APK Inspection: What It Entails
An APK inspection checks for compliance with safety and environmental requirements and is mandatory for almost all cars. The frequency of inspections depends on your car’s age and fuel type. Make a new appointment before the expiration date, or you’ll be fined. Exceptions apply to classic cars.
Purchase Car InsuranceWhat is an APK inspection?
Since 1994, every car that is 3 years old or older and weighs no more than 3,500 kilograms must undergo an APK inspection every year. The APK (General Periodic Inspection) is a legally required inspection in Europe that promotes road safety and protects the environment.
During an APK inspection, an inspector checks the condition of your car according to specific requirements. It is a snapshot in time and does not guarantee that your car will remain safe and maintenance-free for the rest of the year. An APK inspection takes 45 minutes on average, but the wait time varies by garage.
Inspection Requirements: Tires, Seat Belts, and Headlights
During an APK inspection, the inspector checks whether your car meets safety and environmental requirements and is properly registered. There are various APK inspection requirements that your car must meet. For example, the inspector checks your tires for damage and tread depth. He or she also checks the lights, seat belts, and body of the car.
Following a growing number of complaints about glare from cars and trucks, a number of new vehicle inspection (APK) regulations regarding headlight aiming devices and beam patterns have been in effect since January 1, 2021. For example, in addition to analog headlight aiming devices, digital headlight aiming devices are now also permitted.
APK Inspection Report
After the inspection, you’ll receive an APK inspection report with the results. It includes an overview of three categories: repair items, recommendations, and failure criteria. Based on this, the inspector will determine whether your car passes or fails the inspection:
- Any issues must be repaired before approval can be granted.
- Failures mean that the car is not roadworthy and must be repaired.
- Issues noted do not result in an immediate failure, but must be addressed soon. Examples include tires, brakes, seat belts, and airbags.
Appointment at the RDW inspection station
You can have your vehicle inspected at an RDW-certified auto shop or garage. You can recognize these by the orange and white RDW sign. RDW inspection stations are located throughout the Netherlands. You’ll often need to make an appointment in advance. Some garages offer inspections without an appointment under the slogan “Ready while you wait.” You can easily schedule an inspection appointment at an RDW inspection station online:
1. Go to " Schedule an Inspection."
2. Have the Dutch license plate number or the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy.
3. Enter all the requested information.
4. You will receive an email with the date and time of your appointment.
You'll need these documents
What documents do you need to bring for an APK inspection? For an APK inspection, all you really need is your car. The chassis number, along with the license plate number, is the most important means of identifying your vehicle during an APK inspection.
In the past, you had to bring Part I of the vehicle registration certificate to the inspection. However, since March 1, 2010, this is no longer required. These days, the RDW’s basic vehicle registry is used to verify the vehicle’s information. Therefore, you no longer need to bring any documents to the inspection.
Cost of the APK Inspection
The cost of an APK inspection ranges from €20 to €70. An APK inspection for a diesel car costs more than one for a gasoline car. Some garages charge extra for the soot measurement, four-gas test, or deregistering the car. Tip: If you combine the APK with a maintenance service, you’ll often get a discount.
Inspection Frequency
How often an APK inspection is required depends on the age of your car and the type of fuel it uses. Has a passenger car or light commercial vehicle (up to 3,500 kg) already passed an APK inspection? If so, use the date listed on the APK inspection report as a guide. You must have the car inspected again before that date.
First-Ever Inspection of a New Car
If your car has not been inspected before, you can check the RDW’s APK inspection schedule to see when your car is due for its first APK inspection. The schedule also indicates how often your car must be inspected. Please note: If your car’s fuel type changes, it may need to be inspected sooner and more frequently.
Check the MOT expiration date
You are responsible for scheduling your vehicle inspection (APK) on time. You can find the due date on your most recent APK inspection report. However, the RDW and your garage will help remind you to make an appointment on time.
RDW Reminder Letter
You will receive a reminder from the RDW 6 weeks before your car’s APK expires. This will be sent by mail or online via the Message Box, depending on your settings. This letter includes the exact expiration date of your APK. You will often also receive a reminder by email from your garage.
Check the license plate
Don't know the expiration date? Then run a license plate check on the RDW website. Enter your license plate number to view the car's historical data. This public check only displays non-sensitive information, such as the APK expiration date, towing capacity, number of seats, and date of first registration in the Netherlands.
No earlier than 2 months before the due date
You can have your car inspected up to 2 months before the next APK expiration date. The old expiration date will then be extended by 1 or 2 years, depending on the applicable inspection frequency. If you have your car inspected more than 2 months before the APK expiration date, your vehicle will be assigned a new APK expiration date.
Expired Vehicle Inspection
If your vehicle inspection (APK) has expired, you are no longer allowed to drive on public roads. If you do so anyway, you risk a fine for an expired APK. The RDW regularly checks the online registry, so you don’t have to be pulled over to receive a fine.
What should you do if your APK has expired? You have 2 months to have your car inspected without an RDW check. After that, the car must either pass the APK inspection or have its license plate suspended. After the expiration date, you may only drive to an inspection station if you have an appointment.
Exemption from the Mandatory Vehicle Inspection Requirement for Classic Cars
In principle, all cars on the road must have passed an APK inspection. However, classic cars that are 50 years old or older are exempt from the inspection requirement. Classic cars that are 30 years old or older are required to undergo an APK inspection less frequently. Classic car insurance remains mandatory. Read more about the APK rules for classic cars.
Vehicle Inspection Retest
Did your car fail the APK inspection? If so, the inspection report will list the areas where the vehicle does not meet the APK inspection requirements. You are responsible for resolving these issues yourself or having them resolved. You can then schedule a re-inspection.
The RDW considers a re-inspection for the APK to be a completely new inspection. It is therefore possible that other issues may be found during a re-inspection, especially if you go to a different inspection station or have a different inspector during the re-inspection of your vehicle.
Want to get car insurance?
Compare car insurance policies and calculate your premium in 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the APK Inspection
Can I have my car inspected early without getting a new expiration date?
Yes, you can have your car inspected up to 2 months before the expiration date without changing the expiration date. The new APK expiration date will simply be extended by one or two years. If you have the inspection performed earlier than 2 months before the expiration date, the inspection date will serve as the new start date.
Which vehicles are exempt from the mandatory vehicle inspection (APK)?
Vehicles that are 50 years old or older are completely exempt from the APK inspection requirement. Cars between 30 and 50 years old need to be inspected less frequently: once every 2 years. Please note: this exemption applies only if the vehicle is used for personal purposes. Business use and conversion to LPG may affect the exemption.
What are the most common reasons for failure during an APK inspection?
Most cars fail inspection due to faulty lights, poor tires, worn brakes, or suspension problems. Leaks, rust on load-bearing parts, and improperly adjusted headlights are also common. These issues directly affect traffic safety and must be repaired before the vehicle can be approved.
What is the difference between an APK and a vehicle inspection?
An APK is a mandatory inspection that verifies compliance with minimum safety and environmental requirements. It is a snapshot of the vehicle’s condition at a given moment 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 by preventively replacing or lubricating parts. Many garages offer a combination of the two at a discount.
We'd be happy to help you right away
Having trouble figuring it out online? We're happy to help you via chat or WhatsApp.
Ask your question and get a response within 2 minutes