Environmental and safety certification and approval

Introduction

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) makes a number of checks when registering vehicles for the first time in the UK. Among other things, it will check that environmental, safety and security standards have been complied with. The usual way of demonstrating this is to present a certificate showing that the vehicle meets the requirements of an approval scheme.

Most motor vehicles and trailers used on the road will require approval, however some are exempt, for example cars and light goods vehicles over ten years old, and for others, it has yet to be introduced. However, all vehicles are required to comply with the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986, as amended, and the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989, as amended.

This guide outlines the various certification options for those wishing to register vehicles in the UK for the first time.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• What are the certification options for vehicles?
• What is vehicle type approval?
• What is National Small Series Type Approval (NSSTA)?
• What is Individual Vehicle Approval?
• What is Single Vehicle Approval?
• What is Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval?
• What is the Mutual Recognition scheme?
• Approval of public service vehicles

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