Is your car due for an MOT soon, or do you want to be sure that your vehicle is roadworthy? Faay Auto Group in Nieuwegein is a RDW approved inspection station Where you can go for a professional and affordable periodic vehicle inspection (APK). The General Periodic Inspection (APK) is legally required for the vast majority of vehicles in the Netherlands and essential for your safety, that of your passengers, and other road users. At our inspection station in Nieuwegein, we have certified inspectors with over 25 years of experience, modern inspection equipment, and competitive prices. Never drive without a valid APK – this can lead to hefty fines and insurance problems. Schedule your APK inspection with Faay Auto Groep today and get certainty about your car's road safety within one hour.
What is an MOT inspection?
The General Periodic Inspection (APK) is a legally required inspection in the Netherlands and Europe to promote road safety and protect the environment. The inspection requirement and associated regulations are laid down in the Road Traffic Act 1994. During an APK inspection, your car is thoroughly inspected on more than 300 safety points, including brakes, lights, tires, suspension, exhaust system, steering, and many other crucial components.
The purpose of the MOT is threefold: first, it ensures that cars on the road meet minimum safety requirements, thereby reducing the number of traffic accidents caused by technical defects. Second, the MOT contributes to environmental protection by verifying that harmful emissions remain within legal limits. Third, a valid MOT gives the owner and other road users confidence that the vehicle is technically sound.
At Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein, our RDW-certified MOT inspectors perform inspections according to strict government guidelines. We inspect your car systematically and objectively, without any commercial pressure. If your car fails inspection, you'll receive a clear report with precise information about which components are defective and what needs to be repaired. You then decide where to have the repairs carried out, although most customers choose our workshop for its convenience and expertise.
Why have your vehicle inspection done at Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein?
An MOT inspection is mandatory, but you do have a choice about where you have it performed. At Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein, you're choosing a reliable, RDW-approved inspection station with years of experience and an excellent reputation in the Nieuwegein region and surrounding areas.
This distinguishes us from other inspection stations:
- RDW approved inspection station – We are officially recognized and registered with the RDW, with all necessary certifications and inspectors
- Experienced APK inspectors – Our inspectors have more than 25 years of experience and know all makes and models
- Modern inspection equipment – We continuously invest in the latest test equipment for accurate measurements
- Quick inspection – In most cases your MOT will be completed within 30-45 minutes
- Competitive prices – Competitive rates with no hidden costs
- Direct repair possible Is your car rejected? We can carry out repairs immediately in our workshop.
- Transparent communication – You always receive a clear report and explanation of any defects
- Free re-inspection – For minor repairs that we carry out immediately, we carry out a free re-inspection
- Flexible planning – Last-minute appointments are often possible
- Comfortable waiting area – Would you rather wait? Our waiting room offers coffee, tea, and Wi-Fi.
In addition, at Faay Auto Groep we also offer the option of combining your MOT inspection with regular maintenance. With our MOT with maintenance With our service, you kill two birds with one stone: your car is inspected and serviced immediately. This saves you time and often money.
The APK Inspection Process – Step by Step
When you bring your car to Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein for an MOT inspection, you go through the following structured process:
- Make an appointment Schedule your MOT appointment online or by phone. We recommend doing this 2-3 weeks before the due date to allow time for any repairs.
- Registration and intake Upon arrival, our service advisor will take your details and check the registration certificate. You can indicate whether you want to wait or leave the car.
- Visual inspection – The inspector begins with a thorough visual inspection of the exterior: bodywork, lights, tires, windows, mirrors, and exhaust system.
- Interior check – Next, the interior is checked: belts, seats, airbag warning lights, horn, windshield wipers and dashboard indicators.
- Chassis inspection – The car is placed on the bridge for inspection of the chassis: suspension, drive shafts, exhaust, fuel lines and corrosion.
- Brake system test – The braking performance of all wheels is accurately measured on the roller test bench. This is a crucial safety test.
- Headlight alignment – The adjustment and brightness of the headlights are checked and adjusted if necessary.
- Emission test (exhaust gases) – For petrol cars, CO emissions are measured, and for diesel cars, soot emissions are measured to check whether the car meets environmental standards.
- Steering and clearance – The play in the steering and suspension is tested for safety.
- Reporting – You will receive the official MOT inspection report with an approval or a list of the defects that need to be repaired.
The entire inspection process takes an average of 30-45 minutes for a passenger car. For larger vehicles or classic cars, it may take longer.
When and How Often Should a Vehicle Be Inspected?
