APK inspection Netherlands: complete expat guide 2026
Everything about the mandatory vehicle roadworthiness inspection: costs, schedule, how to prepare, and what happens if you fail
Mandatory legal requirement
APK is mandatory for all Dutch-registered vehicles. Every car, motorcycle, and light commercial vehicle must have a valid APK certificate at all times.
Driving with expired APK: €370+ fine. Accident with expired APK: your insurer can legally refuse to pay out, even if the accident was not your fault.
APK stands for Algemene Periodieke Keuring, the Dutch vehicle roadworthiness inspection equivalent to the UK MOT. It applies to all vehicles with Dutch license plates. This guide covers everything you need to know: schedule, costs, what is checked, how to prepare, and the critical link between APK and your car insurance. New to Dutch car ownership? Also see our complete car buying guide.
APK at a glance (2026):
- First APK: 36 months (3 years) after vehicle registration date
- After that: annually (every 12 months)
- Cost: €60-85 depending on station type
- Duration: approximately 30-45 minutes
- EVs: same schedule, skip emissions test only
- Book up to 1 month early without losing validity time
APK schedule: when is your inspection due?
The APK schedule is based on the vehicle's first registration date, not when you bought it. When buying a used car, always check the APK expiry immediately at rdw.nl before agreeing to a purchase.
| Vehicle age | APK requirement | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 3 years | No APK required | New car registered Jan 2023: first APK due Jan 2026 |
| 3 years (first inspection) | APK due at 36 months | First APK exactly 3 years after registration date |
| 4 years onwards | APK every 12 months | Renew each year by the expiry date shown on kentekencard |
Three ways to check your APK expiry date:
- Enter your license plate at rdw.nl (free, instant, works for any Dutch vehicle)
- Check your kentekencard (vehicle registration document) - expiry listed on reverse
- RDW sends a reminder letter to the registered address approximately 8 weeks before expiry
Important: if you moved, the reminder letter goes to your old address. Set a personal calendar reminder based on your rdw.nl check.
Booking timing rules
- Book up to 1 month before expiry: new expiry calculated from original date, not inspection date (no time lost)
- If done earlier than 1 month: new expiry still calculated from original expiry date, so you lose time
- Recommended: book 2-4 weeks before expiry to allow time to fix any issues
What the APK checks (2026 standards)
The APK covers 10 main categories. Inspectors follow a standardized RDW checklist. The full inspection takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
1. Brakes
- Brake pad thickness and condition
- Brake disc wear and scoring
- Brake fluid level and condition
- Handbrake effectiveness
- ABS system (warning light check)
2. Steering and suspension
- Steering play and response
- Shock absorber condition (bounce test)
- Wheel bearings
- Ball joints and tie rod ends
- Power steering fluid level
3. Lighting
- Headlight alignment and brightness
- Brake lights (all working)
- Turn indicators (front, rear, side)
- Reversing light
- Fog lights and hazard lights
4. Tires and wheels
- Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm across full width)
- Sidewall condition (no bulges or cuts)
- Wheel alignment
- Wheel nuts and hub condition
- Spare wheel not checked but advisory given
5. Body and structure
- Chassis integrity (rust check underneath)
- Sill and wheel arch condition
- Body damage affecting safety
- Boot and bonnet latches secure
- Door hinges and locks functional
6. Emissions
- CO2 and NOx exhaust levels
- Particulate matter (diesel vehicles)
- Catalytic converter function
- OBD-II fault code check
- EVs: skip this category entirely
7. Visibility
- Windshield chips/cracks (max 30cm in driver zone)
- Wiper blade condition and coverage
- Washer fluid system functional
- Mirror condition (all required mirrors present)
- Window tinting within legal limits
8. Safety equipment
- Seat belt condition and locking mechanism
- Horn functionality
- Fuel system (no leaks)
- Exhaust system integrity (no leaks)
- Airbag warning light status
Electric vehicles and the APK
EVs follow the same schedule (first at 3 years, then annually) and are checked on all categories except emissions. EVs generally have very high pass rates because they have fewer wear components. The battery warning light is checked as part of the safety assessment.
