How much does an IVA test cost in the UK?

The DVSA IVA inspection fee is £199 during working hours or £294 outside working hours. A re-inspection costs £40 (or £59 outside hours). If your vehicle has EU type approval (CoC) and only needs GB Conversion IVA, that is a separate £100 paperwork process through the VCA with no physical inspection required.

What cars need an IVA test?

Any car under 10 years old being imported to the UK that does not have EU/GB type approval needs a full IVA test. This applies to most imports from the USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, and other non-EU countries. EU-type-approved cars with a Certificate of Conformity do not need a full IVA but may need GB Conversion IVA (£100, paperwork only) if they are left-hand drive.

How long does the IVA test take?

The IVA Basic inspection for personal imports takes approximately 60 minutes. You should allow a full morning or afternoon for the appointment including arrival, paperwork, and any discussions with the examiner.

What is the most common reason for IVA failure?

Headlights are the number one cause of IVA failure. The beam pattern must dip to the left for UK driving. Masking or sticking tape over headlights is not permitted. Headlamps must be permanently converted, replaced, or recoded to produce the correct UK beam pattern.

Can I drive an unregistered car to the IVA test?

Yes, you can drive directly to a pre-booked IVA test on UK roads without registration or road tax. However, you must have valid motor insurance for the vehicle — insure it using the VIN number. You must drive by the shortest reasonable route directly to and from the test.

What happens if I fail the IVA test?

You receive an IVA 30 refusal notice listing every item that failed and why. Some minor items qualify for free re-inspection. For other items, you fix the issues and apply for a paid re-inspection (£40 during working hours). Re-inspections must be completed within 6 months of the original refusal.

IVA Test UK: Complete Guide to Individual Vehicle Approval

2026 Guide: Who Needs It, What's Checked, How to Pass & What's Next

DVSA Test Fee

£199

During working hours

Test Duration

~60 Mins

Basic IVA for imports

Test Centres

21 Sites

Across England, Scotland & Wales

The IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test is a UK government safety and environmental inspection for vehicles that don't hold GB or EU type approval. If you're importing a car from the USA, Japan, or any other non-EU country and it's under 10 years old, you'll almost certainly need to pass an IVA test before DVLA will register it.

This guide explains who needs IVA, exactly what the examiner checks, what modifications your car needs, how to book, and what happens after you pass — with all fees and requirements verified against official DVSA and GOV.UK sources as of 2026.

Do You Need an IVA Test?

Quick Check: What Approval Do You Need?

Non-EU car, under 10 years old: Full IVA test required

Cars from the USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and other non-EU countries that don't hold EU type approval need a full IVA inspection at a DVSA test centre. This is the most common scenario for importers. Fee: £199.

EU car with CoC, left-hand drive, under 10 years old: GB Conversion IVA only

If your car has a valid European Certificate of Conformity (CoC) but is left-hand drive, you need a GB Conversion IVA certificate from the VCA. This is a paperwork-only process (no physical inspection) costing £100. You submit evidence that headlights, speedometer, and rear fog light meet UK requirements.

EU car with CoC, right-hand drive, under 10 years old: No IVA needed

If your car has a valid CoC and is right-hand drive (built to UK specification), you don't need any IVA. The CoC alone is sufficient for DVLA registration.

Any car over 10 years old: No IVA needed

Vehicles manufactured more than 10 years ago are exempt from vehicle approval entirely, regardless of origin. You skip IVA and go straight to MOT (if over 3 years old) and then DVLA registration.

Any car over 40 years old: No IVA and no MOT needed

Historic vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from both IVA and MOT testing (provided no substantial changes have been made in the last 30 years). They are also exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax).

How Is the 10-Year Exemption Calculated?

The exemption is based on the date of manufacture (not first registration). DVSA's official guidance states that an IVA certificate cannot be issued to a vehicle whose manufacture date is more than 10 years before the date of application. In practice, if the manufacture date is unknown, the date of first registration may be used instead.

IVA vs GB Conversion IVA — What's the Difference?

