If its from Germany you do have to arrange temporary plates to drive it back ( not needed obviously if transported).
This is a pretty accurate description of process lifted from another forum...
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I bought my motorhome from Germany last year and this is how I managed it:-
1. Spoke to the dealer. He arranged the export plates in advance, although I needed to provide him with a letter of consent (he worded it and I signed and scanned it back) and a colour photocopy of my passport. If you're buying privately, your seller may be amenable in this regard. I concur with the above comments that the registration offices can be incredibly busy and I also gather many aren't open at the weekend.
2. From my understanding, I could have export plates with a 2 or 4 week validity. I chose 2 weeks as I would be collecting and driving back to the UK in one weekend.
3. The export plates have full EU 3rd party insurance. I left it at that. This, clearly, covers UK use so I was covered once landed in the UK.
4. Alternatively, I could have bought Transit plates. These differ as you don't need vehicle registration details beforehand and can source them, via courier, before your trip and simply attach them to your vehicle. They still cover full EU 3rd party insurance BUT, I gather, only have a 4 day validity. I'm told that certain EU countries don't like them being used other than in the country of issue, so you MIGHT get pulled over, but you'll still have full EU insurance. And they're significantly cheaper.
5. Once landed in the UK, you'll need an MOT (done on the VIN) to qualify for UK registration. I insured with Flux on the VIN for UK insurance, although their caveat was the vehicle shouldn't be driven until the UK registration is granted. You'll need proof of UK insurance to gain a V5.
6. You'll need to verify your purchase with HMRC within 2 weeks. Get a screen dump of the confirmation. I didn't get an email or any further verification, but DVLA need proof!
7. You'll need DVLA's 'Export Pack' to complete. Get two just in case you cock one up. Be patient with DVLA and reasonable. I had my application rejected twice on minor grounds, which DVLA's own instructions (depending on which booklet you read - and quote from in your application) contradict. Nevertheless, the entire process took less than 2 weeks.”
This is off of Pistonheads site, there is a good thread covering import of cars from Germany to Uk, goes into more detail, ie not through a dealer aswell, principally telling you where you need to go if its not done for you before going.
Not sure about France and Holland.
