The DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test is a mandatory UK assessment for certain vehicles before they can be registered and driven on public roads. It ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards for vehicles not covered by the European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval, which applies to most new EU-sold vehicles. Vehicles requiring an IVA test include:

• Kit cars and amateur-built vehicles

• Imported vehicles

• Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and trailers

• Buses and coaches

• Taxis and private hire vehicles

During the IVA test, a qualified inspector evaluates the vehicle for compliance, conducting checks such as:

• Structural integrity

• Lighting and signaling

• Emissions and noise

• Brakes and suspension

If the car passes the IVA test, it will be issued with an IVA certificate, which can then be used to register the car for road use.

The DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test is a mandatory UK evaluation for specific vehicles before they can be registered for road use, ensuring they meet safety and environmental standards. During the IVA test, a qualified inspector assesses the vehicle to confirm it meets all required standards through checks such as:

• Identification checks: Verifying the vehicle matches the details on the application form.

• Structural integrity checks: Ensuring the vehicle is structurally sound and meets strength and stability standards.

• Lighting and signaling checks: Confirming all lights and signals function properly and comply with standards.

• Emissions and noise checks: Checking compliance with emissions and noise regulations.

• Brake and suspension checks: Ensuring brakes and suspension are operational and meet standards.

• Additional checks: Depending on the vehicle type, inspecting elements like the fuel system, electrical system, or bodywork.

If the vehicle passes, it receives an IVA certificate, allowing registration for road use.

If your car fails the DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test, you’ll be informed of the failure reasons and the steps needed to fix the issues. You must make the required repairs or modifications to meet the necessary standards.

After addressing the issues, the car must be retested, and you’ll need to pay a retest fee. If it passes, you’ll receive an IVA certificate, enabling registration for road use.

The IVA test ensures vehicles are safe and environmentally compliant for UK roads, so resolving any identified issues is crucial for legal road use.

To obtain a DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test certificate, start by applying for an IVA test appointment. At the scheduled test, a qualified inspector will perform various checks at the testing facility to confirm the vehicle meets required safety and environmental standards.

If the vehicle passes, you’ll receive an IVA test certificate, valid for one year, which allows you to register the vehicle for road use.

If the vehicle fails, you’ll be informed of the reasons and required modifications. After making the necessary repairs or modifications, the vehicle must be retested. Upon passing, you’ll receive the IVA certificate.

PROMAP86 prepares most vehicles for our clients before their IVA test. Our technicians evaluate the car and perform all required work to ensure compliance with IVA standards.

In the unlikely event your car fails the IVA test, we’re ready to carry out any necessary repairs to help it pass on retesting.

The waiting time for a DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test varies based on factors like the vehicle type, test center location, and appointment demand. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or months, especially during peak times.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test rigorously assesses small-batch or modified vehicles to ensure they meet UK safety and environmental standards for road use. Common reasons for IVA test failures include:

• Inadequate documentation: Missing or incorrect paperwork, such as registration, VIN plate, or proof of identity.

• Incorrect or missing VIN: A missing or inaccurate Vehicle Identification Number.

• Lighting and signaling issues: Faulty or incorrectly positioned headlamps, indicators, brake lights, or rear fog lamps.

• Braking system problems: Poor braking performance, imbalance, or handbrake issues.

• Steering and suspension faults: Worn or damaged steering or suspension components.

• Tyres and wheels: Incorrect tyre size, type, or inadequate tread depth.

• Emissions non-compliance: Failure to meet required emissions standards.

• Mirror issues: Missing mirrors or improper placement affecting visibility.

• Seat belt and anchorage faults: Improperly installed, malfunctioning, or weakly anchored seat belts.

If we identify any of these issues upon the vehicle’s arrival, we will provide a quote to fix them before the IVA test.

If you're relocating to the UK, have been abroad for over 12 months, and owned your car for more than 6 months, you can import it tax- and duty-free. To do so, you must submit a Transfer of Residency application to HMRC. PROMAP86 customers receive helpful guides to assist with this process.

If you previously exported a car from the UK and are now bringing it back, you may import it tax-free, provided you can show the original UK purchase invoice and a copy of the previous UK V5C logbook.

Vehicles registered outside the EU face a 20% import VAT and a 10% import duty, calculated on the car’s purchase price plus any transport costs to the UK. The VAT is based on the purchase invoice or, if over 3 months old, a recent valuation.

Vehicles registered in the EU incur a 20% import VAT, calculated on the car's purchase price plus any transport costs to the UK. The VAT is based on the purchase invoice or, if the invoice is over 3 months old, a recent valuation.

Vehicles over 30 years old are eligible for a reduced tax rate due to their historical value, akin to antiques. You'll pay 5% import VAT, calculated on the car's purchase price plus any transport costs to the UK, with no import duty. The VAT is based on the purchase invoice or a recent valuation if the invoice is older than 3 months.