These are two completely different processes that are easily confused:

| | Full IVA | GB Conversion IVA | |---|---|---| | What it is | Physical vehicle inspection at a DVSA test centre | Paperwork-only process handled by VCA | | Who needs it | Cars without EU/GB type approval (USA, Japan, etc.) | EU-type-approved cars (with CoC) that are left-hand drive | | Fee | £199 (DVSA) | £100 (VCA) | | Duration | ~60 minutes on-site | Postal application, no vehicle inspection | | What's checked | Full safety and environmental inspection (see below) | Three items only: headlights, speedometer, rear fog light | | Administered by | DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) | VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) |

IVA Test Fees

Official DVSA Fees (2026)

IVA inspection (during working hours)£199

IVA inspection (outside working hours)£294

Re-inspection (during working hours)£40

Re-inspection (outside working hours)£59

Appeal£199 / £294

GB Conversion IVA certificate (VCA, paperwork only)£100

Replacement Individual Approval Certificate£25

Working hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm, Friday 8am-4:30pm. All fees are statutory and VAT-exempt. Source: GOV.UK vehicle approval test costs.

Note: Some minor IVA failures qualify for free re-inspection — including audible warning device, rear registration plate space, fuel filler arrangement, EMC markings, brake warning lamps, and up to 3 separate interior fittings failures.

What the IVA Examiner Checks

This is the full list of items inspected during an IVA Basic test for personal imports. The examiner works through each area systematically.

Headlights — #1 Cause of Failure

Headlights: The Most Common Failure Point

The dipped beam must produce a clear cut-off that dips to the left for UK (left-hand traffic) driving. Vehicles from countries that drive on the right (USA, mainland Europe, most of the world) have headlights that dip to the right — these must be permanently converted.

Not permitted: Masking tape, beam deflector stickers, or any form of sticker/film over the headlight lens. These are only acceptable as a temporary measure for driving the car to the test — they will fail IVA.

Acceptable solutions: Replace headlight units with UK/EU-spec units, swap internal beam shields/masks, or recode adaptive LED headlights via diagnostic software. Many modern BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis can be recoded. Tested using a calibrated headlamp aim tester.

Tip: Get your headlights checked at a Class 4 MOT station before the IVA test. They use the same type of headlamp aim tester as the IVA examiner. Fix any issues before your appointment — don't gamble the £199 test fee.

Lights & Indicators

Lighting Requirements

Rear Fog Light — Almost Always Missing on Imports

At least one rear fog light must be fitted, positioned centre or offside (right-hand side as viewed from behind). Must carry an 'e' or 'E' approval mark plus 'F' category mark. Must have a dashboard warning indicator. Must only illuminate when dipped beam, main beam, or front fog lamps are active. If two are fitted, they must be a matched, symmetrical pair.

Typical cost: £50-150 installed

Indicators Must Be Amber

All indicators — front, rear, and side repeaters — must be amber. US cars commonly fail because they use red rear indicators integrated with brake lights. These must be converted to separate amber units. Flash rate must be 60-120 flashes per minute. All lamps must carry 'e' or 'E' approval marks.

Typical cost: £100-400 (rear light conversion)

Side Repeater Indicators

Required on each side of the vehicle. Must be amber and visible from the side. Many US and some Japanese cars lack side repeaters entirely — they must be added. Must carry appropriate approval marks.

Typical cost: £50-100

Other Lights

Rear position lamps, stop lamps, number plate lamps, and rear reflectors are also checked for presence, operation, and approval marks. These are rarely an issue on modern imports.

Speedometer

Speedometer Requirements

Must

Display in miles per hour (mph)
Be clearly visible to the driver at all times
Have markings at increments of no more than 20 mph
Pass accuracy test between 35-70 mph on calibrated rollers

Must Not

Use a GPS speedometer (not permitted)
Use a bicycle or racing instrument
Be obscured by the steering wheel
Use temporary stickers or overlays as a permanent solution

Country tips: US cars already display mph — usually fine. Japanese cars display km/h only and need conversion (digital speed signal converters are available). EU cars often display both but with km/h as the primary unit — many can be switched to mph via the infotainment system.

Emissions

Emission standards are based on engine age (not vehicle age) — this is critical for engine-swapped vehicles.

