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Vehicles that need an SVA inspection

Your vehicle will be subject to the SVA scheme if it is less than 10 years old and requires first licensing and registration in the UK.

The scheme applies to special purpose goods vehicles of not more than 3500kg gross vehicle weight.

Armoured vehicles are considered to be special purpose vehicles. Vehicles that pass an SVA inspection are issued with a 'Minister’s Approval Certificate' (MAC).

• Download 'SVA 1 application form for a Minister's Approval Certificate' (DOC, 696K) Opens new window

• Download 'Guidance notes for completing the SVA 1 form' (PDF, 135KB) Opens new window

• Single Vehicle Approval test fees

• Find an SVA test station

Goods vehicles (other than special purpose goods vehicles) with a maximum gross weight not exceeding 3500kg and all passenger cars are subject to the Individual Vehicle Approval scheme.

• The Individual Vehicle Approval scheme

Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval scheme (MSVA)

Motorcycles, three-wheeled and light four-wheeled vehicles have to comply with European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA). Without this approval, vehicles can't be registered for use in Great Britain.

If a Certificate of Conformity to ECWVTA can't be produced, the vehicle will be subject to an MSVA examination before the first licence can be issued. If MSVA is not available, the only route to registration in Britain would be full type approval. This process is expensive and time consuming and would prevent the registration of non-ECWVTA vehicles like custom or bespoke vehicles, amateur builds and non-EEA imports.

• Download 'MSVA application form' MSVA1 (DOC, 541KB) Opens new window

• Download 'Partial MSVA Application Form' PMSVA1 (DOC, 472KB) Opens new window

• VOSA Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval test stations (MSVA)

More useful links

For more information on SVA and MSVA such as application forms, model reports and information guides, please go to the VOSA website.

• Download 'SVA Information Guide' (PDF, 169KB) Opens new window

• Download 'SVA to IVA Guide for Light Goods Vehicles (N1)' (PDF, 294KB) Opens new window

• Download the MSVA guide - SVA4(M) (PDF, 412K)

• Download 'MSVA Partial Inspection, frequently asked questions leaflet' (PDF, 7K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files