Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) scheme
MSVA provides a cost effective form of type approval for two, three and some small four-wheeled vehicles that do not have European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA). The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) run the scheme at its Lisburn test centre.
Due to restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some DVA services are running at limited capacity. For further details, and the latest position on DVA service availability, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and motoring page.
Why MSVA exists
It’s a rule, across the European Community, for motorcycles and associated vehicles to be type approved before registration. Type approval is a set of harmonised design, construction and environmental standards. It allows manufactures to build to one set of requirements for the European market.
Before the introduction of ECWVTA the government ran a consultation on how type approval would affect the motorcycle market in Northern Ireland.
Based on this consultation the government decided that the Northern Ireland motorcycle market warranted a single vehicle type approval scheme, to run along side ECWVTA.
Vehicles needing an MSVA test
MSVA applies to the types of vehicles below that are unregistered, under 10 years old and don’t have ECWVTA.
- two-wheeled mopeds
- three-wheeled mopeds
- light quadricycles
- solo motorcycles
- motorcycle combinations
- motor tricycles
- heavy quadricycles
Partial Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (PMSVA)
Vehicles that have ECWVTA are issued with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). This is a manufacturer declaration that the vehicle, identified by its vehicle identification number (VIN), is the same in all respects as the type that gained approval.
This document provides evidence that the vehicle can be licensed and registered by DVLA for use on the road. The CoC will contain a statement showing which rule of the road and which speedometer units the vehicle is approved for.
Some type approved vehicles may not be equipped for use in the UK. If this is the case DVA can do a Partial MSVA check to confirm that any changes needed have been done right.
The items checked are:
- headlamp dipped beam pattern - to check that the headlamp is suitable for driving on the left
- speedometer - to make sure the speed is shown in miles per hour or that the speedometer has dual mph and km/h markings
- mirror location, this only applies to mopeds fitted with a single mirror - to make sure a single mirror is fitted to offside (right) of the vehicle
How to apply
You apply using Application for a Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) - Department Approval Certificate (MSVA 1).
Email the completed forms to Specialist.testingDVA@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
MSVA test fees
| Categories | Full test price | Retest price |
|---|---|---|
| Low power moped* | £45.00 | £15.00 |
| Two-wheeled vehicles | £70.00 | £15.00 |
| Three/ four-wheeled vehicles | £85.00 | £15.00 |
| Partial MSVA | £11.75 | Not applicable |
* A low power moped is defined as a moped with pedals, with auxiliary propulsion not exceeding 1kW, and a maximum design speed not exceeding 25km/h (16mph).
Once your application has been cleared for testing, DVA staff will contact you by phone to receive the payment for the test. Payment for the test can only be made by credit or debit card.
Details of the appointment date and time will be sent to you by email.
- MOT test fees
- Test centre locations
- Motorcycle single vehicle approval application form and guidance notes (MSVA 1)
MSVA is also a Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) rule for certain vehicles that have been radically altered or built using a mix of components from previously registered vehicles.
Examples include:
- vehicles rebuilt using a second hand frame
- vehicles converted to a different wheelplan
Further information on these types of vehicles can be found at the links below:
Vehicle registration - GOV.UK website