Vehicle inspection renewal in Netherlands
Renewing a vehicle inspection in the Netherlands, known as the Algemene Periodieke Keuring (APK), involves having the vehicle inspected by an approved garage before its current certificate expires. If the vehicle passes, a new inspection report is issued.
It is advisable to schedule the APK appointment several weeks before the expiry date of the current certificate. This allows ample time to address any necessary repairs if the vehicle does not pass the initial inspection, and to ensure the vehicle remains legally compliant for road use without interruption. Most vehicles can be inspected up to two months before the expiry date, with the new expiry date calculated from the original date.
Start 60 days ahead
Vehicles can be inspected up to two months before the official expiry date, with the original expiry date maintained for the new certificate.
The process
- 1Check the current APK expiry date for the vehicle, which can be found on the previous inspection report, the RDW website (using the license plate number), or by looking up the vehicle on the RDW's online public vehicle register.
- 2Choose an RDW-approved garage for the inspection. These garages are recognizable by an RDW sign with the text 'APK erkend'.
- 3Schedule an appointment for the APK inspection.
- 4Take the vehicle to the chosen garage for the inspection. The vehicle registration certificate is typically not required for the inspection itself, as the garage can access necessary data electronically.
- 5Receive the inspection report. If the vehicle passes, the garage will register the approval with the RDW, and a new APK certificate is automatically issued.
- 6If the vehicle fails, address the defects within the specified timeframe (usually two months for a re-inspection, provided the original APK was still valid at the time of initial rejection) and have it re-inspected. Driving a vehicle with an expired or rejected APK is generally not permitted, except for direct travel to an RDW-approved garage for inspection or repair leading to inspection.
What to bring
- The vehicle itself
Who handles it
RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer - Netherlands Vehicle Authority)
The cost of an APK inspection is set by the individual inspection stations (garages) and can vary. It is advisable to inquire about the price when making an appointment.
What commonly goes wrong
- Driving a vehicle with an expired APK is illegal and can result in a fine. The RDW automatically sends a reminder letter, but it is the vehicle owner's responsibility to ensure the APK is renewed on time.
- If the vehicle fails the APK, it may not be driven on public roads until the defects are repaired and it passes a re-inspection, except for specific trips to a repair shop or re-inspection location.
- The inspection garage must be recognized by the RDW; ensure the garage displays the 'APK erkend' sign.
- Always obtain an inspection report from the garage, even if the vehicle passes. This document serves as proof of inspection.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Other documents in Netherlands
Vehicle inspection renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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