Guidance

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) for light trailers: help to get a pass

Published 24 September 2015

Introduction

This guide tells you how to avoid the top 10 reasons that light trailers and other vehicles in the O1/2 inspection category fail the IVA inspection:

This guide tells you:

• how each item is inspected
• what to check before each item is inspected
• the required standard

Full compliance with this guide doesn’t guarantee a pass. You’ll need to view the IVA Inspection manual for the full requirements and testing procedures needed to get your trailer passed.

You must apply for vehicle approval if you’ve:

• built a trailer
• imported a trailer

You’ll be required to:

• provide suitable documentary evidence where required
• a suitable towing vehicle

DVSA will examine the trailer in all modes of operation, so you’ll need to make sure that everything operates correctly.

This guide doesn’t replace the manual. Access the IVA inspection manual for full inspection details.

1. End outline, side, stop & side marker lamps

1.1 How end outline, side, stop & side marker lamps are inspected

This section applies to all trailers in the O1 and O2 categories.

Each of the lamps in this section have specific requirements.

The above image shows an approved lamp that has:

• an “e” number
• the symbols identifying what lamps are in the cluster

DVSA will use a light angle gauge to check for obstructions to the angles of visibility. This is shown in the image above.

DVSA will check the position of the lamps, for both:

• height
• distance from the side of the trailer

Refer to the IVA inspection manual for all the dimensions.

Whether your trailer requires side marker lamps is dependent on the length of the trailer.

The image above shows an approved lamp fitted in its correct orientation.

The lamps may have a mark to help you make sure they are fitted correctly, they may be marked with either:

• an arrow
• the word ‘TOP’

1.2 What to check before end outline, side, stop & side marker lamps are inspected

DVSA will check the lamps fitted to your trailer for:

• number
• operation
• position
• colour
• required symbols (if required)
• required angles of visibility of lamps
• approval mark (if required)

Wider or longer trailers may need end outline and/or side marker lamps.

Check that all these lamps are marked either:

• “e”
• “E”

See section 22 (end outline, position(side), stop and side marker lamps) IVA inspection manual for exemptions.

1.3 The standard End outline, side, stop & side marker lamps must meet

See section 22 (end outline, position(side), stop and side marker lamps) of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

2. General construction

2.1 How general construction is inspected

All aspects of design and construction are inspected to make sure that your trailer is of no danger to the driver or other road users.

The image above shows use of a locking device for:

• the brake cable,
• the retaining nuts and bolts

The image shows the correct use of a reinforcement plate.

The image above shows the result of inadequate strength steel used in construction of the trailer frame.

The image is an example of:

• insecure wiring
• uninsulated wiring

This isn’t allowed.

The image above shows a poor standard of build, this includes:

• sealant used as protection where wires pass through a metal panel
• insulation tape wrapped around a wiring joint
• non insulated wiring where the wires enter the lamp

This isn’t allowed.

The image above shows a much better standard of construction with:

• wiring clipped into place
• secure and unlikely to chafe

2.2 What to check before general construction is inspected

DVSA will look at how the trailer is designed and constructed and consider all aspects of the vehicle in all the conditions it will be operated under:

• speed
• load
• vibrations
• acceleration
• cornering
• braking forces

DVSA will inspect trailers for:

• correct size and use of nuts and bolts
• locking devices used where appropriate
• adequate materials used
• use of reinforcing plates where necessary
• any adverse effect it may have on the towing vehicle

2.3 The standard general construction must meet

See the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

3. Retro reflectors

3.1 How retro reflectors are inspected

This section has different requirements for light and heavy trailers - only apply those that are relevant to the trailer presented.

Conspicuity isn’t required on O1 and O2 trailers.

Conspicuity is the method used to make the outline of a trailer visible.

Check that the lamp cluster you’re fitting contains a reflector.

In the images above they appear to contain a reflector, but it could just be a pattern in the lamp.

You need to check that the lamp cluster carries an ‘Identity Symbol’ of either:

• IIIA
• IIIB

The above figures signify the lamp contains a reflector that is suitable for a trailer.

When your fitting individual lamps, don’t forget to fit a reflector.

The first image above shows that all the lamps are there, but no reflector fitted. This isn’t allowed.

The second image above shows that the lamp cluster doesn’t contain a reflector, so a separate one has been fitted. This is correct.