Pre-1975 engines: Visual check only (exhaust condition, no excessive smoke)
Post-1975 engines: Tested to the same emission standards as the MOT, corresponding to the Euro standard for the engine's date of manufacture
Proof of engine age is required if the engine has been transplanted from another vehicle — a manufacturer letter or official documentation is acceptable
Tip: Get emissions tested at an MOT station beforehand. The test is the same and costs far less than rebooking IVA

Brakes

Brake Performance Requirements

60%

Service brake efficiency (minimum)

25%

Secondary brake efficiency per half (minimum)

18%

Parking brake efficiency (minimum)

Tested on brake rollers for efficiency, grab, and judder. The master cylinder must be mounted on an adequate structure (not wood). An indelible label is required within 100mm of the master cylinder identifying the brake fluid type. Brake hoses must not rub against suspension components.

Other Items Checked

Complete Inspection Checklist

Seatbelts

Must carry 'e'/'E' approval marks. Webbing checked for frays. Locking mechanism tested. Anchorage points must be fully triangulated and braced. You must complete the seat belt anchorage declaration form (IVA 19A or 19B) before the test.

Mirrors

Minimum one interior mirror (40mm × 80mm) and one exterior offside mirror (40mm × 70mm). For LHD vehicles, the offside is the left — an additional nearside (right) mirror may be needed for adequate rear vision.

Tyres

Speed rating must match vehicle's maximum speed. Minimum 1.6mm tread depth. Same size, type, and construction on each axle (no mixing radial and cross-ply).

Windscreen, Wipers & Washers

Windscreen must be laminated glass. Wipers must be functional with adequate coverage. Washers must be operational with adequate fluid.

Horn

Must be fitted, operational, and accessible to the driver. Only operation is tested (not volume level).

VIN Plate

VIN must be permanently stamped or etched on the chassis/frame. A statutory plate must be seam-welded (not bonded/glued) to the body, displaying manufacturer name, VIN, and weight information. If your vehicle lacks a VIN, apply to DVLA before the IVA test.

Exterior Projections & Sharp Edges

Any projection over 5mm must have a radius of curvature of at least 2.5mm. DVSA uses 100mm and 165mm sphere tests. Dashboard projections over 9.5mm must retract or detach under force. This is the 5th most common cause of IVA failure.

Steering

Checked for excessive free play, component security, and condition. Power steering fluid levels and leaks checked.

Noise Level

At three-quarters maximum RPM, must be below 99 dB. Aftermarket exhausts are a common cause of failure, particularly on JDM imports.

Electrical & General Construction

All wiring must be insulated with secure connections, clipped every 300mm. No tape-wrapped repairs. Fuel system, doors, seats, and general construction are also inspected.

Modifications by Country of Origin

What Needs Modifying?

US-Spec Cars

Headlights: Must convert beam pattern from right-dip to left-dip (£100-500+)

Rear indicators: Red → amber conversion (£100-400)

Rear fog light: Must add one, centre or offside (£50-150)

Side repeaters: Often missing — must add (£50-100)

Speedometer: Already shows mph — usually fine

Typical total: £400-1,200+

Japanese (JDM) Cars

Speedometer: km/h only — must convert to mph (£200-600)

Rear fog light: Must add one (£50-150)

Exhaust noise: JDM exhausts often exceed 99 dB limit

Headlights: Dip left (correct for UK) — usually fine

Indicators: Already amber — usually fine

Typical total: £500-1,500+

Other countries: Cars from Australia drive on the left (headlights usually correct, RHD). Cars from Canada follow US-spec lighting — same modifications as US imports. Cars from South Korea and other right-hand traffic countries need headlight conversion, rear fog light, and potentially indicator changes.

How to Book an IVA Test

Booking Process

Apply online or by post

Online (faster): Via the DVSA online service. By post: Complete form IVA 1C (for cars) and send to DVSA Approvals Team, The Ellipse, Padley Road, Swansea, SA1 8AN.

DVSA contacts you to arrange appointment

DVSA will usually offer an inspection within 20 working days at your chosen test centre. Allow 10 working days before chasing. Pay by credit/debit card at this stage.

Attend the test

Bring: the vehicle, your VIN/chassis documentation, seat belt anchorage declaration (form IVA 19A or 19B), and any supporting evidence. The test takes approximately 60 minutes.

Cancellation policy: You must give at least 3 clear working days' notice to change or cancel your test, or you will have to pay the full fee again.

