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MSVA testing

We were the first privately owned MSVA test centre in the United Kingdom

All tests are conducted on-site by My Car Import at our privately owned testing lane.

  • Custom-built motorcycles
  • Imported motorcycles
  • Motorcycles built from a combination of parts from different manufacturers
  • Three-wheeled motorcycles and trikes
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Empty four-post lift and inspection lane inside the workshop

The test

What is the MSVA test?

The MSVA test, or the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval test, is a test that is required in the UK for certain types of motorcycles and trikes before they can be registered and used on the road.

The MSVA test applies to motorcycles and trikes that are not eligible for a European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval. This is a type of approval that covers the majority of new motorcycles sold in the EU.

The purpose of the MSVA test is to ensure that the car meets the relevant safety and environmental standards.

Eligibility

Will you need an MSVA test?

The MSVA test applies to motorcycles and trikes that are not eligible for a EU type approval.

We can help with registering your custom-built motorcycles, imported motorcycles, motorcycles built from a combination of parts from different manufacturers, and three-wheeled motorcycles and trikes.

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Brembo front brake caliper and drilled disc on an MV Agusta motorbike
Brakes – one of the systems the examiner checks.
Gold Ohlins rear shock absorber fitted to a motorcycle in the workshop
Suspension, on a bike in our workshop.
Spoked rear wheel, disc brake and knobbly tyre on an enduro bike in the workshop
Wheels and tyres, on an enduro bike.

On the day

What happens during the MSVA test?

If the MSVA (Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval) test is still applicable for motorcycles in the UK, this is what typically happens during an MSVA test for motorcycles:

  1. Preparation and DocumentationSimilar to the IVA test, you must ensure your motorcycle is properly prepared and meets the necessary documentation requirements.
  2. Inspection of Vehicle ComponentsThe motorcycle undergoes a comprehensive inspection, focusing on various components such as lights, mirrors, brakes, steering, suspension, tires, emissions, noise levels, and more. The examiner checks if these components meet the required safety and environmental standards.
  3. Emissions and Noise LevelsEmissions and noise levels are tested to ensure compliance with set limits. This helps ensure the car doesn’t emit excessive pollutants or generate excessive noise.
  4. Lights and Electrical SystemsAll lighting and electrical systems are inspected to ensure proper functioning and compliance with standards.
  5. Brakes and SuspensionThe functionality and safety of the brakes and suspension systems are evaluated.
  6. Structural IntegrityThe motorcycle’s structural integrity is assessed to confirm it can withstand normal road stresses.
  7. Build QualityThe overall build quality is examined to ensure it meets acceptable standards.
  8. Documentation CheckThe examiner reviews your documentation to verify that you’ve met administrative requirements and that the motorcycle’s specifications match what’s been declared.
  9. Test OutcomeThe examiner will determine whether the motorcycle passes or fails the MSVA test based on the inspection and tests. If it fails, you’ll receive a report outlining the issues that need to be addressed before retesting.
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Before and after the test

Related pages

Related pages

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Will I pay import tax?

Are you moving to the UK?

If you are moving to the UK, have lived outside the UK for more than 12 months and have owned the car for more than 6 months, you will be eligible for a tax and duty free import.

To qualify, you will complete a Transfer of Residency application with HMRC. Customers of My Car Import have access to handy guides to complete this application.

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Have you bought a car from the EU?

Vehicles registered in the EU attract 20% import VAT, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

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Have you bought a car from outside the EU?

Vehicles registered outside the EU attract 20% import VAT and 10% import Duty, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

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Have you bought a classic car?

Vehicles over 30 years old qualify for a special rate of taxation, due to their historical interest, similar to an antiquity.

You will pay 5% import VAT and no import Duty, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

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Have you got a car that was formerly UK registered?

If you exported a car from the UK and are now returning with it, you may be able to import the car back into the UK tax free, as long as you can provide a UK purchase invoice when you acquired the car, along with a copy of your former UK V5C logbook.

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For a no obligation quotation to import your car fill out our quote form.

We have imported thousands of cars from around the world into the United Kingdom and we have over 25 years experience doing so.

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