Dutch APK Car Inspection
The Dutch vehicle roadworthiness test, referred to as APK (‘Algemene Periodieke Keuring’), is a technical inspection conducted periodically over the life of a car, truck or other moving vehicle. Its purpose is to ensure the vehicle can operate efficiently and not be a hazard to other vehicles on roadways in the Netherlands.
The APK test is compulsory and may only be conducted by garages authorized by the Dutch department for road traffic (RDW). There are about 9,000 garages in the Netherlands approved to conduct the APK test. They can be identified by a red-white ‘RDW approved’ sign outside the garage.
TAKING THE APK TEST
A new passenger car in the Netherlands is required to have a first APK test 4 years after its initial registration, then another test 2 years later. From year 7 the vehicle must have an APK test annually. A reminder is sent from the RDW.
Classic cars (originally registered prior to 01 January 1960) are exempt from APK testing. Heavy vehicles must be tested every year unless they are old enough to fall into the classic category.
The APK test checks various points of safety and reliability of the vehicle, in accordance with the European Directive 2014/45/EU, such as:
- Braking systems
- Steering and steering wheel
- Visibility of the vehicle
- Lamps/lights
- Reflectors and electrical equipment
- Tires
- Axles
- Wheels and suspension
- Chassis and chassis attachments
- Equipment (safety belts, speed limitation devices)
IF VEHICLE PASSES APK TEST
Once the car has passed the test, the owner gets a document stating that it conforms with the requirements and giving the date for the next test.
Random checks
The RDW monitors the safety and environment matters related to Dutch vehicles and carries out random checks on some vehicles which have passed the APK. About three percent of the vehicles are double checked by the RDW. Once an APK test is carried out, the computer system automatically informs the certificate holder whether a random inspection is to be held by the RDW.
The RDW has a computer database of all vehicles registered in Holland and monitors these vehicles for roadworthiness (valid APK), road tax and insurance. If any of these are late for renewal the RDW issues a warning with a fixed penalty notice, requesting renewal of the above within a certain time period. It is possible to plead mitigating circumstances (such as out of the country on business) and avoid paying the penalty if the payment for renewal is made as soon as possible after being notified.
IF VEHICLE FAILS APK TEST
If the car fails the test, the owner must carry out the necessary repairs and take it back to the garage for re-testing.
If the owner thinks that the vehicle has been incorrectly approved or rejected, they may appeal to the RDW against the inspector’s decision. The RDW will carry out an inquiry. This complaints procedure is also valid if the vehicle has been subject to – and failed – a random inspection by the RDW.
FOREIGN VEHICLES
A foreign car registered in the Netherlands falls under the Dutch law – therefore it must have its first APK test three years after the first registration, and every subsequent year.
If the car is older than three years, the APK check can be carried out at the same time as the car is presented to the RDW for registration. The APK document is valid for one year.
APK TESTING LOCATIONS
Most independent garages can do APK testing, but the best prices are usually offered by the large auto garage groups. The two biggest garage chains in the Netherlands are KwikFit and Profile. Both have hundreds of locations across the country including in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven and Breda.
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