Provisional GB Type Approval Scheme
This page was last updated on 4th March 2024Transition to full GB type approval
Please note: This guidance only applies from the point at which the Full GB Type Approval Scheme becomes mandatory for the vehicle category concerned. For more information and a timeline on compulsory application dates, please refer to the Full GB Type Approval Scheme Scope and Timings.
At the point of mandatory application of the Full GB type approval scheme, VCA will no longer be able to issue new Provisional type approvals for the vehicle categories concerned, meaning a different process must be followed in the handling of extensions to underlying EU type approvals in relation to existing Provisional type approvals.
M, N & O Category Vehicles
Process Description
The primary criteria defining the ongoing validity of a Provisional GB type approval once it has been issued is the statutory two-year validity period. Changes to the underlying EU type approval are permitted within this period so long as they do not constitute a new vehicle type or introduce automated or fully automated vehicle functionality as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 and identified by item 3.1. of the vehicle Certificate of Conformity (CoC); changes of this nature will instead need to be introduced as a new full GB type approval.
In the event of changes to the underlying EU type approval, manufacturers will also have the option to maintain the validity of an existing Provisional GB type approval by freezing vehicle production specification in line with the current Provisional approval rather than implementing changes introduced for EU specifications; e.g. where automated vehicle functionality is introduced to the underlying EU type approval that would otherwise invalidate the GB Provisional type approval, a manufacturer may choose to not implement this functionality for GB vehicles and continue to register vehicles on the basis of the existing Provisional approval.
Manufacturers should continue to notify VCA of any extensions to underlying EU type approvals once this process takes effect.
In the event that a Provisional approval is no longer valid, the manufacturer must transition to Full GB type approval. In the event that the Provisional approval remains valid, VCA will issue a confirmation letter recognising the changes and confirming ongoing validity of the Provisional approval up to its previous expiry date.
Please note, VCA only need to be notified in the case of extensions to underlying EU type approvals. Revisions do not affect the ongoing validity of a Provisional GB type approval and VCA do not need to be notified of changes of this nature.
Process Flow Diagram
Components & Separate Technical Units for M, N & O Category Vehicles
Components and Separate Technical Units (STUs) for M, N & O category vehicles are not subject to any additional transition criteria. Provisional approvals in these cases will remain valid until either their statutory two-year validity period expires, or changes are made that constitute a new type. Manufacturers should continue to notify VCA in the case of any extensions to the underlying EU type approval, following which VCA will confirm the ongoing validity of the GB Provisional type approval.
L & T Category Vehicles and engines for Non-road Mobile Machinery (NRMM)
Full GB type approval requirements and associated transition processes for these categories have not yet been defined. Once a Full GB type approval scheme is in place for these categories, this section will be further updated with relevant information on any transition process.
Ref: WEBTA-Prov5 Revision 2