Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) is a system used by the authorities to ensure a consistent level of safety is achieved when people build their own cars. Any kit car constructed by a private individual must be subjected (at the builders expense) to an SVA test in order that it can be legally registered for use on publice roads. The test must also be carried out on some other vehicle types such as imports.

The process looks at the design and build quality of the vehicle rather than the condition of it, and it must be remembered that the gaining of a MAC (Ministers Approval Certificate) does not mean that the car doesn't need an MOT, in fact it is theoretically possible that a car may pass the SVA and fail the subsequent MOT.

The information given here is not a full description of the requirements, which are updated on a regular basis. Anybody building a kit car should purchase the SVA Inspection Manual for themselves from VOSA.

The manual describes the requirements for the builder in a number of areas:

• Anti-theft - The vehicle must be fitted with at least a basic anti-theft device such as an immobiliser.
• Demisting - The vehicle must be fitted with a powered demisting/defrosting system.
• Wipers and Washers - A wiper system of adequate speed must be fitted, parking position is also considered.
• Seats - There are a specific rules about seats and their fixings
• Seat belts - Strength and number of mountings are considered, along with the strength of the belts themselves.
• Interior - There are a myriad of regulations surrounding the design and location of such things as switches and controls, interior pannels and so on.
• Radio Suppression - Ensures there are no stray radio interference waves generated by the high voltage ignition system
• Glazing - Windows must conform to a British Standard specification.
• Lighting and signalling - Checks the quantity, colour and brightness of all the necessary lamps. Includes side light headlights, turn lamps, number plate lamps etc.
• Mirrors - Quantity and suitability of mirrors.
• Tyres - Tyres must conform to various standards and also display all the appropriate markings.
• Doors - Should be able to be opened and closed easily. Should be secure when closed.
• Exterior - External components need to conform to minimum radius specifications.
• Steering - Mainly concerns the energy absorbing features of the steering wheel.
• Design - Checks the vehicle structure, items fitted inside, self centering steering etc.
• Brakes - Checks the suitability of the braking system including the parking brake, cylinders and hydraulic systems etc.
• Noise - Noise levels checked with a sound meter.
• Emissions - Many rules and regulations concerning the emissions of the engine.
• Speedometer - Checks the suitabilty of the speedo markings and the accuracy of the instrument
• Weight - Total and distribution of weight.
• Manuafacturers Plate - The vehicle must clearly display the Chassis Number.