APK Inspection Guide: Everything About the Car Inspection [2025]

The APK inspection (General Periodic Inspection) is a legally required inspection that ensures your car's road safety. Every car older than three years must be inspected annually. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the APK inspection in 2025: what is being inspected, what it costs, and how to prepare.

At Faay Auto Groep, you pay just €17.95 for an MOT inspection, and re-inspection is free. With the right preparation, you significantly increase your chances of passing the first time.

What is an APK inspection?

The APK (General Periodic Inspection) is a mandatory safety inspection for all motor vehicles in the Netherlands. The inspection verifies whether your car meets the minimum safety requirements for road use.

When is an APK mandatory?

• Passenger cars: first MOT after 4 years, then every year
• Vans up to 3,500 kg: first MOT after 3 years, then every year
• Motorcycles: first MOT after 4 years, then every year
• Classic cars (40+ years): every 2 years
• Imported vehicles: within 2 months after registration

Driving without a valid MOT is punishable by law and can result in a €380 fine. Furthermore, your insurance may not cover damage in the event of an accident without a valid MOT.

The APK inspection process

An MOT inspection at Faay Auto Groep takes an average of 30-45 minutes, depending on the condition of your car. The inspection is performed by a certified MOT inspector in accordance with strict RDW guidelines.

Step by step during the inspection:

1. Identification (5 minutes)
The inspector will check your license plates, chassis number, and registration certificate. These must match and be legible. Damaged or illegible license plates will result in rejection.

2. Visual Inspection (10 minutes)
The inspector inspects the exterior of the car for rust, sharp edges, bodywork damage, and the condition of the tires, windows, and mirrors. He also checks whether all required equipment is present.

3. Lighting and Signaling (5 minutes)
All lights are tested: headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, fog lights, license plate lights, and reflectors. The headlight alignment is also checked.

4. Brake test (10 minutes)
Your car will be placed on a roller test bench to measure its braking force. Both the front and rear brakes, as well as the handbrake, will be tested. The braking deceleration must meet legal standards.

5. Chassis Inspection (10 minutes)
The underside of your car will be inspected on the lift. The inspector will check: suspension, shock absorbers, drive shaft, steering, exhaust system, fuel lines, and fluid leaks.

6. Emission measurement (5 minutes)
In gasoline cars, emissions are measured. In diesel cars, soot emissions are monitored. Excessive emissions lead to rejection.

7. Other Checks (5 minutes)
Windshield wipers, horn, seat belts, airbag warning light, mirrors and interior are checked for proper operation and condition.

After completion, you will immediately receive the result: approval or rejection with a specification of the defects.

What's Being Checked? (50+ Points)

During an MOT inspection, more than 50 checkpoints are inspected. The most important categories are listed below:

Category	Checkpoints	Most Common Defects
Brakes	Brake power, brake discs, brake pads, brake fluid, handbrake	Insufficient braking power, worn pads
Relief	Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signal, fog light, adjustment	Broken lamps, incorrect adjustment
Ties	Tread depth (min 1.6 mm), damage, tire pressure	Not enough profile, cracks in the side
Steering gear	Play, operation, damage, power steering	Too much play, power steering leakage
Suspension	Shock absorbers, springs, rubbers, wheel bearings, drive shaft	Leaking shock absorbers, worn rubbers
Bodywork	Rust, sharp edges, soundness, fenders	Rust holes, sharp rust edges
Exhaust pipe	Leaks, mounting, emissions, catalytic converter	Holes in exhaust, too high emissions
Diamonds	Cracks, stars, obstructed view, windshield wipers	Crack in windshield, worn wiper blades
Safety	Seat belts, airbag light, mirrors, horn, warning triangle	Airbag light on, broken mirror
Identification	License plates, chassis number, VIN code	Illegible license plate

Most Common APK Rejection Points

Approximately 251% of all cars fail their MOT (periodic vehicle safety inspection). Knowing the most common failure points will help you avoid them.

1. Brakes – 35% of Rejection

Brake problems are by far the most common reason for rejection.

Common defects:

• Insufficient braking force (less than 50% of vehicle weight)
• Uneven braking performance left/right (difference > 30%)
• Worn brake pads (thinner than 3mm)
• Grooved or cracked brake discs
• Leaking brake cylinders or lines
• Handbrake does not work properly (less than 16%)

Prevention: Have your brakes checked annually during maintenance. Replace brake pads when they are 3mm thick. Watch for squeaking noises or reduced braking power.

Repair costs: Brake pads for €150-€350, brake discs €200-€500

2. Lighting – 25% of Rejection

Defective lighting can easily be prevented by regular checking.

Common defects:

• Broken bulb in headlight, taillight or turn signal
• Incorrect headlight adjustment (blinds oncoming traffic)
• Broken lamp glass or reflector
• License plate light defective
• Fog light not working (if present should work)
• LED lighting with errors (entire unit defective)

Prevention: Test all bulbs monthly. Replace any broken bulbs immediately. Have your headlights adjusted after replacing them.

