For owners
My car: well prepared for the APK
Enter your plate. You see until when your APK is valid, what cars of your model and age most often fail on, and whether there is an open recall. Put the date in your calendar with one click.
Check yourself before the APK
These points often cause a fail, while you can check them yourself in a few minutes.
Lights
Walk around with the lights, indicators, brake lights and rear fog light on. Look for moisture in the headlights.
Repair: smallTyres
Check the tread and look for uneven wear: that points to an alignment problem. The DOT code on the tyre tells its age.
Repair: smallWindows and visibility
Look for chips and cracks especially in the driver’s field of view. Test the wipers and washers.
Repair: smallWarning lights
Switch on the ignition: all lights come on briefly and go out after starting. If one stays on, ask about the cause.
Repair: mediumSeat belts, seats and airbags
Pull each belt out quickly: it should lock. The airbag light goes out after starting.
Repair: mediumHow often the inspector finds something, by age
| Age | Built (approx.) | At least one defect | A-problem |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 – 4 years | 2021–2023 | 21.9% | 1.3% |
| 5 – 6 years | 2019–2021 | 25.2% | 1.9% |
| 7 – 8 years | 2017–2019 | 31.4% | 3.1% |
| 9 – 10 years | 2015–2017 | 34.3% | 4.7% |
| 11 – 12 years | 2013–2015 | 39.9% | 7.2% |
| 13 – 15 years | 2010–2013 | 46.8% | 10.6% |
| 16+ years | 2010 or older | 51.9% | 15.3% |
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know