Side and front reflectors are mandatory. The number of reflectors depends on the length of your trailer.

Section 21 of the inspection manual gives positions and angles.

3.2 What to check before retro reflectors are inspected

DVSA check retro reflectors for:

• number fitted
• colour
• position
• shape
• approval marking (if required)
• identity symbol (if required)

Only triangular rear reflectors are allowed on trailers as obligatory reflectors.

When fitting a lamp cluster from another vehicle, make sure a reflector is incorporated in it. Not all contain one.

Conspicuity doesn’t apply to light trailers in the O1 and O2 category as they’re under the required weight. Rear marker boards are required if the trailer is over 8 meters in length.

3.3 The standard retro reflectors must meet

See section 21 (retro reflectors) of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

4. Installation of lights

4.1 How installation of lights is inspected

Section 20 (installation of lights) of the IVA inspection manual covers the fitting of all lights and reflectors fitted, and should be read in conjunction with sections 21-29.

The most common problem with this section is obstruction of lamps by movable components.

In the first image above the lamps are fully visible and meet the required angles of visibility. But, as shown in the second image, with the tailboard dropped all lights and reflectors are hidden. This isn’t allowed.

The above images show another example with the same problem. The first image shows that with the loading doors closed, all lamps are visible and meet the angles of visibility. But, as shown in the second image, when the doors are opened none of the lamps or reflectors are visible.

In the event of a breakdown on an unlit road, the trailer isn’t visible.

The two images above show a possible solution. When the tailboard is dropped on this trailer all lamps and reflectors remain fully visible.

4.2 What to check before installation of lamps are inspected

DVSA will check all lamps and reflectors for:

• colour
• security
• operation
• orientation
• visibility

Figures in the manual show semi-trailers, the figures apply equally to O1 and O2 trailers.

DVSA will check that all lamps and reflectors are visible when the following are fixed in an open position:

• doors
• loading ramps
• lockers
• other items

Check that when your trailer is being loaded/unloaded, on the side of the road, that the lamps and reflectors are still visible.

Lamp visibility may be increased by additional lamps or a warning triangle, but the reflectors must be 50% visible at all times.

4.3 The standard installation of lights must meet

See section 20 (installation of lights) of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

5. Brakes

5.1 How brakes are inspected

This section applies to O2 trailers and O1 trailers if fitted with brakes. See the IVA inspection guide for trailer category definitions.

DVSA will check for unobstructed movement of the parking brake lever throughout its travel.

All O2 trailers, over 1500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM), must be fitted with a breakaway cable.

The above image shows that a breakaway cable must be fitted with an attachment device that can be fitted to any towing vehicle. In the event of detachment trailer brakes must be able to be applied.

Any cable used for brake transmission must be sheathed.

5.2 What to check before brakes are inspected

O1 trailers don’t need to be fitted with a braking system. If one is fitted, the required standards must be met.

Documentary evidence that the specific trailer presented meets the required standard for braking must be supplied at time of test. This needs to be a test report that covers:

• the foundation brake,
• the coupling
• its compatibility

A breakaway cable, that meets the required standards, must be fitted if the trailer is over 1500kg.

No physical brake test will be carried out on your trailer

5.3 The standard brakes must meet

See section 9 (braking) of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

6. Reverse lamps

6.1 How reverse lamps are inspected

Reverse lamps are:

• mandatory on O2 trailers
• optional on O1 trailers

The image above shows an O1 trailer, reversing lamps are optional, but if fitted must meet the required standard.

For O2 trailers reverse lamps are mandatory.

6.2 What to check before reverse lamps are inspected

Fit either one or two lamps on an O2 trailer. They must be:

• “e” or “E” marked (if required)
• white in colour
• operational
• marked with “A” or “R” identity symbol (if required)
• positioned correctly
• the correct number fitted

6.3 The standard reverse lamps must meet

See section 29 (reversing lamps) of the IVA Inspection manual for full inspection standard.

7. Rear fog lamps

7.1 How rear fog lamps are inspected

The image above shows that the fog lamp must:

• be fitted in its correct orientation
• have an “E” or “e” mark
• be marked “B” or “F”

DVSA will check for angles of visibility to make sure that nothing obstructs the lamp.

