Single vehicle approval scheme

 Single vehicle approval scheme
The Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) scheme is apre-registration inspection for cars and light goods vehicles that have not been type-approved to British or European standards. The main purposeof the scheme is to ensure that these vehicles have been designed and constructed to modern safetyand environmental standards before they can beused on public roads.

Single Vehicle Approval checks that vehicles constructed for non-European Economic Area markets comply with British law. Even vehicles outwardly similar to European-specification models,but intended for other markets,can often be unsuitable for use in Britain without,at least some,modification. SVA recognises certain non-European technical standards as acceptable alternatives to the SVA requirements.

Single Vehicle Approval also checks that the construction of amateur-built vehicles,rebuilt vehicles and vehicles using parts from a previously egistered vehicle meet modern safety and environmental standards. It also provides an alternative totype-approval for vehicles manufactured in very low volume; vehicles converted for the disabled prior to registration,as well as hearses and armoured vehicles for civilian use.

Most of the items inspected in the SVA scheme are those that are tested when manufacturers apply for type-approval of mass-produced vehicles. Table 1.1 lists the items inspected for cars and light goods vehicles for the two levels of SVA. All the items for Standard SVA are checked at the SVA test station. However,items for ESVA (other than seatbelts) cannot be tested at the SVA test station and therefore documentary evidence of compliance as to be produced. The SVA test station will then check that the vehicle aligns to the documentation presented.

Acceptable alternatives are listed in the SVAInspection Manual which is produced by VOSA.

For standard SVA,all the inspections are under taken at selected testing stations operated by theVehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA),anexecutive agency of The Department for Transport.These tests can also be conducted by VOSAExaminers at  ‘designated premises’ if certain con-ditions are met. Designated premises are privatelyowned premises that have been authorized byVOSA for their examiners to use to conduct SVAtests.
Although the same items are tested as in type-approval they are not tested in the same way. Tokeep the fee to a level affordable by individuals theexaminer will in the case of certain items conductan engineering assessment. This check will be inthe form of either visual inspection or a simple teston the vehicle to ensure that it complies with theregulations.Although the same items are tested as in typeapproval they are not tested in the same way. To keep the fee to a level affordable by individuals the examiner will in the case of certain items conduct an engineering assessment. This check will be in the form of either visual inspection or a simple test on the vehicle to ensure that it complies with the regulations.
The examination will be limited to parts of the vehicle which can be readily seen without disman- tling. However,the presenter may be asked to open lockable compartments and remove engine covers, inspection/access panels,trims or carpeting. This is to allow access to items subject to examination. Also,because vehicles are inspected individually the tests are not destructive or damaging in any way.
A Minister’s Approval Certificate (MAC) under SVA is issued when the examiner is satisfied that the vehicle would meet the requirements of the regulations in relation to the design and construction of the vehicle. Unlike the MOT,the examination is not primarily concerned with vehiclecondition,although poor condition may make it impossible to assess whether some construction requirements are met.

ItemStandard SVAAdditional items for enhanced SVA
Light goods Light goods
CarsvehiclesCarsvehicles
Doors,their latches and YesNoNoNo
hinges
Radio interference YesYesNoNo
suppression
Protective steeringYesNoEvidence of compliance No
with type-approval
standard or acceptable
alternative
Exhaust emissionsYes*Yes*Evidence of compliance Evidence of compliance
with type-approval with type-approval
standard or acceptable standard or acceptable
alternativealternative
May require independent May require independent
testtest
Smoke emissions YesYesNoNo
(diesels only)
Lamps,reflectors and YesNoNoNo
devices
Rear-view mirrorsYesNoNoNo
Anti-theft devicesYes*NoEvidence of compliance No
with type-approval
standard or acceptable
alternative
May require independent test
Seat beltsYesNoEvidence of compliance No
or visual assessment
at test site
Seat belt anchoragesYes*NoEvidence of compliance No
with full type-approval
standard or acceptable
alternative
Installation of seat beltsYesNoEvidence of compliance No
with type-approval
standard or acceptable
alternative
BrakesYesYesEvidence of compliance Evidence of compliance
with type-approval with type-approval
standard or acceptable standard or acceptable
alternativealternativeItemStandard SVAAdditional items for enhanced SVA
Light goods Light goods
CarsvehiclesCarsvehicles
Noise and silencersYes*Yes*Evidence of compliance Evidence of compliance
with type-approvalwith type-approval
standard or acceptable standard or acceptable
alternative alternative
May require independent testMay require independent
test
Glass:windscreen and YesNoNoNo
other windows outside
Seats and their YesNoNoNo
anchorages
TyresYesNoNoNo
Interior fittingsYesNoNoNo
External projectionsYesNoNoNo
SpeedometersYesNoNoNo
Wiper and washer YesNoNoNo
system
Defrosting and YesNoNoNo
demisting system
Fuel inputYesYesNoNo
Design weightsYesNoNoNo
General vehicle YesYesNoNo
constructionCO2 emissions and fuel NoNoEvidence of compliance No
consumption (vehicles with full type-approval Does not apply to LGVs
manufactured after standard or acceptable
1 January 1997) alternative
CO2 emissions and fuel NoNoEvidence of compliance No
consumption (vehicles with full type-approval Does not apply to LGVs
manufactured after standard or acceptable
1 January 1997) alternative
Front impact protection NoNoEvidence of compliance No
(vehicles manufactured with type-approval
after 1 October 2003)standard or acceptable
alternative
N.B. May require
comparison test against
EC approved vehicle*Compliance with the enhanced requirements shall exempt the vehicles from these SVA items.
ItemStandard SVAAdditional items for enhanced SVA
Light goods Light goods
CarsvehiclesCarsvehicles
Plate for goods vehiclesNoYesNoNo
Side Impact Protection NoNoEvidence of compliance
(vehicles manufactured with type-approval No
after 1 October 2003)standard or acceptable
alternative
N.B. May require
comparison test against
EC approved vehicle
Table 1.1 (continued)