Most common APK failures (and how to avoid them)
Around 30% of vehicles fail their APK on the first attempt. Most failures are for minor issues that are inexpensive to fix in advance. Knowing what inspectors look for lets you address problems before you arrive.
| Failure reason | Frequency | Repair cost | DIY prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worn tires (below 1.6mm tread) | Very common | €80-200 per tire | Check tread depth with a coin before booking |
| Faulty or dim lights | Very common | €5-25 for bulbs | Walk around car at night, test every light |
| Windshield chips/cracks | Common | €50-300 (repair or replace) | Inspect for chips, get repaired while small |
| Failed emissions (diesel) | Common | €50-200 | Use diesel particulate cleaner additive beforehand |
| Worn brake pads or discs | Common | €100-300 per axle | Listen for brake squealing when stopping |
| Leaking shock absorbers | Moderate | €200-600 per pair | Bounce each corner (should not bounce twice) |
| Underbody rust | Moderate (older cars) | €100-500+ | Annual underbody wash and protective treatment |
| Broken wiper blades | Moderate | €15-50 | Replace annually or when streaking occurs |
What happens when you fail APK:
Minor failure (kleine gebreken)
- •Conditional pass issued
- •4 weeks to fix all minor issues
- •Free re-inspection at same station
- •You may still drive during this period
Major failure (afkeuring)
- •Full rejection certificate issued
- •Cannot drive on public roads
- •Must repair and pay for new inspection
- •Original expiry date still applies
Immediate prohibition (rijverbod)
- •Critical safety failure (brakes/steering)
- •Vehicle must be transported, not driven
- •Police may be notified in serious cases
- •Rare: only for extreme failures
APK cost breakdown 2026
You are free to use any RDW-authorized station, not just your usual garage. Shopping around typically saves €15-25.
| Station type | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget chains (AutoDocQ, APK Station) | €60-65 | Online booking discounts, no frills, fast turnaround |
| Independent garages (APK authorized) | €65-75 | Often includes free advisory check on other issues |
| Brand dealerships | €75-85 | Highest price, may identify brand-specific concerns |
| Motorbike/motorcycle APK | €45-60 | Slightly shorter inspection scope |
| Pre-inspection service (optional add-on) | €30-50 | Garage identifies issues before official APK — worth it for older cars |
Re-inspection rules: free re-test within 4 weeks at the same station for minor faults only. After 4 weeks, or at a different station, you pay the full inspection fee again. Major failures require a completely new inspection regardless of timing.
How to prepare your car for APK
A 20-minute DIY check 1-2 weeks before your appointment catches the most common failure points. This gives you time to fix cheap issues (bulbs, wipers) without rescheduling.
Lights and visibility (5 minutes)
- Walk around car at night - test every light
- Press brake pedal (ask someone to check rear lights)
- Test all indicators front, rear, and side
- Test fog lights and reversing light
- Inspect windshield for chips (get repaired while small)
- Check wiper blades - replace if streaking
- Top up windshield washer fluid
Tires, brakes, and general (15 minutes)
- Check tread depth with a coin - minimum 1.6mm across full width
- Look for sidewall bulges or cuts
- Listen for brake squealing when stopping
- Bounce each corner of car (should stop within 1-2 bounces)
- Test horn in a car park
- Pull each seat belt sharply (should lock)
- Check all dashboard warning lights are off
- Ensure number plates are clean and legible
What to bring on the day
- Your vehicle (arrive on time - stations run tight schedules)
- Valid driver's license
- Payment method (PIN/card accepted at all stations)
- Kentekencard (registration document) - most stations can look up via plate but good to have
APK and your car insurance: critical connection
This is the most important section for expats to understand. APK and car insurance are legally linked in the Netherlands, and many drivers only discover this after an accident.
Expired APK can void your insurance
Dutch car insurance policies contain a roadworthiness clause. If your vehicle does not have a valid APK at the time of an accident, your insurer can refuse to pay out. This applies even if:
- The accident was entirely the other driver's fault
- Your APK expired only yesterday
- Your car was mechanically in perfect condition
- You were unaware the APK had expired
In practice, some insurers apply judgment. But the legal right to refuse payment is real, and some insurers do exercise it. Never let your APK expire.
Car insurance is also mandatory by Dutch law, just like APK. You need at minimum WA (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid, third-party liability) insurance. If you are not yet insured or want to compare rates, see our complete car insurance guide for expats.
| Insurance type | Monthly cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| WA (third-party) | €30-60/month | Legal minimum - covers damage you cause to others |
| WA+ (Beperkt Casco) | €50-90/month | Adds theft, fire, storm, vandalism to WA |
| Allrisk (Volledig Casco) | €80-150+/month | Full coverage including your own accident damage |
Get car insurance: recommended insurers for expats
Both APK and car insurance must be valid at all times. If you still need to arrange insurance, here are the most expat-friendly insurers in the Netherlands:
Allianz Direct
Most popularEnglish-friendly online insurer. Quick quote process, competitive WA rates from €30/month, strong expat track record.
