How long does an APK inspection take?

This inspection determines whether your car is still safe enough to drive on public roads. It also verifies that the car meets all environmental requirements. If the inspection reveals any issues that require repair, the inspection will take longer. However, your car may also be selected for a random spot check by the RDW. The RDW uses spot checks to verify that garages are conducting the APK inspection properly. The RDW must conduct the spot check within 90 minutes of the inspection. In that case, the APK inspection will take longer. Plan on about 2 extra hours.

Car Failed Inspection: What Now?

Did your car fail the APK inspection? If so, you can check the inspection report to see which requirements your car did not meet. You are responsible for fixing the defects yourself, after which a re-inspection can take place. An APK re-inspection is a completely new inspection. Therefore, it’s possible that other issues may come to light during the re-inspection—especially if you go to a different inspection station or have a different inspector.

If your car fails its APK inspection and the expiration datehas passed, you have 2 months to repair the car. Please note: During those 2 months, you may not drive the car, except when traveling to the garage for the APK re-inspection. In that case, you must be able to prove that you have an appointment at the garage. If your car has not passed the inspection after 2 months, you will automatically receive a fine from the RDW. If you are unable to get the car approved on time and want to avoid a fine, you can also temporarily suspend the registration. The mandatory APK requirement will then be suspended for the duration of the suspension.