Guidance

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) for vans and light goods vehicles: help to get a pass

Updated 11 April 2017

Introduction

This guide shows the top 10 failure items DVSA most often sees as part of the light goods vehicle (N1) Individual Vehicle Approval (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 vehicle passed.

You must apply for vehicle approval if you’ve:

• built a vehicle
• rebuilt a vehicle
• radically altered a vehicle
• reconstructed a classic vehicle
• imported a vehicle

Vehicles in the N1 category are defined as vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of goods and have a maximum mass that doesn’t exceed 3.5 tonnes.

Difference between IVA and MOT

IVA inspections are different from the annual MOT test.

The IVA inspection looks at the way your vehicle is constructed or adapted, while the annual MOT test looks at roadworthiness of your vehicle.

Your vehicle might pass the MOT test, but that doesn’t mean it will pass an IVA inspection.

1. Headlamp aim

1.1 How headlamp aim is inspected

To check the headlamp aim use an approved headlamp aim tester. As part of the inspection DVSA will check for correct:

• image
• height and horizontal aim
• dipping to the left

The images above show an incorrect and correct output.

The headlamp aim in the incorrect example doesn’t provide a clear image to allow the headlamp aim to be checked.

The correct example shows what your vehicle needs:

• a good clear image
• has the ‘cut off’ to the left
• correct alignment

1.2 What to check before headlamp aim is inspected

Make sure that your headlamps dip the correct way for driving on the left.

You might need to have headlamps on vehicles imported from countries that drive on the right converted or replaced before the inspection.

Have the headlamp aim checked with a calibrated headlamp aim tester before the inspection.

An MOT station that tests cars, vans and light goods vehicles (class 4/7) can check and adjust the headlamps if you don’t have the equipment.

The IVA inspection doesn’t allow any kind of internal or external ‘masking’ of the headlamp.

1.3 The standard headlamp aim must meet

See section 25 (headlamps) 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 the vehicle is of no danger to the driver, passengers or other road users.

The above image shows a poor standard of design and construction, the mounting bolt is fitted off centre and at an angle.

The above image shows insecure wiring that will rub through on a metal edge, wiring, piping, cabling etc must be adequately clipped and secured.

This is an image of what DVSA would expect to find. Wiring that is:

• nicely clipped and in “conduit”
• secure and unable to chafe
• pipes clipped and secure

The above image shows what DVSA would expect to find:

• correct use of fixings for attachment of suspension mountings
• secure wiring, in conduit that is attached to the body as would be expected from a “major manufacturer”
• correct wiring terminals, well insulated from dirt and water

2.2 What to check before general construction is inspected

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

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

2.3 The standard general construction must meet

See General Construction section of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

3. Statutory plates and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

3.1 How statutory plates and VIN are inspected

A statutory plate must be fitted for each stage of the build of your vehicle.

A ‘stamped in’ VIN must be:

• marked on the chassis or frame
• permanent (stamped, hammered, etched)

In the above image the VIN is stamped into a plate that is bonded to a part of vehicle. This isn’t allowed as the plate hasn’t been seam welded to the frame/body.

This image shows a second stage build. The original stage one plate on the left and the second stage on the right, one riveted in position, and the other stuck on, both are acceptable.

A second stage builder plate - more than the required information is on the plate, but the required information is in a clearly marked separate rectangle.

3.2 What to check before statutory plates and VIN are inspected

The plate must:

• be permanent
• be durable
• contain the required information in the correct order

The only information allowed on the plate must be within a clearly defined rectangle and in the correct order. The order is:

• name of manufacturer
• approval number and/or build stage (if applicable)
• VIN
• maximum permitted laden mass of vehicle
• maximum train weight (if applicable)
• maximum laden mass for each axle in order from front to rear

There may be other information on the plate but this must be outside of the clearly defined rectangle.

3.3 The standard statutory plates and VIN must meet

See section 18 (statutory plates) of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

4. End-outline, position (side), stop and side marker lamps

4.1 How End-outline, position (Side), stop and side marker lamps are inspected

This section covers the lamps themselves, refer to section 20 of the IVA inspection manual for angles of visibility.

The image above shows that where a reflector isn’t incorporated into a lamp cluster a separate reflector must be fitted.

Your vehicle will require:

• side outline marker lamps fitted if over 6 metres in length
• end outline marker lamps fitted if over 2.1 metres wide
• side and end outline marker lamps fitted if over 6 metres in length and over 2.1 metres wide

The image above shows how DVSA will check for obstruction of lamps by other parts of the vehicle.