- English language support
- Fast online application
- Accepts foreign claim-free years
ASR Autoverzekering
Strong claim-free transferMajor Dutch insurer with strong reputation for accepting foreign claim-free years. Competitive rates across WA, WA+, and Allrisk.
- Accepts foreign claim history
- Competitive WA+ rates
- Established Dutch insurer
Centraal Beheer
Trusted brandOne of the largest Dutch insurers. Good for families and long-term expats. English support available. Comprehensive product range.
- Roadside assistance included
- English-speaking customer service
- 100+ local offices across Netherlands
InShared
Digital-firstFully online insurer with a cashback model: unused claims budget is returned to customers at year end. Fast sign-up, transparent pricing.
- Cashback on unused claims budget
- 100% online, fast sign-up
- Competitive pricing for lower-risk profiles
💡 Note: All four insurers accept foreign claim-free years (varies by insurer). Prices vary by vehicle, age, and profile. Use each insurer's calculator for your personalised quote.
Practical tips for expats
Always verify APK when buying a used car
Before agreeing to buy any used car, check the APK expiry at rdw.nl. A car expiring in 2 weeks means immediate costs. Use this as a negotiating point to reduce the price.
Set a calendar reminder 6 weeks before APK expiry
The RDW reminder letter goes to the registered address. If you moved within the Netherlands and did not update your vehicle registration, you will not receive the letter. Set your own reminder.
Book early to allow time for repairs
Booking 2-4 weeks before expiry gives you time to fix any minor issues found and return for the free re-inspection, all within the 4-week window and before your APK expires.
Consider a pre-APK service for older or high-mileage cars
For cars over 8 years or with 150,000+ km, a pre-inspection at a trusted garage (€30-50) identifies issues before the official APK. Avoids the cost and stress of a failure on the day.
Leaving the Netherlands: deregister before you go
If you export or sell your car before leaving, deregister it with RDW to stop motor vehicle tax (MRB) charges. The APK obligation disappears when the car is deregistered.
APK vs foreign inspection: imported cars
If you import a car and register it with RDW, the APK clock starts from the Dutch registration date (not the original foreign registration date). You get a fresh 3 years. See our car buying guide for the full import process.
Frequently asked questions about APK
What is the APK inspection in the Netherlands?
APK stands for Algemene Periodieke Keuring, the mandatory annual vehicle roadworthiness inspection in the Netherlands. Every car, motorcycle, and light commercial vehicle must pass an APK to legally drive on Dutch roads. The inspection covers safety systems, emissions, lighting, brakes, tires, steering, and bodywork. The RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) sets all APK standards and authorizes inspection stations.
How often do I need an APK in the Netherlands?
The first APK is due 36 months (3 years) after the vehicle's first registration date. After that, APK is required every 12 months. You can book your APK up to 1 month before the expiry date without losing validity time. Driving with an expired APK is illegal and results in fines of €370 or more.
How much does an APK inspection cost in the Netherlands?
APK inspection costs range from €60-85 depending on the station and vehicle type. Motorcycles typically cost €45-60. Budget chains like AutoDocQ or Apk.nl offer prices around €60-65. Premium dealerships charge €75-85. The inspection takes 30-45 minutes. A failed APK with minor issues may include a free re-inspection within 4 weeks at the same station.
What does the APK inspection check?
The APK checks: (1) Brakes and brake fluid; (2) Steering and suspension; (3) All lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights); (4) Tires (minimum 1.6mm tread depth); (5) Windshield (cracks under 30cm in driver's vision zone); (6) Wipers; (7) Seat belts; (8) Emissions (exhaust CO2, NOx, particulates); (9) Vehicle bodywork and underbody for rust; (10) Horn; (11) Mirrors; (12) Fuel system.
What are the most common reasons for APK failure?
Most common APK failures in the Netherlands: (1) Worn tires below 1.6mm tread depth (most frequent); (2) Faulty or dim lights (easy to miss); (3) Windshield chips or cracks exceeding 30cm; (4) Failed emissions test (common on older diesel vehicles); (5) Worn brake pads or discs; (6) Leaking shock absorbers; (7) Rust on underbody or sills; (8) Broken or missing mirrors. Most issues are inexpensive to fix before the inspection.
