The General Periodic Inspection (APK) is a statutory inspection required for many passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the Netherlands. The inspector checks whether the vehicle currently meets the legal requirements for road safety and the environment. Not every vehicle is subject to the APK: motorbikes and trailers weighing up to 3,500 kg, for example, are exempt. For standard passenger cars, the frequency of inspections depends on the vehicle’s age and the type of fuel it uses.
View the current MOT regulations on the RDW website.

What does APK stand for?

In everyday life, the abbreviation APK is mainly used to indicate the inspection of the car. But what does APK stand for? The abbreviation APK stands for the "General Periodic Check"? It is often not entirely clear to new drivers when a vehicle has undergone a periodic test. When the MOT is required varies from car to car. How often APK inspections are required depends on the year of manufacture of the car. Apart from that, the type of fuel used also plays a major role.

When is the MOT for a new car (petrol)?

A new car that runs on petrol must have its first MOT after 4 years. This is followed by two inspections every two years. And after that, the car must be inspected annually.

When is the MOT for a new car (diesel)?

A new diesel car usually has to undergo its first MOT test after three years. After that, an annual MOT test is compulsory, unless an exemption applies.

How often should MOTs for very old vehicles be carried out?

As a general rule, passenger cars that are 30 years old or older, but younger than 50 years, are subject to one MOT test every two years. Cars aged 50 years or older are exempt from the APK requirement. Different rules apply to some vehicle categories. The vehicle’s age is calculated from the date of first registration. Check the regulations with the RDW.

How long in advance of an MOT inspection?

It is understandable if you don't want to wait until the very last moment to have your car tested. Maybe you are afraid that something will come up at the last minute or that you will completely forget. This is understandable. You can get a fine if your car is not inspected (on time). And that is why it is great that you do not have to wait until the last minute. But how long in advance? You can have your vehicle MOT tested as early as 2 months before the expiry date of the MOT. The good thing about this is that the MOT expiry date remains the same. So you do not suddenly have to have the next inspection 2 months earlier because you had the car inspected a little earlier this year. That is ideal!

What does the MOT check for?

The technical inspection examines the car for all kinds of inspection requirements in the field of road safety, environment and registration.

Road safety includes the inspection of, among others: