In Europe, every car owner is obliged to have his or her car tested periodically. This is extremely important and aims to increase traffic safety for all road users, but also to protect our environment. This inspection is known to many as the APK. This inspection applies to passenger cars and commercial vehicles with a maximum permitted mass exceeding 3500 kg. Towed equipment is also included. These are, among other things, trailers.
This obligation for every car owner has existed for a long time and is included in the 1994 Road Traffic Act. The MOT was introduced in our country in 1981 for heavy vehicles. Since 1985, all passenger cars and commercial vehicles must be periodically inspected.

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 car that runs on diesel must have its first MOT after 3 years. After this, the car must be inspected annually.

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

There are a few exceptions to the MOT. Vehicles of 30 years or older do not have to be inspected as often. We are talking about once every 2 years. Vehicles from before the year do not have to be periodically inspected.

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: