Car guides: the APK (MOT) and servicing in the Netherlands
Clear answers from the team at Autobedrijf Willemsbrug, an independent garage for all makes in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde and an RDW-approved APK station. Written for drivers who are new to the Dutch system.
The short answer
Here you find our guides on the Dutch APK (MOT) and car servicing. Each guide starts with a short answer, explains the rules with sources such as the RDW, and tells you what you can check yourself. Need help? Call +31 10 479 00 00.
The Dutch APK (MOT)
- APK (MOT) checklist: what does the inspector check?
What does the inspector check at the Dutch APK (MOT)? Tyres, lights, brakes, emissions and warning lights explained, with RDW figures for 2025. - The most common APK (MOT) findings in 2025 (RDW figures)
Tyre pressure, tread depth and dipped beam top the list: the 10 most common points on the Dutch APK report in 2025, from 7.09 million RDW inspections. - When does your car need an APK (MOT)? Dutch intervals by fuel and age
Petrol or electric: first APK at 4 years. Diesel or LPG: at 3 years, then every year. All Dutch APK intervals and how to find your car’s APK date. - Preparing your car for the APK (MOT): what you can check yourself
Lights, tyres, wipers, dashboard warning lights: with this checklist you can check your car yourself before the Dutch APK. - APK (MOT) for an electric or hybrid car: what does the inspector check?
Electric cars and hybrids need an APK (MOT) too. Find out when, what the inspector checks on the high-voltage system and what is different for a hybrid. - Importing a car to the Netherlands: RDW inspection, number plate and APK (MOT)
Bringing a car from abroad onto a Dutch number plate? Read the RDW steps and fees, how bpm tax works and when your imported car needs an APK. - Rejection, repair or advisory point: how to read your APK (MOT) report
Rejection point, repair point or advisory point on your Dutch APK report? What each point means, what you need to do and when you can still drive. - Tyre tread depth and the APK (MOT): what is the requirement?
For the Dutch APK your tyres need at least 1.6 mm of tread. How the inspector measures it, plus the rules on damage, tyre size and tyre pressure. - The APK (MOT) particle test: what does it mean for your diesel?
Since 1 January 2023 the Dutch APK counts particles on diesels with a DPF. The limit is 1,000,000 per cm³. Why diesels fail and what you can do. - Lights and the APK (MOT): dipped beam, headlight aim and bulbs
Which lights does the Dutch APK check, how accurately must your dipped beam be aimed and may you fit LED bulbs? Explained with the rules of the RDW. - Rust and the APK (MOT): when does rust mean a fail?
Not every rust spot means a fail. Read how the inspector assesses rust, what the RDW rust limit of 2E means and which rust repairs are accepted. - Windscreen chip or crack: will your car fail the APK (MOT)?
Will a chip or crack in your windscreen fail the Dutch APK? The RDW rule explained: 20 mm, 50 mm, branched cracks and what to do next. - Engine warning light on: will your car fail the APK (MOT)?
Engine warning light on before your Dutch APK? How the inspector reads the EOBD, when an emissions test follows and when your car fails. - Airbag or seat belt warning light on: what it means for the APK (MOT)
Airbag or seat belt tensioner light on? Find out when your car fails the Dutch APK (MOT) and when the inspector notes a repair advisory point. - Oil leaks and other fluid leaks at the APK (MOT)
Is your car leaking oil, coolant or brake fluid? Find out which leak fails the Dutch APK (MOT), which is a repair advisory point and what to do next. - APK (MOT) expired in Rotterdam? Fine, rules and booking
APK (MOT) expired? You may only drive to an inspection appointment. Read about the € 190 fine and book an English-speaking APK in Rotterdam. - Failed APK (MOT)? Repairs and retest in Rotterdam
Car failed its APK, with us or elsewhere? We repair the failure points and retest your car. English spoken. RDW-approved in Rotterdam. Price in advance.
Servicing
- Your car’s service schedule: how to read it
Kilometres or years, fixed or flexible intervals, the service reminder on your dashboard: how to read your car’s service schedule and know what is due. - Keeping your manufacturer’s warranty when you service outside the dealer
Can you have your car serviced outside the dealer and keep the manufacturer’s warranty? The EU rules, the conditions and the paperwork to keep. - Winter car checklist: getting your car ready for the cold
Getting your car ready for a Dutch winter? Use this checklist for the battery, tyres, screenwash, wipers, lights and coolant before the first frost. - Servicing an electric car: what maintenance is still needed?
An electric car has no oil or spark plugs, but the brakes, tyres, filters and 12V battery still need servicing. Read what is needed and how often. - Car left standing for a long time: what should you check?
Has your car been standing for weeks or months? Check the battery, tyres, brakes, fluids, APK and insurance before you drive again. Step-by-step list. - How often to change engine oil? Km and years
How often should you change your engine oil? Usually every 15,000 to 30,000 km or after 1 to 2 years. English spoken in Rotterdam, price in advance. - First car? Servicing, APK (MOT) and costs
Bought your first car? What to arrange in the first week, when servicing and the APK are due and what it costs. English spoken, garage in Rotterdam. - Engine warning light on? Meaning and diagnosis in Rotterdam
Engine warning light on or flashing? Find out when to drive on and when to stop. English spoken in Rotterdam, diagnosis price in advance. - Oil warning light on? Red or orange
Oil warning light on? Red means stop now, the oil pressure is too low. Read what to do, then have the cause found. English-speaking garage in Rotterdam.
Questions about your car?
Call us with your number plate. You will find us at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip). We work by appointment. For a quick question or check you can walk in without an appointment.
Nederlands? Bekijk de kennisbank in het Nederlands.