How often should I get my car MOTed?
A MOT inspection keeps your car safe and environmentally friendly. How often your car needs an MOT depends on its age and fuel type. You will receive a reminder from the RDW and the garage when it is time again. Combine your MOT with a small service and save costs.
Compare car insuranceGeneral periodic inspection
The general periodic inspection (APK) is a test required by law in Europe. During the inspection, a mechanic checks whether your car is still safe enough to participate in traffic. He or she also checks the environmental requirements. A car must be retested annually or biennially.
Inspection Report
After each inspection, you will receive an MOT inspection report. In it you will find the following:
your car is approved or disapproved
an overview of repair points
any potential points of disapproval
the MOT expiration date
First MOT? Check the inspection schedule
When does a new car need its first MOT inspection? That depends on the type of fuel. Usually 3 or 4 years after it is first allowed on the road.
Has your car not been inspected before? Then check the MOT inspection schedule below or follow the link to the RDW website. Also read off how often your car needs to be inspected (inspection frequency).
| Age of cars up to 3500 kg. | Fuel type | When and how often to inspect? |
|---|---|---|
| Not older than 30 years | Gasoline, alcohol and/or electricity | First MOT after 4 years, then twice after 2 years, then every year thereafter |
| Not older than 30 years | Diesel, gas or other (possibly combined with electricity) | First MOT after 3 years, then every year thereafter |
| Vehicle 30 years or older | All types | MOT once every 2 years |
| Vehicle 50 years or older | All types | No MOT requirement |
Gasoline or diesel
- For gasoline cars or electric cars, the first inspection is usually needed only after 4 years. After that, it should be 2 times every 2 years, and from the 8th year on, every year.
- For diesel cars and gas-powered vehicles, the rules are stricter. For example, diesels must have their first inspection after only 3 years, and after that immediately every year.
Do the license plate check
Can't find the inspection report anymore? Or just don't have it handy? Then do the RDW license plate check. Enter your car's license plate number and see immediately when your MOT expires. Handy!
MOT reminder received
It can be difficult to remember when your car is due for another MOT. Fortunately, there are several ways to get reminders. Six weeks before the MOT expiration date, you will receive a reminder letter from the RDW. In addition, garages offer convenient reminder options, such as:
Email reminders:
you will receive a message in your inbox with the date your car is due for inspection.
Text messages:
a short message on your phone reminds you of the MOT deadline.
Postcards:
some garages send a physical card to your home.
Apps:
there are special apps where you can track dates and receive notifications when it's time for inspection.
Cost of the MOT
The price of an MOT inspection varies by garage, but is usually between €20 and €70. Save money and time and combine the inspection with a small service. During this service, minor maintenance work is done to keep your car in good condition.
Many garages offer discounts if you have both services done together. Ask your garage about the possibilities.
Avoid a fine
Make sure you get your car approved on time. If your car is approved too late, you will receive a fine from the RDW or the police. You will also be (temporarily) prohibited from driving the car.
Do you do this and get into an accident? Then your insurer probably won't pay anything. Enough reason to keep an eye on the APK expiration date.
Exceptions annual MOT
There are exceptions for certain vehicles:
- Vintage cars over 50 years old are.
- Vehicles with historical license plates.
These types of old cars go on the road less often. In addition, according to the ministry, owners spend more time on average maintaining their cars. Thus, an annual MOT is not necessary then.
Postpone MOT
Do you not want to have your car MOTed because you are no longer going to use the car or because of money problems? Then you can have the car suspended. During the suspension you do not have to do any APK. As soon as the suspension ends, you have APK obligation again.
Suspending your car
If you suspend your car, you may not use it or put it on public roads. You may drive to the garage without an MOT, but only around inspection time. You must have an appointment confirmation and the car must be insured.
Consequences of MOT when car is modified
Some modifications or repairs to a car are so major that it almost becomes a new vehicle. This can affect how often you need to have the car MOTed. For example, if the car's fuel changes. The vehicle may then need to be inspected earlier and more often. So check this carefully.
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Frequently asked questions about your car's MOT frequency
How often MOT with few miles driven?
Even if you drive little, a MOT inspection remains mandatory. The inspection frequency is based on age and fuel type of the car, not the number of miles driven. For example, do you drive only 2,000 km per year? Then your car must still be inspected on time according to the legal deadlines.
Is MOT required every year?
Not always. For new gasoline or electric cars, the first inspection is required only after 4 years, then twice every 2 years and annually from the 8th year onward. For diesel and gas cars, an annual inspection applies from 3 years. So the MOT requirement depends on fuel type and age.
How do I know how often my car needs MOT?
Use the RDW license plate check to see when your car needs MOT. Enter your license plate number and you will immediately see the expiration date and inspection frequency. That way you know exactly when to take action.
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