Basics of an IVA Trailer Test
This guide is to explain the basics of an IVA and what may happen during the assessment.
Basics of an IVA Trailer Test
The Individual Vehicle Assessment looks at parts of your trailer that can easily be accessed without any dismantling. You may be asked however to remove/open various parts of your trailer, for example; lockable compartments, carpet etc, to allow assessment to take place. If visual inspection on parts such as Brake Cables are not sufficient, you may be asked to demonsrate that your trailer does indeed comply with the requirements and regulations.
If your trailer does not meet the specific requirements, you will be provided with a ‘Notification of Refusal to issue an Individual Vehicle Approval’ certificate. The certificate will notify you of the items leading to the failure of the assessment along with the reasons why. You can then make an appointment for re-examination for up to 6 months after the issue of a ‘Notification of Refusal’ certificate. If your trailer fails the assessment, you are therefore unable to drive it as it is an offence to tow a trailer requiring IVA without an Individual Assessment Certificate (IAC).
Approval Implemention Dates
| Trailer Type | Implemention Date |
| Incomplete & complete O1, O4 | 29th October 2012 |
| Completed O1, O4 | 29th April 2013 |
| Special purpose trailers | 29th October 2014 |
O1 Very light trailers, 0.75 tonnes or less
02 Light trailers, 0.75 to 3.5 tonnes
03 Medium trailers, 3.5 to 10 tonnes
04 Heavy trailers over 10 tonnes
Summary of Trailer Requirements
| Assessment Part | Trailer Applicable |
| Rear Protective Devices (Under Run) | Applicable for O3 & O4 |
| Rear Registration Plate Space | Applicable for all trailer categories |
| Steering Effort | O3 & O4 if fitted with steered axles |
| Brakes | O2, O3, O4 (O1 if fitted with brakes) |
| Statutory Plates | Applicable to all trailer categories |
| Installation of Lights | Applicable to all trailers |
| Retro Reflectors | Applicable to all trailers |
| Stop and side marker lamps | Applicable to all trailers |
| Direction Indicators | Applicable to all trailers |
| Rear Registration Lamps | Applicable to all trailers |
| Rear Fog Lamps | Applicable to all trailers |
| Reversing Lamps | O2, O3, O4 (O1 Optional) |
| Heating Systems | Applicable to all trailers if fitted |
| Side Guards | 03, O4 |
| Spray Suppression | 03, O4 |
| Safety Glass | Applicable to all trailers |
| Tyres | Applicable to all trailers |
| Masses and Dimensions | Applicable to all trailers |
| Couplings | All O1 & O2 Trailers |
| Couplings | All O3 & O4 Trailers |
| General Construction | All trailers subject to IVA |
For more information on IVA click below to view IVA Inspection manual class 1, 2, 3, 4
Click below to find your nearest IVA Test Station