Hi, does anyone know if the Type Approval Exemption for Trials Bikes still applies. I am trying to road register a 4RT and I

I have the certificate of newness.

The DVLA guidance notes for registering a vehicle in 2012 (form V355) said:

Competition motorcycles are excluded from the EU type approval system (vehicles intended for use in competition, on roads or in off-road conditions) Directive 2002/24/EC Article 1. Para. 1, item d) and thus from Motorcycle single vehicle approval (MSVA) as well.

The only competitions involving road use, and hence the registration of motorcycles are trials and enduros. Motorcycles to be registered for such events must comply with the following specifications:

1. They must be intended for use in competition.

2. Trials motorcycles:

a. maximum seat height of 700mm,

b. minimum ground clearance of 280mm, and

c. maximumfueltankcapacityof4litres.

This form seems to have been replaced with forms V355/4 and V355/5 which do not mention type approval and the only current reference on the .gov website is this one:

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/exemptions-from-vehicle-approval

This does not list competition trials bikes. My question is if i put 'exempt-trials bike' on the form as we have done for years, will it be accepted?

Thanks.

Yes if you put exempt trials bike they will accept.

Thank you,

One other question, with it being registered as a new bike (not a used bike) with a cert of newness do I still need the confirmation letter from HMRC (Nova 1)?

absolutely certainly.. nova 1 the scourge of registering vehichles.. even need one for my 1953 ajs..

Ref:- Type approval, Q11 on V355 leave blank and fill in Q47 saying why vehicle is exempt 'Competition Trials Motorcycle' should suffice.

Ref:- HMRC Nova1 Did you import it or did a dealer import it? Do you have original receipt?

If you imported it, you should have notified HMRC within 14 days, if a dealer imported it I'd be asking the dealer for the paperwork.

The dealer imported it (Craig's Motorcycles) and I have the original receipt, but the receipt is not in my name as we are the second owner, the first owner sold it to us before he got around to registering it.

Can I send the purchase receipt to DVLA instead of applying to HMRC for a NOVA1? It does show that VAT was paid on the original purchase.

It's doubtful you will be able to register it as new, it will receive a number plate relative to the date on the certificate of newness.

At a guess you will have to contact Craig's motorcycles and request proof that vat was paid on import.

Dont ring DVLA they gave me different answers each time. Ring the dealer and they should give you a NOVA number. I put Trials exempt and it went through.

Thanks for the help everyone.

I now have the NOVA reference number just waiting for the insurance cover note then will give it a try.

Thanks Again.

1 hour ago, pennohrc said:

How did you get on with this... I’m currently doing similar with a 4rt... does the bike need to be insured for this paperwork to go through? Also how did you go about obtaining the nova ref number?

Lewisblack hasn't been on tc for 3 years, you could have a long wait for an answer from him ...

15 hours ago, pennohrc said:

How did you get on with this... I’m currently doing similar with a 4rt... does the bike need to be insured for this paperwork to go through? Also how did you go about obtaining the nova ref number?

I registered a bike recently and insurance was not necessary.  I have no idea why, as part of the process is that you pay for a year's tax, which can't normally be obtained without insurance.