At least I think it's not as bad in the UK.

Not yet.... currently if it's RHD and newer than 02(ish) you need a shedload of evidence and testing (not crash testing though) which costs 000s, but it only needs to be done once and you can "rent" the evidence by paying whoever did it.

If it's LHD you just need the SVA which is a visual inspection of construction methods and an MOT.

If it's over 10 years old you just need an MOT (piece of cake if you go to the right place )

Gareth