Approval and Accreditations

TYPE APPROVAL

At the core of what we do is compliance, safety and consistency. Our vehicle conversions are backed by certified type approvals, meaning every build meets strict UK and European standards without compromise. 

 

OUR APPROVALS AT A GLANCE

We hold certified approvals aligned with standards set by the Vehicle Certification Agency, ensuring every vehicle is compliant from day one. 

N1 TYPE APPROVAL:

🚐 Ford Transit L3H2/H3 FWD/RWD

🚐 Iveco Daily 3520

🚐 Mercedes Sprinter L2H2 RWD

M1 TYPE APPROVAL:

🚐 Ford Transit L3H2/H3 FWD/RWD

🚐 Iveco Daily 3520

🚐 Mercedes Sprinter L2H2 RWD

 

N1 TYPE APPROVAL

N1 classification applies to light commercial vehicles designed for carrying goods (up to 3.5 tonnes). This is the standard category for panel van conversions, mobile workshops, fleet vehicles and specialist commercial builds. 

Following the guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, any modification to a vehicle must not compromise safety, structural integrity, or compliance with construction regulations. 

WHY DO YOU NEED N1 APPROVAL?

When a base vehicle is converted, it must still meet:

• Weight and load distribution limits
• Braking and handling performance standards
• Structural safety requirements
• Roadworthiness and legal compliance

Without type approval, each vehicle would need to undergo individual inspection before registration. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF N1 APPROVAL?

• No IVA required for each vehicle
• Faster DVLA registration and deployment
• Consistent quality across fleet builds
• Reduced costs for multi-vehicle orders
• Confidence that every vehicle meets certified standards

For businesses operating fleet conversions, service vans, or commercial vehicle upfits, N1 approval removes delays and keeps vehicles on the road. 

 

M1 TYPE APPROVAL

M1 classification applies to vehicles designed to carry passengers (up to 8 seats plus the driver). This includes crew vans, minibus conversions, and passenger transport vehicles. 

Passenger vehicles must meet significantly stricter safety criteria, particularly around seating and occupant protection. 

WHY DO YOU NEED M1 APPROVAL?

According to UK approval standards, passenger vehicle conversions must comply with:

• Seat and seatbelt anchorage strength testing
• Crash safety and occupant protection requirements
• Interior layout and access regulations
• Safety systems aligned with passenger use

Without M1 approval, a converted vehicle may not be legally recognised for carrying passengers. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF M1 APPROVAL?

• Fully compliant for passenger transport and crew use
• Certified seating and restraint systems
• No need for individual vehicle testing
• Easier insurance and regulatory acceptance
• Greater flexibility for commercial and leisure applications

For businesses requiring crew transport vehicles or dual-purpose vans, M1 approval ensures safety and compliance are built in. 

 

WHAT IS INDIVIDUAL VEHICLE APPROVAL?

An IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) is a one-off inspection carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to ensure a specific vehicle meets UK road safety and environmental standards. 

It is typically required when:

• A vehicle conversion falls outside an existing type approval
• The build is bespoke or one-off
• The vehicle is imported or produced in very low volume

Each vehicle is assessed individually before it can be registered with the DVLA.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IVA?

• Enables legal registration of unique builds
• Confirms compliance with safety standards
• Allows flexibility for bespoke vehicle projects

However, IVA is not designed for repeat builds of fleet production. 

 

TYPE APPROVAL VS IVA:

The difference between type approval and IVA comes down to scale, efficiency and timing. 

Type Approval:

• Covers multiple vehicles of the same specification
• Approval is granted before production
• No inspection required for each individual vehicle 
• Faster, more efficient for fleet conversions and repeat builds
• Ensures consistency across all vehicles

IVA:

• Applies to one vehicle at a time
• Approval happens after the vehicle is built
• Requires individual inspection and testing
• Adds time, cost and administrative complexity
• Best suited for one-off or highly bespoke conversions

 

WHY DOES THIS MATTER FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

If you're running a fleet, managing downtime, or scaling operations, the approval route you choose has a direct impact. 

With our type-approved vehicle conversions, you benefit from:

• Faster vehicle turnaround times
• Reduced compliance costs
• No delays waiting for IVA inspections
• Confidence in UK and EU regulatory compliance
• High-quality, repeatable builds for fleet deployment

Where IVA is reactive, type approval is proactive - ensuring every vehicle is compliant before it even leaves the workshop.