Repair costs: Incandescent bulbs €5-€30, LED units €50-€200, adjustment €20-€40

3. Tires – 20% of Rejection

Tires are crucial for safety and grip. Tire problems are easily prevented.

Common defects:

• Tread depth less than 1.6mm (legal minimum)
• Uneven wear (incorrect tension/alignment)
• Cracks, cuts or bumps in the side
• Different tire sizes on the same axle
• Summer and winter tires mixed together
• Tire older than 10 years (unsafe due to aging)

Prevention: Check tread depth monthly (€1 in tread depth, Wilhelmina's crown not visible = sufficient). Change tires at 3mm for safety. Check for damage.

Repair costs: New tires €50-€150 each, balancing €5-€10 per wheel

4. Exhaust – 10% of Rejection

Exhaust problems are often audible before they lead to disapproval.

Common defects:

• Holes or leaks in exhaust system
• Loose or missing fasteners
• Too high emission values (CO, HC, Lambda)
• Soot emissions from diesel too high
• Modified exhaust without approval
• Catalytic converter removed or defective

Prevention: Listen for humming noises from the exhaust. Have your emissions checked during maintenance. Use quality fuel and additives if necessary.

Repair costs: Exhaust center silencer €150-€300, catalytic converter €500-€1,500

5. Suspension and Springs – 10% of Rejection

Suspension and springs are less visible but essential for safety.

Common defects:

• Leaking shock absorbers (oil stains on damper)
• Worn rubbers in suspension (play)
• Broken stabilizer bar
• Worn wheel bearings (humming noise while driving)
• Faulty drive shaft or constant velocity joint
• Broken spring

Prevention: Pay attention to the car's suspension. Test the shock absorbers by compressing the corners of the car (you have to re-sprung it once). Have the suspension checked during maintenance.

Repair costs: Shock absorbers €150-€400 per pair, rubbers €80-€200

APK Costs 2025

The cost of an MOT inspection is legally set, but garages are free to set their own prices. At Faay Auto Groep, you benefit from competitive prices.

Service	Faay Auto Group	Average Netherlands	Your Benefit
Passenger Car APK Inspection	€17,95	€40 – €60	Up to €42
Vehicle Inspection	€29,95	€50 – €80	Up to €50
Motor vehicle inspection	€17,95	€35 – €50	Up to €32
Re-inspection (after repair)	€0,00	€15 – €30	Up to €30
MOT + Minor Service	€167 – €267	€240 – €400	Up to €133
MOT + Major Service	€367 – €617	€540 – €950	Up to €333

For more details about APK costs, read our article about APK prices 2025.

Additional costs in case of rejection: If your car fails inspection, you only pay for the repairs necessary to address the defects. At Faay Auto Groep, re-inspection is always free when we carry out the repairs.

Combine APK with Maintenance

Combining your MOT with maintenance is smart and saves you time and money.

Benefits of APK + Maintenance:

• Time saving: Only one garage visit instead of two
• Cost savings: Combination discount on total price, save on labor costs
• Higher chance of success: Problems are resolved before inspection
• Complete overview: Your car will be thoroughly inspected
• Peace of mind: You know for sure that your car is in top condition
• Warranty retention: Maintenance history remains complete

Recommended combinations:

• APK + Minor Service: Ideal for annual maintenance, €167-€267
• APK + Major Service: Every 2 years or 30,000 km, €367-€617
• APK + Air Conditioning Service: Perfect combination for summer, €107-€167
• MOT + Tire change: For seasonal changes, €43-€58

When you combine services, you benefit from a discount on both the MOT and maintenance. Moreover, you significantly increase your chances of passing the test first time, as the mechanic will identify and resolve any issues during the service.

Preparing for the APK: Checklist

Good preparation significantly increases your chances of a successful MOT. Follow this checklist a week before your appointment.

1 Week Before APK:

• □ Test all lights: headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signal, fog light
• □ Check tire tread depth (minimum 1.6mm, preferably 3mm+)
• □ Inspect tires for cracks, bulges, or damage
• □ Test windshield wipers (replace worn rubbers)
• □ Check windows for cracks or stars (especially windshield)
• □ Test horn
• □ Check all mirrors (must be complete and properly secured)
• □ Search license plate evidence and ID

Day Before APK:

• □ Wash the car (inspector can better inspect the chassis)
• □ Check that license plates are clean and legible
• □ Test all belts (they must click into place properly)
• □ Check airbag warning light (should not be on)
• □ Remove excess personal belongings from the car
• □ Check warning triangle and first aid kit (if required)
• □ Fill with sufficient fuel (at least 1/4 tank for the dynamometer)

Unable to Check Yourself (Have Garage Do It):

• Braking action on roller bench
• Chassis and suspension (lifting bridge required)
• Exhaust emissions
• Headlight adjustment
• Steering clearance
• Fluid leaks

Are you unsure whether your car will pass its MOT? Book a pre-APK inspection with us. We inspect all critical points and resolve any issues before you go for the inspection.