What You Need to Bring

VIN or chassis number documentation
Completed seat belt anchorage compliance declaration (form IVA 19A or IVA 19B) — download from GOV.UK before the test
Any supporting documentation (Certificate of Conformity if available, engine age evidence, component approval certificates)
For IVA Basic (personal imports), documentary evidence is generally not required — it is primarily a visual and functional inspection

IVA Test Centres

There are 21 DVSA-approved IVA test centres across England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland has separate DVA centres.

Test Centre Locations

London & South East

Gillingham (Kent) · Southampton · Yeading (Hayes)

South West

Bristol (Avonmouth) · Exeter

West Midlands

Halesowen · Kidderminster

East Midlands

Castle Donington · Derby · Nottingham (Watnall)

Wales

Pontyclun (near Cardiff)

East of England

Leighton Buzzard · Norwich · Peterborough · Purfleet

Yorkshire & Humberside

Beverley · Sheffield

North West

Chadderton (Oldham) · Lower Darwen (Lancashire)

North East

Newcastle (Gosforth)

Scotland

Livingston (near Edinburgh)

Getting to the Test: Legal Requirements

Driving to the IVA Test

You Can

Drive directly to a pre-booked IVA test without registration or road tax
Drive directly to a pre-booked MOT test without registration or road tax
Have the vehicle trailered to the test centre

You Must

Have valid motor insurance — insure using the VIN number
Drive by the shortest reasonable route directly to the test
Ensure the vehicle is roadworthy for the journey

Insurance is non-negotiable. Driving without insurance is a criminal offence regardless of the purpose of the journey. An unregistered vehicle can be insured using its VIN — specialist import insurers like Adrian Flux, Keith Michaels, and Advance Insurance can arrange this.

Pass or Fail: What Happens Next

If You Pass

DVSA issues an Individual Approval Certificate (IAC).

Take this to DVLA along with your V55/5 form, NOVA confirmation, MOT (if applicable), and other registration documents.

DVLA registers the vehicle and issues a V5C logbook and registration number.

If You Fail

DVSA issues an IVA 30 — Notification of Refusal listing every item of non-compliance.

Some items qualify for free re-inspection (e.g. horn, plate space, EMC marks, brake warning lamps, up to 3 interior fittings).

For other items: fix the issues and apply for a paid re-inspection (£40 during working hours).

Re-inspections must be completed within 6 months of the original refusal, at the same test station.

Appeals: If you disagree with a refusal decision, you can appeal within 14 days using form IVA 17. The appeal fee (£199 during working hours) is partially or fully refundable if your appeal is successful.

GB Conversion IVA — For EU Cars

If your car has a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and is left-hand drive, you don't need a full IVA — you need a GB Conversion IVA certificate instead. This is a simpler, paperwork-only process.

GB Conversion IVA: How It Works

What it is:

A documentary check processed by the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) — no physical vehicle inspection. You submit evidence that three UK-specific items have been addressed.

What's checked (3 items only):

1.Headlamp beam pattern — must dip to the left. Provide evidence (e.g. garage invoice, signed statement from a VAT-registered garage or MOT testing station).

2.Speedometer — must display mph. Provide evidence (e.g. workshop invoice for reprogramming, signed statement).

3.Rear fog light — must be fitted centre or offside.

How to apply:

Apply by post to VCA with the completed application form, supporting evidence, and £100 fee. VCA issues the certificate by post (Royal Mail first class). VCA does not offer walk-in services.

Partial refund available: If your application is successful, a £60 refund is available. You have 3 months from the date on the VCA refund letter to claim it.

IVA vs MSVA: Cars vs Motorcycles

IVA is for cars (category M1). If you're importing a motorcycle, you need MSVA (Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval) instead — these are completely separate schemes.

| | IVA (Cars) | MSVA (Motorcycles) | |---|---|---| | Vehicle type | Cars up to 8 passenger seats | Motorcycles, mopeds, 3/4-wheelers | | Fee | £199 | £85 (2-wheeled) / £104 (3/4-wheeled) | | Re-inspection | £40 | £17 | | Administered by | DVSA | DVSA | | Certificate issued | Individual Approval Certificate (IAC) | Minister's Approval Certificate (MAC) |

For full details on motorcycle imports, see our V55/5 for Motorcycles guide.