Above shows that both front and rear end outline marker lamps may be combined in one lamp.

4.2 What to check for before side lamps are inspected

DVSA will check all lamps fitted for correct:

• number
• operation
• colour
• position

Of all:

• position lamps (side)
• stop lamps
• side marker lamps (if required)
• end outline lamps (if required)
• daytime running lamps (if fitted)

All side lamps and the rear registration lamp must be operated by one switch, and have a ‘tell-tale’ fitted.

The tell-tale may be either:

• the instrument panel
• a separate lamp of any colour

There are a minimum and maximum number of lamps that can be fitted. To make sure you meet the requirements refer to the table in section 20 (installation of lamps) of the IVA inspection manual.

4.3 The standard side lamps must meet

See section 22 (side lamps) of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

5. Installation of lamps

5.1 How installation of lamps are inspected

All obligatory and optional lamps fitted will be checked. Section 20 of the IVA inspection manual covers lamp installation and must be read in conjunction with sections 21 through to 30.

DVSA will check:

• lamp height
• the distance from the outer edge of the vehicle

Lights fitted to the:

• front must only show white light
• rear must only show red light (the manual gives specifics).

As shown in the images above DVSA will use a gauge to check for any obstruction of the angles of visibility by:

• side guards
• doors
• access panels
• tail lift
• other obstructions

Where separate lamps are fitted make sure there is adequate separation between the stop and fog lamps.

Where the lamp cluster contains a reflector it will be marked on the lamp or lens either:

• IA
• IB

All obligatory lamps, rear markers and reflectors must be fitted in the correct orientation.

Lamps must be securely mounted to the same standards as would a mass produced vehicle.

5.2 What to check before lamp installation is inspected

DVSA will check lamps for:

• correct position
• correct number
• colour
• angle of visibility - horizontal and vertical
• approval mark (if) required

You can check for obstructions to lamps and reflectors by movable components, doors, lockers, tail lifts, etc and fixed items such as tow bars etc.

Lights may be partially obscured up to 50% in this way, but reflectors must be visible at all times.

Make sure a reflector is incorporated if you have fitted a lamp cluster from another vehicle – not all lamps contain one.

5.3 The standard lamp installation must meet

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

6. Retro reflectors

6.1 How retro reflectors are tested

Vans and other N1 category vehicles require rear reflectors, but don’t require conspicuity markings.

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

The lamp cluster will have an identity symbol. Don’t fit lamps that carry the symbols:

• III
• IIIA
• IIIB

The above symbols signify the cluster contains a reflector that is only suitable for a trailer.

Individual lamps or a lamp cluster may be fitted.

The first image has lamps fitted but no reflector.

The second image the lamp cluster doesn’t contain a reflector, so a separate one will need to be fitted.

On vehicles over 6 metres in length side reflectors are mandatory.

These can be combined with a side marker lamp.

6.2 What to check before retro reflectors are inspected

The reflector must have similar characteristics’ to an “e” marked component, fit a reflector or lamp cluster that is approved.

Reflectors that are close to triangular in shape are acceptable for motor vehicles if marked with either a:

• I
• IA
• IB
• II
• IIA
• IIB
• IV
• IVA
• IVB

When fitting a lamp cluster from different vehicle, check a reflector is incorporated in it.

6.3 The standard retro reflectors must meet

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

7. Rear fog lamps

7.1 How rear fog lamps are inspected

Rear fog lamps must be fitted to the centre or offside rear of a vehicle for use in Great Britain.

A fog lamp is a focused beam and must be fitted squarely to the rear of the vehicle.

In the image above it shows:

• an example of a fog lamp correctly fitted squarely to the rear of the vehicle
• an example of where the required standard hasn’t been met, as the lamp is fitted at an angle and the beam wouldn’t be focused squarely to the rear

The image above shows that the fog lamp has been fitted at an incorrect height.