The MOT inspection frequency depends on the vehicle type and age. The following rules apply to passenger cars:
- New cars (petrol): The first MOT inspection is mandatory after 4 years after the first road registration
- New cars (diesel, LPG, electric): The first MOT even after 4 years
- After the first inspection: Then every 2 years MOT inspection until the car is 10 years old
- Cars older than 10 years: Annual MOT inspection mandatory
- Taxis, ambulances and driving school cars: Annual inspection from the start
APK reminder from the RDW: The RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) will send you a reminder approximately six weeks before your vehicle's MOT (periodic vehicle safety inspection) is due. You'll receive this reminder by mail or, if you've configured it, via your message box on MyGovernment. Please note: as a vehicle owner, you remain responsible for having your vehicle inspected on time, even if you don't receive a reminder!
Not previously inspected: If your vehicle has not been inspected before, you can RDW APK inspection schedule See when your vehicle is due for its first MOT inspection and how often afterward.
Previously approved: If your vehicle has already been inspected, you can look up the expiration date of the MOT inspection using the RDW license plate check or on your MOT inspection report. The vehicle must be re-inspected before this date. You can have your car inspected up to one month after the expiration date without the new MOT date shifting.
Frequently Asked Questions about APK inspection
How much does an APK inspection cost at Faay Auto Groep?
The cost of an MOT inspection at Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein is very competitive. For a standard passenger car, you pay €39.95 for the MOT inspection. This includes all mandatory checks and the official inspection report. For larger vehicles such as vans or campers, the price may be slightly higher (€49.95 - €69.95), depending on the weight and type of vehicle. In the event of a failed inspection and a re-inspection after repairs at our company, we do not charge any additional inspection fees. Any repairs are always discussed with you first and are not included in the inspection fee.
What happens if my car fails its inspection?
If your car fails its periodic vehicle inspection (APK), you will receive an inspection report listing all the defects. These defects are classified as minor or major (serious safety risks). You then have a maximum of two months to have the defects rectified and your car re-inspected (re-inspection). Note: with a failed vehicle, you are not permitted on public roads unless you drive directly to a garage for repairs. At Faay Auto Groep, we can provide an immediate quote for repairs and usually carry them out within a few days. After the repairs, we will carry out a re-inspection – if we carry out the repairs, this re-inspection is free of charge.
Can I drive without a valid MOT?
No, driving without a valid MOT is prohibited by law and can have serious consequences. If your car is subject to an MOT and you drive without a valid MOT, you risk a €160 fine from the police or the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority). Even more importantly, in the event of an accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay damages if you don't have a valid MOT. This could cost you thousands of euros. Moreover, it's simply unsafe – the MOT checks crucial safety components like brakes and lights. Our tip: schedule your MOT appointment at least 2-3 weeks before the due date to allow time for any repairs.
How long does an MOT inspection take?
A standard MOT inspection for a passenger car at Faay Auto Groep takes an average of 30-45 minutes. This may take a little longer if additional checks are required or if we need to investigate minor anomalies in more detail. For larger vehicles such as vans or campers, you should expect 45-60 minutes. You can choose to wait in our comfortable waiting area with free coffee and Wi-Fi, or you can leave your car and pick it up later. For customers from Nieuwegein who live nearby, it's also possible to go home and be called when the inspection is complete.
Can I check myself whether my car passes the MOT?
Yes, there are several things you can check yourself before taking your car for its MOT. This can help prevent rejection: check that all lights are working (high beams, low beams, turn signals, brake lights, fog lights, license plate lights), check the tire tread depth (at least 1.6 mm, but preferably 3 mm or more), test the windshield wipers for proper operation and clean windows, check for cracked windows, test the horn, check for visible oil leaks under the car, and check that all mirrors are intact and properly adjusted. However, during the professional inspection, things may come up that you can't check yourself, such as brake performance on the dynamometer or exhaust emissions.
What is the difference between MOT and maintenance?
This is a frequently asked question. The MOT (periodic vehicle safety inspection) is a legally required safety and environmental inspection that only checks whether your car meets the minimum legal requirements. Nothing is replaced or repaired, only inspected and approved. Maintenance, on the other hand, is preventative and involves replacing wear parts such as engine oil, filters, spark plugs, timing belt, etc., according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. A car can pass its MOT but still require urgent maintenance. At Faay Auto Groep, we therefore recommend our popular MOT with maintenance service, where we perform both simultaneously. This saves you time and often money because we only have to lift your car once.
How far in advance should I make an APK appointment?
At Faay Auto Groep, we strive to be as flexible as possible. During quiet periods, we can often help you within a few days or even the same day. During busy periods (especially at the end of the month and during the summer months), we recommend making an appointment 1-2 weeks in advance. Our tip: schedule your appointment about 2-3 weeks before the MOT expiration date. This gives you sufficient time for any repairs if your car fails the inspection, without losing your valid MOT. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone – we'll confirm it immediately.