What After Rejection?

If your car fails its inspection, it's not a disaster. You have time to have the defects repaired and re-inspected.

The rejection report: You will receive a detailed report of all identified defects. Defects are classified as:

• Minor defects: No immediate danger, but must be remedied before re-inspection
• Serious defects: Safety hazard, needs repair
• Dangerous defects: Immediate danger, do not ride

Re-inspection terms:

• Within 14 days: Re-inspection at the same inspection station, only defects are checked
• After 14 days: Full new inspection required (and payable)
• Re-inspection certificate: Keep this safe, as it will be required for a free re-inspection

At Faay Auto Group: When we carry out repairs, the re-inspection is always free, even after 14 days. You only pay for the necessary repairs. We schedule the re-inspection immediately after repairs, so you can quickly get back on the road with a valid MOT.

Driving without an MOT: You may continue driving for a maximum of one month after the expiration date. After that, you risk a €380 fine and your insurance may refuse to do so in the event of damage. Your car may be immediately removed from traffic during a police check.

Frequently Asked Questions About APK

When does my car need its MOT?

Passenger cars require their first MOT after four years, then annually. Vans up to 3,500 kg require it after three years, then annually. The expiration date is listed on your vehicle registration certificate, Part 1A. You may have your MOT inspected up to one month before the expiration date; the new MOT will then be valid for one year from the old date.

How much does an MOT inspection cost in 2025?

At Faay Auto Groep, you pay €17.95 for an MOT inspection for a passenger car. This is the inspection fee excluding repairs. If your car fails the inspection, you'll pay extra for the necessary repairs. Re-inspection is always free if we carry out the repairs.

How long does an MOT inspection take?

An MOT inspection takes an average of 30-45 minutes. If defects are found that can be repaired immediately (such as replacing a light bulb), it may take longer. If you combine the MOT with maintenance, you can expect a total of 2-4 hours, depending on the type of maintenance.

What are the most common points of rejection?

The top 5 failure points are: 1) Brakes (35%) – insufficient braking power, 2) Lights (25%) – blown bulbs, 3) Tires (20%) – insufficient tread, 4) Exhaust (10%) – holes or excessive emissions, 5) Suspension (10%) – leaking shock absorbers. These can largely be prevented with proper preparation and maintenance.

Can I combine MOT and maintenance?

Yes, this is even highly recommended! At Faay Auto Groep, we offer attractive combination packages: MOT + Minor Service from €167 or MOT + Major Service from €367. You save time (one appointment), money (combination discount), and increase your chances of success because any problems are already resolved during the maintenance.

What happens if I am late with my MOT?

You have a grace period of one month after the expiration date. After that, you risk a €380 fine if you get into trouble with the police. Your car insurance may refuse coverage in the event of an accident. If you get into trouble, the police may pull your car off the road until you have a valid MOT. Therefore, schedule your MOT in advance, preferably a week before the expiration date.

Is re-inspection free?

This varies by garage. At Faay Auto Groep, re-inspection is always free when we carry out repairs on your car, even after the 14-day period. If you have the repairs carried out elsewhere, you pay €20 for re-inspection within 14 days. After 14 days, a new full inspection is required.

Do I need to bring anything to the MOT?

Yes, always bring: vehicle registration certificate Part 1A (registration certificate) and Part 1B if applicable, and a valid ID. For business use: authorization from the leasing company or owner. Without these documents, we cannot perform the inspection.

Book your MOT at Faay Auto Groep

Ready for your vehicle inspection? At Faay Auto Groep, you're our priority, with transparent pricing, fast service, and professional inspectors.

Our APK Services:

• APK inspection – Passenger car for €17.95
• MOT + Minor Service – Combination package from €167
• MOT + Major Service – Combination package from €367
• MOT + Tire change – Seasonal change package
• APK + Air Conditioning Service – Summer Package
• Re-inspection – Free with repairs by us

Why Choose Our APK Service:

• ✓ Competitive price – MOT from €17.95
• ✓ Free re-inspection – When repaired by us
• ✓ Certified inspectors – RDW certified
• ✓ Modern equipment – Accurate measurements
• ✓ Fast service – Often ready immediately
• ✓ Transparent – Clear explanation of defects
• ✓ Combo packages – Save time and money
• ✓ All brands – From Volkswagen to Mercedes

Related Information:

• Minor Service – Annual maintenance
• Major Service -Extensive maintenance
• Tire Service -New tires and change
• Car Repairs - For all repairs

Need an MOT inspection? Make an appointment now At Faay Auto Groep. Book online or call us for a short-notice appointment. We'll help you get a valid MOT quickly and professionally!