NEWS

If you manage a fleet of converted vehicles in Great Britain (welfare vans, crew vans, specialist conversions and more) - things have changed.

As of 1st February 2026, M & N category vehicle types must hold a full GB (or UK(NI)) Type Approval to be manufactured for sale in Great Britain, as the provisional arrangements reach the end of their validity.  
This matters because the wrong approval route (or missing paperwork) can quickly affect registration and delivery timelines.

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“Why?” in plain English

Type Approval is the process that demonstrates a vehicle meets the required standards to be placed on the market and registered. The scheme in Great Britain sits under the GB framework that applies to M, N (and O) categories.  

Following the introduction of the GB scheme, there has been a managed transition period. The key point for fleet operators is simple:

From February 2026, all provisional approvals will have expired (they were only valid for two years), so approvals and documentation need to be right before handover.  

It’s also worth noting that you’ve not been able to apply for Provisional GB Type Approval for M, N and O category vehicles since 1 February 2025 - so the industry has been moving steadily toward full approvals.  

“If you’re planning fleet additions or replacements for early 2026, now is the time to confirm the approval route and the paperwork you’ll receive at handover”

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What are “M & N category” vehicles?

In simple terms:

• M category vehicles are designed for carrying passengers (from cars through to buses/coaches, depending on sub-category).  

• N category vehicles are designed for carrying goods (including vans and trucks, depending on sub-category/weight).  

Most fleet operators purchasing converted vans and specialist goods vehicles will be dealing with N-category in particular - but the key is to ensure your supplier is applying the correct approval route for the specific vehicle type you’rebuying.

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Why this matters for converted vehicles and fleets

Converted vehicles often involve multi-stage manufacture (base vehicle → conversion → final vehicle). Depending on the conversion type and category, the compliance route and documentation can vary - and that’s exactly why this deadline matters.  

For fleet buyers, the risk is practical rather than theoretical:

• Registration delays

• Delivery slippage

• Vehicles not entering service when planned

• Unwanted disruption to mobilisation dates and fleet availability

If you’ve got vehicles landing around Q1/Q2 2026, it’s worth de-risking the admin now.

A useful detail for planning

The legislation’s explanatory notes highlight that eligibility for registration is linked to holding a valid approval on the vehicle’s date of manufacture - which is another reason not to leave checks until the last minute.  

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3 quick checks to make now

1) Ask what approval route applies

When ordering any conversion, ask the supplier to confirm the Type Approval route for the vehicle you’re taking delivery of - and whether it will be covered by full GB/UK(NI) approval in time for your build and handover window.  

2) Confirm what paperwork you’ll receive at handover

Different routes can mean different documents - but your internal check is straightforward:

“Will this paperwork allow us to register and deploy the vehicle without delay?”

If you’re buying multiple vehicles, ask for the same answer in writing for the whole batch (it keeps procurement and fleet admin aligned).

3) Build a little contingency into your delivery plan

As the deadline approaches, industry capacity for approvals, admin processing and supporting evidence can tighten. Early clarity helps protect delivery and mobilisation dates - especially if vehicles are mission-critical or tied to contracts.

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Great Britain vs Northern Ireland: a quick note

It’s easy to mix these up, especially for organisations operating across multiple regions:

• GB Type Approval applies to Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales).  

• GB approvals are not valid for Northern Ireland, where UK(NI)/EU routes apply.  

If you operate across GB and NI, it’s worth flagging this early with your supplier so the paperwork matches where the vehicle will be registered/used.

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How Clarks can help

At Clarks Vehicle Conversions, we’re Type Approval experts, fully prepared for this change, and fully compliant.

If you have questions about Type Approval for your conversions — whether placed with Clarks or another supplier — we’re happy to talk through what it means for your:

• fleet plans

• order pipeline

• delivery dates and registration readiness

Need a quick Type Approval sanity-check?
Email our team: sales@cvcltd.co.uk
We’ll help you confirm the right route and what you should expect at handover.

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Great Britain vs Northern Ireland: a quick note

Is this new from 2026?

The GB scheme was introduced in stages - including mandatory application for new models from 1 February 2024 - but the key deadline for many fleet buyers is the end of the transitional/provisional period by February 2026.  

Who issues GB whole vehicle type approvals?

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is the type approval authority and provides the scheme guidance and supporting materials for manufacturers and industry.  

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