APK 1 and APK 2 are two different vehicle inspection categories in the Netherlands. APK 1 applies to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles up to 3,500 kg, while APK 2 applies to heavier vehicles such as trucks, buses, and trailers over 3,500 kg. The distinction lies not only in the type of vehicle, but also in the depth of the inspection, the frequency, and the cost. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about this difference.
Which vehicles fall under APK 1 and which under APK 2?
APK 1 covers passenger cars, motorcycles, and light commercial vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of up to 3,500 kg. This is the most well-known inspection category for private individuals. APK 2 applies to heavier vehicles: trucks, tractors, buses, trailers, and semi-trailers over 3,500 kg. The 3,500 kg threshold therefore determines which category your vehicle falls into.
For most people driving an ordinary passenger car or small van, APK 1 is the relevant category. If you drive a van or motorhome that exceeds 3,500 kg, you automatically fall into the APK 2 category. It is wise to check this in advance on your vehicle’s registration document, as the maximum permissible mass is clearly stated there.
Special vehicles such as agricultural vehicles, microcars, and three-wheelers sometimes fall into separate subcategories. Not sure which category your vehicle falls into? An approved garage can quickly point you in the right direction.
What additional checks are carried out during an APK 2 inspection?
An APK 2 inspection is more extensive and technically demanding than an APK 1 inspection, because heavy vehicles pose a greater risk in traffic. This includes additional checks on the braking system, coupling, cargo area, bodywork, and specific safety systems required for heavy transport.
While APK 1 primarily checks the basic safety of a passenger car (lighting, brakes, steering, exhaust, tires, and bodywork), APK 2 goes a step further. Heavy vehicles carry more weight and sometimes transport hazardous cargo. This calls for additional checks on matters such as:
- The operation of the air brake system (on trucks)
- The condition of the chassis structure
- Coupling components and tow hitch assemblies on trailers
- Specific safety provisions for passenger bus transport
- Emission levels, which are assessed to a stricter standard for heavy diesel engines
As a result, an APK 2 inspection also takes longer and requires specialized equipment and expertise from the inspector.
How often do you need an inspection under APK 1 and APK 2?
The inspection frequency varies by vehicle type and age. For passenger cars (APK 1): the first inspection is due after 4 years for petrol and electric cars, and after 3 years for diesel cars. After that, an annual inspection is required. For heavy vehicles under APK 2, the frequency is generally higher.
Below is an overview of the most common inspection intervals:
- Petrol/electric passenger cars: first inspection after 4 years, then annually
- Diesel passenger cars: first inspection after 3 years, then annually
- Trucks and buses (APK 2): annually, sometimes even every six months depending on usage
- Trailers over 3,500 kg: annual inspection required
Keep in mind that the expiry date of your inspection is shown on your vehicle registration document. Driving with an expired inspection is not permitted and can result in a fine or issues with your insurance.
Does an APK 2 inspection cost more than an APK 1?
Yes, an APK 2 inspection is more expensive than an APK 1 inspection. This is due to the longer inspection time, the heavier equipment required, and the additional checklist that applies to heavy vehicles. The exact price varies by inspection station and vehicle type.
For an APK 1 inspection of an ordinary passenger car, most garages charge a fixed fee that depends on the inspection station. APK 2 inspections are almost always carried out at specialized inspection stations equipped with the appropriate machinery for heavy vehicles. This naturally makes the inspection more expensive.
It is important to note that inspection costs are separate from any repairs that may be needed to get your vehicle to pass. If faults are identified, you pay for the repairs separately. It is therefore worth having your vehicle thoroughly checked beforehand, so you are not faced with unexpected costs after the inspection.
What happens if you confuse APK 1 and APK 2?
If a vehicle that falls under APK 2 is inspected as APK 1, that inspection is not valid. The inspection must match the vehicle’s category. If you are driving a heavy vehicle that has incorrectly been inspected under APK 1, you are effectively driving without a valid inspection certificate. This carries the same consequences as driving with an expired inspection.
In practice, this confusion most often occurs with vans and motorhomes that are close to the 3,500 kg threshold. Always check the maximum permissible mass (MPM) on your registration document before booking an appointment. This value determines which APK category applies — not the vehicle’s actual weight at any given moment.
If a roadside check reveals that your inspection does not match your vehicle type, this can result in a fine and, in some cases, the vehicle being taken off the road. Not sure? Check with the inspection station or your garage before making the appointment.
How Autobedrijven Verdonk helps with your vehicle inspection
At Autobedrijven Verdonk, we carry out official APK inspections for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (APK 1). We are based in Veldhoven, right next to ASML, and work with all makes and models. So whether you drive a Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, Dacia, or any other brand, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Official APK inspections for petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles
- Immediate advice if repairs are needed to pass the inspection
- Transparent pricing with no surprises afterward
- Clear, jargon-free explanations, even if you know little about cars
- Fast service with short waiting times
Autobedrijven Verdonk also carries out maintenance and repairs for all other car brands.
Would you like to have your car inspected, or do you have questions about maintenance? Feel free to contact us or stop by in Veldhoven. Get in touch and we’ll schedule an appointment for you quickly. Want to find out more about us first? Read more about our history and discover why we have been a trusted name in the region for over 95 years.