MOT‐examination: this is what it entails
A MOT inspection checks for safety and environmental requirements and is mandatory for almost all cars. The inspection frequency depends on the age and fuel type of your car. Make a new appointment before the expiration date or you will be fined. Exceptions apply for vintage cars.
Get car insuranceWhat is an MOT inspection?
Since 1994, every car that is 3 years or older and does not weigh more than 3,500 kilograms must undergo annual MOT inspection. The MOT (General Periodic Inspection) is a legally required inspection in Europe that protects road safety and the environment.
During a MOT inspection, an inspector checks the condition of your car according to certain requirements. It is a snapshot and does not guarantee that your car will remain safe and maintenance-free for the rest of the year. An MOT inspection takes an average of 45 minutes, but the waiting time varies by garage.
Inspection requirements: tires to belts and headlights
During a MOT inspection, the inspector checks that your car meets safety and environmental requirements and is properly registered. There are different MOT requirements your car must meet. For example, the inspector checks your tires for damage and tread thickness. He or she also checks the lights, belts and bodywork.
Following a growing number of complaints about dazzling lights on cars and trucks, a number of new MOT rules for headlight adjusters and light imaging have been in effect since Jan. 1, 2021. For example, digital headlight adjusters are allowed in addition to analog headlight adjusters.
MOT inspection report
Upon completion of the inspection, you will receive an MOT inspection report with the result. In it you will see an overview of three categories: repair, advisory and rejection points. On this basis, the inspector determines whether your car will be approved or rejected:
- Repair points must be repaired for approval.
- Rejection points mean that the car is not fit for the road and must be repaired.
- Advisory items do not lead to immediate rejection, but should be addressed soon. Consider tires, brakes, belts and airbags.
Making an appointment
An MOT inspection can be done at an RDW-approved car company or garage. You can recognize these by the orange and white RDW shield. Looking for a garage for an MOT appointment? Visit garageselect.nl to find companies, compare prices and make appointments online. Often you need to make an appointment in advance. Some garages offer inspections without an appointment with the slogan Ready while you wait.
Appointment at RDW inspection station
RDW inspection stations are located throughout the Netherlands. You make the inspection appointment at an RDW inspection station very easily online:
1. Go to Make an inspection appointment.
2. Have the Dutch registration number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy.
3. Fill in all requested information.
4. You will receive an email with the date and time of your appointment.
You will need these papers
What paperwork for an MOT do you need to bring? For an MOT inspection, all you really need is your car. The chassis number combined with the license plate number is the main identifier of your vehicle during an MOT inspection.
You used to have to bring your Part I registration certificate to the inspection. However, since March 1, 2010, this is no longer required. To check the data of the vehicle, they now use the basic vehicle register of the RDW. So you do not need to bring any further papers to the inspection.
Cost of MOT inspection
The cost of an MOT inspection ranges from €20 to €70. For an MOT inspection for a diesel car, you will spend more money than for a gasoline car. Some garages charge extra for the soot measurement, four-gas test or the registration of the car. Tip: if you combine the MOT with a service you often get a discount.
Inspection frequency
How often an MOT inspection is required depends on the age of your car and fuel type. Has a passenger car or light commercial vehicle (up to 3,500 kg) been APK approved before? Then assume the date on the MOT inspection report. Before this date, you must have the car re-inspected.
Very first inspection new car
If your car has not been inspected before, you can see in the APK inspection schedule of the RDW when your car has to be inspected for the first time. Here you can also see how often your car has to be inspected. Note: does the fuel of your car change? Then it may have to be inspected earlier and more often.
MOT expiration date check
You are responsible for scheduling an MOT on time. You can find the expiration date on your last MOT inspection report. However, the RDW and your garage will help you remember to make an appointment on time.
Reminder letter RDW
You will receive a reminder from RDW 6 weeks before your car's MOT expires. This is sent by post or online via the Berichtenbox, depending on your settings. This letter contains the exact expiration date of your MOT. Often you will also receive a reminder from your garage by mail.
Do the license plate check
Don't know the expiration date? Then do a license plate check on the RDW website. Enter your license plate number for insight into the car's historical data. This public check shows only non-privacy-sensitive information. Such as the APK expiration date, towing capacity, seats and first registration in the Netherlands.
Not earlier than 2 months before expiration date
You can have your car inspected up to 2 months before the next MOT expiration date. The old expiration date is then extended by 1 or 2 years. Depending on the current inspection frequency. Do you have your car inspected more than 2 months before the APK expiration date? Then your vehicle will receive a new MOT expiration date.
MOT expired
If your MOT expiration date has passed, you may no longer drive on public roads. If you do, you risk a fine for expired APK. The RDW checks the online register regularly. So you don't have to be stopped for a fine.
What should you do if your MOT has expired? You have 2 months to get the car approved without RDW check. After that, the car must be APK approved or the license plate suspended. After the expiration date, you may only drive to an inspection station with an appointment.
Exemption from MOT requirement for vintage cars
In principle, all cars on the road must be MOT approved. But oldtimers from 50 years of age are exempt from the inspection requirement. Oldtimers from 30 years of age and older require less MOT inspection. Oldtimer insurance remains mandatory. Read more about the MOT rules for oldtimers.
MOT re-inspection
Has your car failed the MOT inspection? Then the inspection report states the points on which the vehicle does not meet the requirements of the MOT inspection. You are responsible for fixing these points. Then you can schedule an MOT reinspection.
The APK re-inspection is seen by the RDW as a completely new inspection. It is therefore possible to encounter other issues during a re-inspection. Especially if you go to a different inspection station or get a different inspector at the re-inspection of your vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions about MOT inspection
Can I get my car inspected earlier without getting a new expiration date?
Yes, you may have your car inspected up to 2 months before the expiration date without the expiration date changing. The new APK expiration date then simply shifts by one or two years. If you have the inspection done earlier than 2 months before the expiration date, then the inspection date is the new start date.
Which vehicles are exempt from the MOT requirement?
Vehicles 50 years or older are completely exempt from the MOT requirement. Cars between 30 and 50 years old need to be inspected less frequently: once every 2 years. Please note that this exemption only applies if the vehicle is used privately. Business use and conversion to LPG may affect the exemption.
What are the most common rejects at a MOT inspection?
Most cars are rejected for faulty lights, bad tires, worn brakes or suspension problems. Leaks, rust on supporting parts and improper headlight adjustment are also common. These items directly affect road safety and must be repaired for approval.
What is the difference between MOT and service?
An MOT is a legal inspection that checks for minimum safety and environmental requirements. It is a snapshot and does not guarantee a year of maintenance-free driving. A maintenance service is more comprehensive and focuses on keeping the car in good condition, with parts replaced or lubricated preventively. Many garages offer a combination at a discount.
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