Periodic motor vehicle test (APK)

Most vehicles in the Netherlands must undergo a periodic motor vehicle test (PTI or APK). The APK is done by a garage or testing station. The inspector doing the APK will check whether the vehicle is roadworthy, environmentally safe, and registered correctly. Without a valid APK, a vehicle is not allowed on public roads. 

Is an APK mandatory? 

A periodic technical inspection is mandatory for: 

• passenger cars
• company cars
• motor vehicles with 3 wheels
• heavy vehicles (over 3.500 kg)
• ambulances
• special vehicles (taxi, bus, public transport cars and vehicles used to transport dangerous goods)
• agricultural vehicles (with a maximum speed of over 40 km/h)
• non-agricultural trailers weighing over 3,500 kg 

Mopeds and motorcycles are exempt, as well as vehicles over 50 years old. Vehicles over 50 years old used for public transport or for transporting dangerous goods are not exempt. 

Where to get an APK 

In the Netherlands, the garage or testing station where you have your vehicle tested, must be approved by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). You can recognise these by the approval sign with the text 'RDW erkend' (RDW-approved) and a sticker with the text 'APK lichte voertuigen’ (PTI light vehicles) or ‘APK zware voertuigen’ (PTI heavy vehicles). Or check the Dutch-language location tool for a testing station near you. 

When to first get an APK 

The first time your vehicle must be tested depends on: 

• the type of vehicle (car, light commercial vehicle, heavy commercial vehicle)
• the date when the vehicle was first allowed to go on public roads
• the type of fuel (petrol, diesel, LPG, electric) 

How often to get an APK 

After this initial test, your vehicle must be tested annually or every 2 years depending on the fuel type and vehicle age. 6 weeks before the APK of your vehicle expires, RDW will send you a reminder. The RDW website includes a schedule which shows how often and when you need to have your vehicle tested. You must renew your APK before it has expired. 

No driving without APK 

You are not allowed to drive on public roads if your vehicle has failed the APK. You may be fined. If you are involved in an accident with a rejected vehicle, your insurance may refuse to pay out. Did you suspend your vehicle’s registration? You do not need to have your suspended vehicle tested until you end the suspension. 

Suspending your vehicle registration 

Do you plan on not using your vehicle? You may (temporarily) suspend your vehicle registration. A suspended vehicle does not require a valid APK, vehicle insurance, or is liable to motor vehicle tax (mrb). 

You can suspend your vehicle registration digitally. You can also contact the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) or a vehicle registration certificate office directly. The vehicle must be registered to your company, and your company must be registered in the Dutch Business Register (Handelsregister). You pay a fee to have the registration suspended for 1 to 3 years, after which the suspension ends automatically. 

You can at any time decide to extend the duration or to end the suspension effective immediately. 

Inspection report 

After inspection you will always receive an inspection report. You will need this report, for instance, if you do not agree with the result of the inspection and wish to appeal. You may also need it when driving abroad. Did you lose your report? You can request a copy of the report with RDW or your garage for a fee. 

Your vehicle is rejected 

Is your vehicle rejected? If you disagree with this you can object. You can only object immediately after the inspection to the inspector. The inspector will contact RDW and they will send an employee for a second opinion. You may not move or repair your vehicle during this time. If the vehicle is rejected a second time for the same reason, you must pay for the re-examination costs. 

Foreign APK inspection 

If your car, trailer, or van has a Dutch registration number, you can have it tested outside of the Netherlands at one of the car inspection centres in Belgium and Spain.