Major Update to the IVA Inspection Manual for N2 / N3 HGV’s

On 21 November 2025, the authorities released a new version of the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) inspection manual covering vehicles in categories N2 and N3 — that is, medium- and heavy-duty goods vehicles (HGVs). GOV.UK This isn’t the standard annual inspection (MOT) manual you might be used to — it’s the IVA manual, which sets out the technical standards and construction requirements that must be met before a vehicle is approved for licence and registration in the UK. GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2

Because this update affects the IVA regime rather than routine MOT tests, it is particularly relevant to anyone building, importing, converting or substantially modifying HGVs.

What is the IVA Scheme — and how it differs from an MOT

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)’s IVA scheme exists to verify that individual vehicles — especially those not manufactured under standard European type-approval — comply with UK technical and safety standards before being put on the road. GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2

Whereas an MOT focuses on the roadworthiness of a completed vehicle (e.g. brakes, lights, emissions), an IVA inspection focuses on how the vehicle was constructed or adapted, including fundamental structural and design aspects. GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2

The IVA route applies to a wide range of vehicles: passenger cars (M-categories), light goods vehicles (N1), heavy goods vehicles (N2 & N3), trailers (O categories), and buses/coaches (M2/M3). GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2

For N2/N3 vehicles, the manual defines:

• N2 vehicles: used for the carriage of goods, with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes GOV.UK+1
• N3 vehicles: goods vehicles with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 12 tonnes GOV.UK+1

What’s New in the 2025 Update

The 2025 release includes a revised version of the IVA manual for N2 and N3 vehicles, effective from 28 November 2025. GOV.UK According to industry commentary, key changes cover: Garage Wire

• Lateral protection (side guards) — Clarified requirements, including the addition of provisions for vehicles fitted with a “Blind Spot Information System” (BSIS). Garage Wire
• Rear protective devices (e.g. for concrete mixers or pumping vehicles) — Updated requirements to reflect their particular uses. Garage Wire
• Couplings (for trailers or towed equipment) — New documentary evidence requirements for 50 mm ball couplings, along with clarified specifications for train weight. Garage Wire
• Noise and exhaust systems — Revised inspection standards for vehicles fitted with modified exhausts. This is especially relevant for operators or converters modifying heavy goods vehicles. Garage Wire

These updates reflect evolving safety and environmental standards, and reinforce the rigorous regulatory oversight associated with the IVA process.

Why This Matters for Operators, Converters, Importers and Fleet Managers

If you deal with HGVs in any of these capacities — building, importing, converting or modifying — these changes are not trivial. Compliance with the updated manual will be mandatory for any new IVA submissions for N2/N3 vehicles from late November. Non-compliance could result in failure to obtain an Individual Approval Certificate (IAC), preventing licensing and registration.

Even if a vehicle passes a standard MOT, that does not guarantee it would satisfy the IVA requirements. The IVA assessment looks deep into construction details, structural integrity, protective devices, and compliance with statutory safety specifications. GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2

The updated manual underlines that certain components (e.g. side guards, couplings, protective devices) must meet strict dimension, mounting, and documentation standards — so operators should review conversions or modifications carefully before submission for IVA inspection.

What Should You Do Next?

1. Download and review the updated manual — The official PDF for the N2/N3 IVA manual (from 28 November 2025) is published on the GOV.UK site. GOV.UK
2. Check your vehicles (or planned builds/conversions) against the new requirements — Pay particular attention to any structural changes, side guards, couplings, exhaust alterations or specialty bodies (mixers, pumps, etc.).
3. Ensure documentation is complete when submitting: any vehicles requiring 50 mm ball couplings now need additional evidence, and certain protective devices must comply with updated construction standards.
4. Plan ahead if you operate fleets or run conversions/imports — applying before the update’s effective date may make sense to avoid compliance risk, but for all new applications you’ll need to meet the revised standard.