How often do I need to have my car inspected?
An APK inspection ensures that your car remains safe and environmentally friendly. How often your car needs an APK depends on its age and the type of fuel it uses. You’ll receive a reminder from the RDW and the garage when it’s time for your next inspection. Combine your APK with a minor service and save money.
Compare Car InsuranceGeneral Periodic Inspection
The General Periodic Inspection (APK) is a legally required inspection in Europe. During the inspection, a mechanic checks whether your car is still safe enough to be driven on public roads. He or she also verifies compliance with environmental requirements. A car must undergo an APK inspection annually or biennially.
Inspection Report
After each inspection, you will receive an APK inspection report. It contains the following:
Your car has been approved or rejected
an overview of repair items
any reasons for rejection
the APK expiration date
First vehicle inspection? Check the inspection schedule
When does a new car need to undergo its first APK inspection? That depends on the type of fuel. Usually 3 or 4 years after it was first registered for road use.
Has your car never been inspected before? If so, check the APK inspection schedule below or follow the link to the RDW website. Also find out how often your car needs to be inspected (inspection frequency).
| Age of vehicles weighing up to 3,500 kg | Fuel Type | When and how often should inspections be conducted? |
|---|---|---|
| No older than 30 years old | Gasoline, alcohol, and/or electricity | First vehicle inspection after 4 years, then twice after 2 years, and then every year |
| No older than 30 years old | Diesel, gas, or other (possibly in combination with electricity) | First vehicle inspection after 3 years, then every year |
| Vehicle 30 years old or older | All types | APK once every 2 years |
| Vehicle 50 years old or older | All types | No mandatory vehicle inspection |
Gasoline or diesel
- For gasoline-powered or electric cars, the first inspection is usually not required until after 4 years. After that, it is required twice every 2 years, and every year starting in the 8th year.
- The rules are stricter for diesel cars and gas-powered vehicles. For example, diesel vehicles must undergo their first inspection after just 3 years, and then every year thereafter.
Check the license plate
Can't find your inspection report anymore? Or do you just not have it on hand? Then use the RDW license plate check. Enter your car's license plate number and see right away when your APK expires. Handy!
Received an MOT reminder
It can be hard to remember when your car is due for its next APK inspection. Fortunately, there are several ways to get reminders. Six weeks before the APK expiration date, you’ll receive a reminder letter from the RDW. In addition, auto repair shops offer convenient reminder options, such as:
Email reminders:
You'll 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 vehicle inspection deadline.
Postcards:
Some auto repair shops send a physical card to your home.
Apps:
There are special apps that let you keep track of your data and receive notifications when it's time for the inspection.
Cost of the APK
The cost of an APK inspection varies by garage, but is usually between €20 and €70. Save money and time by combining the inspection with a minor service. During this service, minor maintenance tasks are performed to keep your car in good condition.
Many auto repair shops offer a discount if you have both services done at the same time. Ask your auto repair shop about the options.
Avoid a fine
Be sure to have your car inspected on time. If your car is approved too late, you’ll receive a fine from the RDW or the police. You’ll also be prohibited (temporarily) from driving the car.
If you do this and get into an accident, your insurer probably won't pay out. So that's reason enough to keep an eye on your vehicle inspection expiration date.
Exceptions to the Annual Vehicle Inspection (APK)
There are exceptions for certain vehicles:
- Classic cars that are more than 50 years old.
- Vehicles with a historic license plate.
These types of older cars are driven less frequently. In addition, according to the ministry, their owners spend more time on average maintaining their cars. An annual vehicle inspection is therefore not necessary.
Postpone the Vehicle Inspection
If you don't want to have your car inspected for the APK because you're no longer going to use it or due to financial difficulties, you can have the car de-registered. While the car is de-registered, you are not required to have it inspected for the APK. As soon as the de-registration period ends, you are once again required to have the car inspected for the APK.
De-registering Your Car
If you suspend your car's registration, you may not use it or drive it on public roads. You may drive it to the garage without an APK, but only around the time of the inspection. You must have a confirmation of your appointment, and the car must be insured.
Consequences of the APK When Modifying a Car
Some modifications or repairs to a car are so extensive that it’s almost like a new vehicle. This can affect how often you need to have the car inspected for the APK. For example, if the car’s fuel type changes, the vehicle may need to be inspected sooner and more frequently. So be sure to check this carefully.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Your Car's APK Frequency
How often should the vehicle undergo an APK inspection if it has low mileage?
Even if you don’t drive much, an APK inspection is still required. The inspection frequency is based on the car’s age and fuel type, not on the number of kilometers driven. For example, do you only drive 2,000 km per year? Even so, your car must still be inspected on time in accordance with the legal deadlines.
Is the APK required every year?
Not always. For new gasoline or electric cars, the first inspection is not required until after 4 years; after that, inspections are required twice every 2 years, and annually starting in the 8th year. For diesel and gas-powered cars, annual inspections are required starting at 3 years. The APK requirement therefore depends on the type of fuel and the age of the vehicle.
How do I know how often my car needs an APK?
Use the RDW license plate check to see when your car is due for its APK inspection. Enter your license plate number, and you'll immediately see the expiration date and inspection frequency. That way, you'll know exactly when to take action.
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