You can have your car inspected at any certified MOT station in the Netherlands, regardless of the make of your car or where you bought it. There are more than 8,000 certified inspection stations across the country, spread across garages, general repair shops, dealerships, and specialized inspection facilities. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the MOT inspection, so you know exactly what to expect.
Which garages and stations are authorized to carry out an MOT?
Only certified MOT stations are permitted to carry out an official MOT inspection. The Dutch Vehicle Authority (RDW) grants this certification and oversees quality standards. Certified stations are recognizable by the official RDW quality mark and are listed in the public register on the RDW website.
The types of businesses authorized to perform an MOT are broader than many people realize. Certified inspection stations include:
- General repair garages with RDW certification
- Brand dealerships that also hold MOT authorization
- Specialized inspection stations that exclusively carry out MOT inspections
- Tire specialists and auto service companies with the appropriate certification
The make or type of car makes no difference when it comes to certification. A certified MOT station is authorized to inspect all passenger vehicles, from a Renault Clio to a Volkswagen Golf. Always verify that a garage holds RDW certification before making an appointment. You can do this easily via the RDW website or by asking the garage directly.
Does it matter which inspection station you choose for your MOT?
Technically speaking, all certified MOT stations are equivalent: they all follow the same official RDW inspection guidelines. In practice, however, the choice of inspection station does make a real difference — especially if repairs turn out to be needed after the inspection.
All certified stations work from the same checklist and apply the same standards. A car that fails at one station will fail at another too. This is intentional, to prevent arbitrary outcomes.
Where the difference lies is in the service surrounding the inspection:
- Communication: Does the mechanic clearly explain what is wrong and what it means?
- Repair options: Can the garage carry out repairs on the spot if your car fails the MOT?
- Price transparency: Do you know upfront what the inspection costs and what any repairs might cost?
- Trust: Do you feel taken seriously, even if you don’t know much about cars?
Preferably choose a garage that also handles repairs and maintenance. That way, if something is not in order, you can schedule a repair appointment right away without having to go to a different location.
What does an MOT inspection cost on average in the Netherlands?
The cost of an MOT inspection in the Netherlands typically ranges between 35 and 65 euros for a passenger car. The price varies depending on the type of station, the region, and whether any additional services are included. There is no fixed legal price, so stations are free to set their own rates.
Lower-priced inspections of around 20 to 25 euros are sometimes available at specialized inspection stations that exclusively carry out MOTs and operate at high volume. Dealerships and general garages usually charge a little more, but often offer faster feedback and the ability to act immediately if something is found to be wrong.
Keep in mind: the price of the inspection itself says nothing about the quality or the outcome. A low MOT price may seem attractive, but if you then have to go to a different garage for repairs, you could end up paying more overall. Choose a place where you can take care of everything under one roof.
What happens if your car fails the MOT?
If your car fails the MOT, you will receive a rejection report listing the defects found. You then have the option to have the defects repaired and bring the car back for a re-inspection, or to stop using the car on public roads until the issues have been resolved.
There are two types of situations when a car fails its MOT:
- Minor defects: Your car has failed but is still permitted to be driven. You have time to carry out the repairs and return for a re-inspection.
- Serious defects: In cases involving dangerous conditions — such as faulty brakes or defective lighting — you are generally not permitted to drive the car until the problems have been fixed.
After the repairs have been made, you can bring your car back for re-inspection. Many stations offer a reduced rate for the re-inspection if you have the repairs carried out at the same garage. Always ask about this in advance.
How far in advance can you have your car inspected for the MOT?
You can have your car inspected up to two months before your MOT expiry date without losing any of the remaining validity period. The new MOT expiry date is calculated from the original expiry date, not from the date of the inspection. This way, you don’t lose any time on your certificate.
This is a benefit that many people are unaware of. For example: if your MOT expires on October 15 and you have your car inspected on September 1, your new MOT will still run until October 15 of the following year — not until September 1.
Practically speaking, it is wise to schedule your inspection in good time, so you are not under pressure if the inspection reveals that repairs are needed. Two weeks to a month in advance is a comfortable margin. This gives you enough time to have any defects repaired and still have a re-inspection completed before the expiry date.
How Autobedrijven Verdonk helps with your MOT inspection
At our location in Veldhoven, you are welcome to come in for an official MOT inspection for all car makes. We are a certified MOT station and carry out inspections for both private individuals and business drivers. After the inspection, we always explain clearly what we found — without technical jargon and without putting you under any pressure.
- Official MOT inspections for all makes and models
- Clear explanations of any defects, so you know exactly what is going on
- On-the-spot repair options if your car does not pass the inspection
- Transparent pricing — no surprises afterward
- Certified Renault dealership workshop, including for lease vehicles and warranty cases
Would you like to schedule your MOT or do you have questions about the inspection? Feel free to get in touch or stop by in Veldhoven. We know most of our customers by name and always take the time for a proper conversation. Read more about our history and why Veldhoven has trusted us for over 95 years.
Autobedrijven Verdonk also carries out maintenance and repairs for all other car makes.