DVSA will measure the:

• height from the ground
• distance in from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle

The switch must both:

• clearly indicate its use
• have an operational tell-tale lamp

7.2 What to check before rear fog lamps are inspected

When you’ve imported a vehicle from:

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

Where 2 rear fog lamps have been 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)
• have a switch that is securely fitted
• have a warning system
• only illuminate when dip, main or front fog lamps are lit
• display an ‘e’ or ‘E’ mark with a ‘B’ or ‘F’ (see manual for exemptions)
• ‘e’ or ‘E’ mark means that the lamp is approved and is acceptable in the United Kingdom
• ‘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. Brakes

8.1 How brakes are inspected

DVSA will check the brake system for:

• suitability
• strength
• fittings
• security
• operation

The whole system will be checked for:

• its capability
• how it works
• whether it is strong enough to do the job, this takes into account speed and weight of the vehicle
• brake pipes/hoses that are twisted, kinked, rubbing against another surface and not secured

This image shows a ‘brake master cylinder’ that isn’t suitable for a van as it’s of a ‘single line type’.

In the image the flexible brake hose is rubbing against the suspension arm. Eventually this hose would rub through and leak.

An indelible label must be fitted within 100 mm of the master cylinder that identifies the brake fluid used.

For most vehicles DVSA will carry out full brake tests on rollers of:

• service brake efficiency
• secondary brake efficiency (if possible)
• parking brake efficiency
• servo depleted brake effort
• balance
• grab or judder
• the rate that the brake effort for each wheel increases or decreases
• whether there is little or no effort from any brake wheel
• front to rear brake effort ratio

8.2 What to check before brakes are inspected

You can have the brake efficiency tested at an MOT station before the IVA inspection.

The IVA inspection tests to a different brake performance requirement compared to the MOT but it’ll give you an indication that the brakes work as intended.

To meet the IVA required standard for brake efficiency the brakes on your vehicle must have a:

• minimum service brake efficiency of 50%
• minimum secondary brake performance of 25% (where testable)
• minimum park brake efficiency of 18%

All brake efficiencies are calculated using the design gross weight or the calculated laden weight.

The IVA inspection includes a ‘non servo’ and brake distribution test.

An imported production vehicle should meet the criteria as long as it hasn’t been modified, as should a second stage build that doesn’t alter the stage one braking approval, the vehicle braking system should have been designed to the max weight for the vehicle.

DVSA will check the whole system if the stage one brakes have been modified.

8.3 The standard brakes must meet

See section 09 (brake system) of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.

9. Direction indicators

9.1 How direction indicators are inspected

DVSA will check the indicators and hazard warning lamps fitted.

Indicators may be separate units or part of a cluster but the same required standards apply. Check the lamps for:

• operation
• correct number fitted
• flash rate
• colour
• positioned correctly

DVSA will check the angles of visibility for obstructions both vertically and horizontally.

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

The angles are given in section 20 of the inspection manual.

9.2 What to check before direction indicators are inspected

Indicators may have a tell-tale that is either:

• audible
• visual

Hazards must have a visual tell-tale.

Hazards must work with ignition switched on and off.

You must fit only the correct number of lamps required.

When a wider than standard body is fitted make sure that the side repeater indicators meet the required angle of visibility.

9.3 The standard direction indicators must meet

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

10. Exterior projections of cabs

10.1 How exterior projections of cabs are inspected

DVSA will look for sharp edges that could cause injury to other road users.

DVSA will inspect the outside of the cab area for any hard parts contactable by the 100mm sphere between the floorline and two meters from the ground.

Anything that the sphere contacts will need radiusing to 2.5mm if it either:

• forms an external surface
• protrudes more than 5mm

Unmodified mass produced vehicles (cabs) shall be considered to meet the standards.

In the image above it shows that a projection is visible.

In this image it shows that the projection is contacted by the 100mm sphere.

In this image it shows that when measured with a radius gauge of 2.5 mm it’s found not to comply.

DVSA will inspect only the front and side of the cab area. DVSA won’t inspect:

• anything to the rear of the cab
• anything above two meters from the ground

10.2 What to check before exterior projections are inspected

DVSA uses a 100 mm sphere to assess the exterior. Anything that is contactable is checked with a radius gauge.

Any hard part that the sphere touches must be ‘radiused’ to at least 2.5 mm or any items that project:

• more than 5mm needs to ‘radiused’ to 2.5mm
• less than 5mm needs to be blunted

A sharp edge may cause a pedestrian an injury, whereas a ‘radiused’ or a blunt edge/corner may cause less of an injury.

Check the exterior of the vehicle by look and touch to see what you think may cause injury. This is what DVSA will look for.

Second stage builders building on a chassis cab with a Statement of Compliance that don’t add or alter the cab will retain stage 1 vehicle approval. Items that are added to the exterior of the cab must comply with the Required Standards.

10.3 The standard exterior projections must meet

See section 49 - exterior projections of the IVA inspection manual for the full inspection standard.