mirrors what you’re used to — passing on the right, overtaking on the right lane of motorways, and looking right first at junctions. Most people adapt within a few days. Take it slow at first and stay especially alert at roundabouts.
Roundabouts are everywhere. The UK runs on roundabouts instead of four-way stops. Traffic already on the roundabout has priority, and you always enter by giving way to the right. They come in all sizes — from massive multi-lane roundabouts to tiny ones painted on the road. After a week, they’ll feel completely natural.
Road Rules and Enforcement You Need to Know
Narrow roads and tight spaces. British roads — especially country lanes around Suffolk and Norfolk — are significantly narrower than American roads. Some barely fit two cars passing. Wing mirrors get a workout, and you’ll quickly learn the art of pulling into passing places for oncoming traffic. Car parks are tighter too.
Speed cameras and enforcement. The UK uses fixed speed cameras, average speed cameras, and mobile camera vans extensively. Limits run at 30mph in built-up areas, 60mph on single carriageways, and 70mph on motorways. Cameras catch violations automatically and fines arrive by post. Therefore, pay close attention to posted limits, especially when they change frequently.
Motorway driving. UK motorways are generally well-maintained and efficient. The hard shoulder is for emergencies only — not for slow driving or stopping. Smart motorways sometimes use it as a running lane, indicated by overhead signs. Lane discipline matters here: drive in the left lane and move right only to overtake, then return left. Sitting in the middle lane without overtaking will earn you flashed headlights.
Overall, driving in the UK is a manageable adjustment. Most service members at Lakenheath feel comfortable within the first week.
PCS to RAF Lakenheath: Comparing Your Vehicle Options at a Glance
MAS new — overseas delivery. Brand-new vehicle, zero markup pricing below MSRP, full UK road compliance handled, $100 minimum down payment, 7yr/75k warranty included, worldwide coverage. Best for: anyone who wants a new vehicle to drive in the UK.
MAS new — stateside delivery. Same pricing and benefits, vehicle delivered to a U.S. dealer near your chosen address. Best for: service members planning ahead for their next PCS.
Ship your POV from the States. Requires 1yr+1 day on orders, one vehicle only, UK compliance and MOT on you, left-hand drive on left-side roads. Best for: those with a fully paid-off vehicle they want to keep.
MAS certified pre-owned. Inspected US-spec vehicles at lower price points, programme benefits included. Best for: budget-conscious buyers who still want MAS programme security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicle options do I have when I PCS to RAF Lakenheath?
You have four main options. Buy new through Military AutoSource for overseas delivery (drive in the UK) or stateside delivery (waiting when you PCS back). You can also purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle through MAS. Finally, you can ship your current car from the States if you have more than 1 year and 1 day remaining on orders.
Do I need a UK driving licence at RAF Lakenheath?
Yes. U.S. military stationed at RAF Lakenheath need a UK driving licence. The military helps you obtain one, and the process typically takes about a week.
Does MAS handle UK road compliance for overseas delivery?
Yes. Military AutoSource handles full UK road compliance for overseas delivery orders. This includes headlight conversion, rear fog light installation, MOT, and road tax. Your vehicle arrives ready to drive on British roads.
Can I ship my car from the States to RAF Lakenheath?
Yes, if you have more than 1 year and 1 day remaining on your orders. You can ship one POV. However, you’ll need to handle UK road compliance, MOT, and road tax yourself. The vehicle will also remain left-hand drive on left-side roads.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Davide at Military AutoSource Lakenheath can walk you through every vehicle option — new, pre-owned, overseas delivery, or stateside delivery. He’ll help you figure out which path makes the most sense for your timeline, budget, and plans.
Contact Davide today: Call or WhatsApp +44 7736 754145 — whichever you prefer.
Certain restrictions apply — speak to Davide for full details on eligibility.
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