Type approval

This chapter covers the requirements a vehicle’s components and/or systems must be tested and approved to, in order to comply with regulatory standards. It also explains approval marks, the application and which vehicles are typically exempt.

Updates for 2023:

  • GB Provisional Scheme.

  • UKCA Conformity Marking.

 

Download the type approval chapter of the Yearbook of Road Transport Law

Contents:

  • ECE type approval regulations.

  • National Type Approval in the UK.

  • EU type approval directives.

  • Type approval marks.

  • Application of type approval.

  • GB Type Approval.

  • EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA).

    • Definitions.

    • Vehicles exempt from the historic GB Goods Vehicle Type Approval.

    • Multi-stage completed vehicles.

    • Requirements for trailers entering into service.

    • DVSA consent to supply requirements for type-approved trailers.

    • Exempt vehicles.

    • UKCA Conformity marking.

Download the type approval chapter of the Yearbook of Road Transport Law

What is Type Approval?

Type approval is the system whereby the vehicle, its components or systems can be tested and approved for compliance with standards. UK tests are done by or on behalf of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). Type approval schemes have been in force in parts of Europe for many years to check parts and systems on new vehicles before registration. The aim now is to produce a common European Union scheme with the same standards.