What happens if my car fails the APK?
If your car fails APK: (1) You receive a rejection certificate listing all failures; (2) You have 4 weeks to fix the issues and return for free re-inspection at the same station; (3) If you cannot fix within 4 weeks, you must pay for a full new inspection; (4) You may not drive the vehicle on public roads after APK expiry. Critical failures may mean the vehicle is declared immediately unsafe to drive. Your insurance may not pay out for accidents if APK was expired.
Where can I get an APK inspection in the Netherlands?
APK inspections are available at any RDW-authorized station. Options include: (1) Automotive chains: AutoDocQ, APK Station, Midas, Euromaster; (2) Independent garages (many are APK authorized); (3) Brand dealerships; (4) Budget online booking through apk.nl. Find nearby stations at rdw.nl. Many stations offer online booking with same-week availability.
Can I drive with an expired APK in the Netherlands?
No. Driving with an expired APK is illegal in the Netherlands and carries fines of €370 or more. Police can check APK status via your license plate instantly (direct RDW database access from patrol cars). If you are involved in an accident with an expired APK, your insurance company may refuse to pay out, leaving you personally liable for all damages.
Does the APK affect my car insurance?
Yes, significantly. If you have an accident while driving with an expired APK, your insurer can legally refuse to cover the damages, even if the accident was not your fault. Some insurers void the policy entirely. Valid APK is a condition of your insurance contract. Always check your APK expiry date and renew promptly.
How do I find out when my APK expires?
Three ways to check your APK expiry: (1) Enter your license plate at rdw.nl (free, instant); (2) Check your vehicle registration documents (kentekencard); (3) The RDW sends a reminder letter to the registered owner's address about 8 weeks before expiry. If you recently bought a used car, always check the APK date immediately via rdw.nl.
Do electric vehicles need an APK inspection in the Netherlands?
Yes, electric vehicles require the same APK inspection as combustion engine cars. The schedule is identical: first at 3 years, then annually. EVs skip the emissions test component but are checked on all safety systems, lighting, tires, brakes, and bodywork. EVs tend to have very high APK pass rates because they have fewer mechanical components that can fail.
I just bought a used car. Does it already have an APK?
Used cars registered in the Netherlands should have a valid APK. Always verify before purchasing by checking the license plate at rdw.nl. When buying privately, ask to see the APK certificate. A car approaching APK expiry may need an inspection within weeks of purchase. Factor this cost into your buying decision. Cars sold by dealers must have a valid APK by law.
Can I get an APK in the Netherlands on a foreign-registered car?
Foreign-registered cars do not need a Dutch APK. APK applies only to vehicles registered with Dutch license plates (kenteken). If you import a car and register it with RDW, the first APK will be due 3 years after the Dutch registration date (not the original foreign registration date). After 185 days of Netherlands residence, you should register your foreign car in the Netherlands.
What is the difference between a partial and full APK failure?
A partial failure (kleine gebreken) means minor defects that must be fixed but do not immediately prohibit driving. You get 4 weeks to repair and re-inspect for free at the same station. A full failure (afkeuring) means serious safety issues that render the vehicle unsafe, and you may not drive on public roads. An immediate prohibition (rijverbod) is issued for the most critical failures such as brake or steering failure.
Is the APK the same as the MOT in the UK or TÜV in Germany?
Yes, APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring) is the Dutch equivalent of the UK's MOT test and Germany's TÜV/HU inspection. All serve the same purpose: mandatory periodic vehicle safety and emissions testing to ensure roadworthiness. Dutch APK: first at 3 years, then annually. UK MOT: same schedule. German TÜV: every 2 years (less frequent than Dutch APK).
Complete your Dutch car knowledge
APK, insurance, and registration: all three are mandatory for legal driving in the Netherlands.
Buying a car
- • BPM tax calculator (21%)
- • RDW registration process
- • Import from abroad
- • Lease vs buy decision
Car insurance
- • WA vs WA+ vs Allrisk
- • Transfer claim-free years
- • Compare on Independer
- • €30-150/month costs
APK checklist
- • Check rdw.nl for expiry
- • Book 2-4 weeks early
- • Fix lights and tires first
- • Free re-test within 4 weeks
Buying a car in Netherlands
BPM tax, RDW registration, import rules, and lease vs buy for expats
Car insurance Netherlands
WA, WA+, and Allrisk coverage compared. Transfer claim-free years.
Driver's license exchange
Convert your foreign license to Dutch rijbewijs - process and costs