MSVA GUIDE: What is the purpose of Motorcycle Single Vehicle Type Approval? The European Community set it as the legal requirement.
The MSVA scheme is a way for motorcycles and similar vehicles to become ‘type approved‘ before registration.
The standards of vehicle type approval integrate construction, design, and environmental impact.
Thus, manufacturers can build motorcycles to a single specification set for European markets.
On this basis, the majority of governments came to the same conclusion for their motorcycle market. They agreed that it warrants a single vehicle type approval scheme to operate in coexistence with ECWVTA.
MSVA Scheme Rules
If a motorbike is not registered it is illegal to ride it on the public highways. This covers bikes with 2 and 3 wheels as well as light vehicles with 4 wheels.
Registration must follow the standards of the European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval. The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is proof of this.
So how to get a Certificate of Conformity? Have it inspected following the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval scheme rules to get a CoC.
Some vehicle have radical alterations, such as changing the chassis or engine size. In this case, it must use the MSVA scheme to receive get the Certificate of Conformity. This would apply to:
- Vehicles built from scratch, such as kit cars.
- Vehicles that have been rebuilt (e.g. following a major accident).
- Classic vehicles with major reconstruction using non-original parts. For example those which got converted to a different wheelplan.
Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval Eligibility Criteria
The MSVA scheme is for vehicles that are under 10 years old and not registered in the United Kingdom. It also applies to vehicles that do not have ECWVTA. The types of vehicles that meet MSVA eligibility include:
2 wheeled mopeds- 3 wheeled mopeds
- Single seat motorbikes
- Motorcycle with a sidecar combinations
- Three wheel motorbikes
- Heavy and light quad bikes and quadricycles
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency produces a detailed guide with definitions. Refer to the MSVA inspection manual appendix 1 for in depth information on vehicle type approval.
Note: There is a difference between a motorbike (motorcycle) and a moped (or a scooter).
A moped has an engine displacement not exceeding 100cc, no manual gearshift, and is capable of no more than 30mph on a level surface. It does not get considered as a motorbike unless it meets all three conditions.
Partial Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval Rating
A Certificate of Conformity states which side of the vehicle has the steering wheel. It also clarifies what units of distance the speedometer displays.
All vehicles travelling on UK roads must have equipment to meet the rules of the Highway Code. The vehicle must meet ECWVTA regulations, but it also needs to be ‘street legal‘.
In this case a Partial MSVA meets the legal requirement. Vehicles undertaking a Partial MSVA must conform to:
- Headlamp Dipped Beam Pattern:
- By law, during the day or night time, headlamps must avoid dazzling other road users. This rule applies to driving in the United Kingdom and in Europe. Easy-to-fit adapters are available to avoid having to replace the vehicle headlights.
- Speedometer:
- The speed indicator must display units in ‘miles per hour‘ (mph). Dual displays of mph and kilometers per hour also meet the rules of Partial MSVA.
- Mirror Location:
- Mopeds with only one mirror must have it fitted on the right hand side (offside) of the handlebar or front fairing.
MSVA Vehicle Identification Numbers
If your vehicle does not have a vehicle identification number (VIN) you must apply for one from the DVLA. All vehicles must have a VIN before getting an MSVA inspection. But, the DVLA inspection has a mandatory fee.
VC15A/MASET
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1ZZ
Choosing a Test Station
All Partial MSVA inspections get carried out at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency test stations. Make sure they have approval to test the category of your vehicle before you choose which station to use.
- Category B: 2 wheeled vehicles
- Category T: 3 wheeled vehicles
- Category Q: 4 wheeled vehicles
| MSVA Test Station | Address in United Kingdom | Test Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | Cloverhill Road, Bridge of Don Industrial Estate, Aberdeen, AB23 8FE | B, T, Q |
| Beverley | Oldbeck Road, Off Grovehill Road, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 0JW | B, T, Q |
| Bristol | Merebank Road, Avonmouth, Bristol, BS11 8AQ | B, T, Q |
| Cardiff (Llantrisant) | School Road, Miskin, Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan, CF72 8YR | B, T, Q |
| Carlisle | Brunthill Road, Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle, CA3 0EH | B, T, Q |
| Chelmsford | Widford Industrial Estate, Chelmsford, CM1 3DR | B, Q |
| Derby | Belmore Way, Alvaston, Derby, DE21 7AY | B, T, Q |
| Edinburgh (Livingston) | Grange Road, Houston Industrial Estate, Livingston, Edinburgh, West Lothian, EH54 5DE | B, T, Q |
| Exeter | Grace Road West, Marsh Barton Trading Estate, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8PU | B, T, Q |
| Gillingham | Ambley Road, Gillingham, ME8 0SJ | B, T, Q |
| Leighton Buzzard | Stanbridge Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 4QG | B, T, Q |
| London West (Yeading) | Cygnet Way, Willow Tree Lane, Yeading, Hayes, Middlesex, UB4 9BS | T, Q |
| Manchester (Chadderton) | Broadway Business Park, Broadgate, Manchester (Chadderton), Oldham, OL9 9XA | B, T, Q |
| Newcastle-upon-Tyne | Sandy Lane, Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE3 5HB | B, T, Q |
| Norwich | Jupiter Road, Hellesden, Norwich, NR6 6SS | B, T, Q |
| Southampton (Northam) | Unit R Centurion Industrial Estate, Bitterne Road West, Southampton, SO18 1UB | B, T, Q |
| Watford | Unit A, Caxton Court, Caxton Way, Watford, WD18 8RH | B |
MSVA and Partial MSVA Application Form
- ‘Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) application form (MSVA 1)‘
- ‘Partial Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) application form (PMSVA 1)‘
You can use the technical application system or print the form and then post it to:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Ellipse
Padley Road
Swansea
SA1 8AN
After you choose a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency test station they will inspect your vehicle. They will issue a Minister’s Approval Certificate (MAC) when it passes the inspection. This certificate is a mandatory document needed to register your vehicle.
Making an Appeal for a Re-test
If the vehicle fails the MSVA test you can appeal for a re-test. The appeal must be within 14 days and carried out using the MSVA17 form. The re-test must take place at the original testing station.
Note: There is a charge for second test fee. But, you can apply for a refund if the vehicle passes the re-test.