The image above shows that if one lamp is fitted it must be to the centre or offside.

Where two lamps are fitted they must be a matched pair.

7.2 What to check before rear fog lamps are inspected

If you’ve imported a trailer from:

• outside the EU it is likely that it won’t have a rear fog lamp fitted so you’ll need to fit a rear fog lamp or lamps
• within the EU the light will probably be just on the nearside so you’ll need to fit an additional one to the offside

If you’ve:

• one rear fog lamp fitted it must be fitted to the centre off side
• two rear fog lamps fitted they must be a matched pair and mounted symmetrically

A rear fog lamp must:

• have insulated wiring, that is secure and fitted through a grommet (where applicable)
• display an ‘e’ or ‘E’ mark with a ‘B’ or ‘F’ (see IVA inspection manual for exemptions)
• be fitted squarely to the rear
• be separated from the brake lamp by at least 100mm

An ‘e’ or ‘E’ mark means that the lamp is approved and is acceptable in the United Kingdom.

An ‘B’ or ‘F’ mark signifies it is a fog lamp.

7.3 The standard rear fog lamps must meet

See section 28 (rear fog lamps) of the IVA inspection manual for full inspection standard.

8. Couplings 50A

8.1 How couplings 50A are inspected

There are two sections in the IVA inspection manual, 50A and 50B. These refer to:

• 50A applies to light trailers (O1/2)
• 50B applies to heavy trailers (O3/4)

The images above show that only an approved coupling device is allowed to fitted. They must be fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions.

DVSA will check that the coupling is:

• fitted correctly
• able to be operated safely

In the image above the coupling has been cut and shortened. Modifying coupling isn’t allowed.

The images above show correct size fixings, as the manufacturer’s instructions.

8.2 What to check before couplings 50A are inspected

The trailer coupling must:

• be of an approved class and type suitable for the trailer
• “e” or “E” marked
• be accompanied by installation and operating instructions
• be fitted to the correct height
• must have a secondary coupling if unbraked
• be fitted with a secondary retaining device

An O1/2 Semi-trailer has specific requirements in section 50A (couplings) of the IVA inspection manual.

8.3 The standard couplings 50A must meet

See section 50A (coupling) of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

9. Direction indicators

9.1 How direction indicators are inspected

All trailers need to be fitted with:

• indicator lamps
• hazard warning lamps

As shown in the images above indicators can be:

• part of a cluster
• a separate unit

DVSA will check angles of visibility for obstructions, both:

• vertically
• horizontally

The angle is always taken from the edge of the illuminated surface.

The required angles are in section 20 of the IVA inspection manual.

9.2 What to check before indicators are inspected

DVSA will check direction indicators and hazard warning lamps for:

• “e” or “E” marking (if required)
• operation
• colour
• flash rate
• position
• identity symbol 2a, 2b or 12 (if required)
• angles of visibility

You must provide a suitable towing vehicle to check the:

• hazard lights
• indicator lights
• light circuits

A lighting simulator can be used, by prior arrangement, at a privately owned testing facility (POTF).

9.3 The standard direction indicators must meet

See section 23 (direction indicators) of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

10. Rear registration plate space

10.1 How rear registration plate space is tested

Read this in conjunction with section 24 (rear registration lamps) of the IVA inspection manual.

There are two trailer size registration plate space options. These are either:

• 520 X 120mm
• 340 X 240mm

DVSA will use a template to check there is sufficient space available.

In the images above a trailer has been fitted with a plate. When DVSA uses the template to check, it’s found that the space is too small and doesn’t meet the required standard.

The image above shows that the space may be 520 X 120mm.

DVSA will still use a template to check there is sufficient space available.

The number plate space must be illuminated to sufficiently light the registration plate.

The number plate lamp must be marked either:

• “E”
• “e”

Trailers from outside EU don’t need to have an approval marking on the number plate lamp.

10.2 What to check before registration plate space is inspected

DVSA will check the registration plate space for:

• correct size
• it to be close to vertical as possible
• a suitable mounting system, when the space isn’t a part of the body of the trailer

The rear registration lamp must be:

• “e” or “E” marked
• operational
• switched on and off with the side lamps
• white in colour
• positioned to illuminate the rear registration plate space

10.3 The standard registration plate space must meet

See section 4 (rear registration plate space) of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.