Will my car also be washed during the MOT inspection?
A car wash isn't included as standard with the MOT inspection. However, it's wise to present your car reasonably clean for the inspection – a very dirty car can make it difficult for the inspector to properly inspect certain things, such as corrosion on the chassis or the condition of rubber parts. You don't have to have your car polished, but a reasonably clean condition helps. At Faay Auto Groep, we can also arrange a car wash upon request (for an additional fee) if you prefer.
What to Expect: Your MOT appointment at Faay Auto Groep
We understand that an MOT inspection can be stressful for some car owners. That's why we want to make the process as transparent and convenient as possible:
For your appointment: You will receive confirmation of your MOT appointment by email or text message. Please bring your vehicle registration certificate (part 1) with you – we cannot perform the inspection without it. If you know there are any issues with your car, please let us know in advance so we can prepare a repair quote immediately.
Upon arrival: Our friendly service advisor will welcome you in Nieuwegein and take your details. You can indicate whether you'd like to wait (30-45 minutes in our comfortable waiting room with coffee/tea and Wi-Fi) or leave your car and return later. For customers who live nearby, we can also call you when the inspection is complete.
During the inspection: Our RDW-certified inspector systematically performs all mandatory inspections. We work according to a fixed checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.
After inspection – approved: Congratulations! You'll receive the official MOT inspection report with the approval. The new MOT date will be automatically registered in the RDW system and will be visible during the license plate check. You don't have to do anything – you can simply hit the road safely.
After inspection – rejected: You'll receive a detailed report detailing all defects. We'll discuss this with you and provide an immediate quote for the necessary repairs. You decide where to have the repairs carried out. If you choose to have the repairs carried out by us, we'll schedule it immediately, and the re-inspection after the repair is free. You have a maximum of two months for the re-inspection.
Prevention: How to get your car through its MOT
The following tips will increase the chances of your car passing its MOT inspection in one go:
- Regular maintenance: Have your car serviced according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. A well-maintained car will pass its MOT more easily. Consider our small turn or big turn.
- Check lighting: At least one week before the MOT, test whether all lights are working: high beam, low beam, fog lights, turn signals, brake lights, reversing lights, and license plate lights.
- Check tires: Check your tire tread depth (at least 1.6 mm is legal, but we recommend at least 3 mm) and pressure. Replace worn tires promptly.
- Inspecting windows: Small cracks in the windshield can lead to rejection. Have them repaired promptly.
- Replacing windshield wipers: Worn wiper blades that leave streaks can be a cause for concern. They are inexpensive to replace.
- Check exhaust: A rusty or leaking exhaust must be replaced before the MOT.
- Maintaining the brake system: If in doubt about the braking performance, always have a service to execute.
- Engine warning light: If an engine light is on, first have a engine diagnosis execute and solve the problem.
- Seat belts and airbags: Check that all seat belts are functioning properly and that the airbag warning light is not on.
- Car wash: A clean car makes it easier to properly inspect all parts.
APK Inspection Prices and Packages
At Faay Auto Groep we offer transparent and competitive prices for MOT inspections:
- MOT inspection passenger car: €39,95
- APK inspection van (up to 3500 kg): €49,95
- Motorhome/caravan inspection: €59,95 – €69,95
- Re-inspection after rejection: Free with repairs at our place, otherwise €25.00
- APK + Minor service combination deal: €119.95 (save €20)
- APK + Major service combination deal: €229.95 (save €30)
Additional benefit: When you purchase an APK with maintenance package you will receive a free winter check or a summer check worth €25 as a gift (depending on the season).
In addition to APK inspection, we also offer other services such as engine diagnosis, air conditioning maintenance, and electrical maintenance.
Schedule your MOT inspection in Nieuwegein now
Is your MOT expiring soon, or do you want to be sure about your car's road safety? Then schedule an appointment now at Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein. As an RDW-approved inspection station with over 25 years of experience, we guarantee a professional, reliable, and affordable MOT inspection.
Why customers choose Faay Auto Groep:
- RDW-approved inspection station – officially certified
- Experienced APK inspectors with 25+ years of experience
- Competitive prices from €39.95 for passenger cars
- Quick inspection in 30-45 minutes
- Free re-inspection after repair with us
- Direct repairs possible in our own workshop
- Comfortable waiting area with free coffee and Wi-Fi
- Flexible planning – even last-minute appointments
- Transparent communication – no hidden costs
- Centrally located in Nieuwegein – easily accessible
Faay Auto Groep – Your RDW-approved vehicle inspection station in Nieuwegein. For more information about our services, such as MOT with maintenance, small turn, big turn or engine diagnosis, visit our website or contact us directly. We're ready to help!
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