Tips to Pass First Time

How to Maximise Your Chances

1. Get a pre-IVA headlight check at an MOT station

Headlights are the #1 failure. MOT stations use the same calibrated beam testers as IVA examiners. A headlight aim check costs around £10-20 and could save you the £40 re-inspection fee (plus the wait for a new slot).

2. Get a pre-IVA emissions check

Ask any MOT station to run an emissions test on your imported car. If it fails, fix it before the IVA appointment — not during it.

3. Check all lights carry 'e' or 'E' marks

Every external lamp (headlights, rear lights, indicators, fog lights, reflectors) must carry an approval mark. Look for a small "e" or "E" followed by a number stamped or etched on the lens or housing.

4. Complete the seatbelt declaration before you arrive

Download form IVA 19A (for vehicles with original seatbelt anchorages) or IVA 19B (for modified anchorages) from GOV.UK and complete it before the test. Arriving without this form will cause delays.

5. Use an IVA preparation specialist

Companies like ShipMyCar (Castle Donington), My Car Import, and other IVA specialists can prepare your vehicle, handle modifications, and even present it for the test. Costs from £500-1,500+ depending on work needed, but they know exactly what examiners look for.

6. Book early — slots fill up

DVSA aims to offer a test within 20 working days, but popular centres (especially in the South East) can have longer waits. Apply as soon as you know your vehicle's UK arrival date.

After IVA: The Road to Registration

Once you have your Individual Approval Certificate, here's what comes next:

MOT test — if the car is over 3 years old and hasn't already had one (maximum fee: £54.85)
Insurance — arrange UK motor insurance using the VIN
Complete the V55/5 form — include your IVA certificate, NOVA confirmation, foreign registration document, MOT certificate, ID, proof of address, £55 fee, and VED payment
Post to DVLA — send everything to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BE
Receive V5C — DVLA processes the application (typically 2-6 weeks) and issues your registration number and V5C logbook
Get number plates made — from a DVLA-registered supplier using your new registration number

Passed IVA? Complete Your V55/5 Form Next

The V55/5 form is the final step between IVA and driving legally on UK roads. Our guided tool walks you through every box with VIN decoding, DVLA code lookups, and validation — ensuring your IVA data matches perfectly and preventing DVLA rejections.

IVA certificate data mapped

VIN auto-decode

Prevents DVLA rejections

15-minute completion

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book my IVA test? Apply as soon as you know your vehicle's arrival date in the UK. DVSA aims to offer a test within 20 working days, but popular centres can have longer waits, especially in summer. Allow 10 working days before contacting DVSA to check on your application.

Can I fail IVA and still register the car? No. You must pass IVA (or be exempt) before DVLA will register the vehicle. If you fail, fix the issues and apply for a re-inspection within 6 months.

Is the IVA test the same as an MOT? No. IVA is a one-off type approval inspection for vehicles not previously registered in the UK. The MOT is an annual roadworthiness test for registered vehicles. They check some of the same things (brakes, lights, emissions) but IVA is more comprehensive and includes items the MOT doesn't check (interior projections, VIN plate requirements, seatbelt anchorages, noise levels). You still need a separate MOT after IVA if the car is over 3 years old.

What if my car has been modified (engine swap, body kit, etc.)? Modified vehicles may need additional documentation. Engine swaps require proof of the replacement engine's age (for emissions testing). If the vehicle has been "radically altered" from its original specification, it may need IVA Basic class A/S/C testing (£450, up to 4 hours) rather than the standard class L/M/N/P test.

Does IVA apply to vans and commercial vehicles? Yes. Light goods vehicles (up to 3,500kg, category N1) follow the same IVA process as cars. Heavy goods vehicles (over 3,500kg, categories N2/N3) have a 25-year age exemption instead of 10 years.

Can I get IVA done in Northern Ireland? Northern Ireland has separate DVA (Driver & Vehicle Agency) test centres, not DVSA. The process is similar but administered differently. Contact DVA directly for Northern Ireland IVA queries.

DVSA IVA enquiries: 0300 200 1188 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) or enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk

This guide covers IVA for passenger vehicles (category M1) imported to Great Britain as of February 2026. The IVA inspection manual runs to 335 pages — this guide covers the items most relevant to importers but is not exhaustive. Always verify current requirements with DVSA. Northern Ireland has different arrangements. Consider professional advice for complex or heavily modified vehicles.