You can have your car’s MOT inspection carried out at an approved MOT station. This can be a general garage, a franchised dealership, or a specialist inspection centre. As long as the station is approved by the RDW, it doesn’t matter where you go. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the MOT inspection, so you know exactly what to expect.
What happens during an MOT inspection?
During an MOT inspection, a certified mechanic checks whether your car meets the legal requirements for road safety and environmental standards. The inspection covers dozens of checkpoints, from brakes and lighting to rust and emissions. The entire inspection takes an average of 30 to 45 minutes.
Specifically, the mechanic checks, among other things:
- Brakes (braking force, brake discs, brake pads)
- Lighting (headlights, rear lights, turn signals)
- Steering and suspension
- Tires (tread depth, tire condition)
- Bodywork and chassis (rust, structural damage)
- Exhaust gases and emission levels
- Windows, windshields, and mirrors
- Seatbelts and safety systems
After the inspection, you receive the result immediately: passed, failed, or passed with defects. If your car fails, you will receive a list of defects that must be repaired before your car is allowed back on the road.
Where can I have my car’s MOT done?
You can have your car’s MOT carried out at any approved MOT station in the Netherlands. This can be a general garage, a franchised dealership, or an independent inspection centre. The only requirement is that the station is approved by the RDW. On the RDW website, you can find an overview of all approved stations near you.
You are free to choose where you go. You don’t need to return to the dealer where you bought the car, nor do you need to go to a specific brand or type of garage. The only thing that matters is RDW approval. An approved MOT station in your area is often more convenient and faster than a large dealership on the other side of town.
Do you drive a Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, or Dacia, and would you like to combine your MOT with a service? Read more about our repairs and maintenance to see what we can take care of in a single appointment.
When is my car due for its MOT?
For petrol and electric cars, the first MOT is required after four years. After that, the inspection is required every year. Diesel cars must be inspected for the first time after three years, and annually thereafter.
A handy overview:
- Petrol and electric: first MOT after 4 years, then annually
- Diesel: first MOT after 3 years, then annually
You can find your MOT expiry date on your vehicle registration card or via the RDW website. Make sure you don’t miss the deadline: driving with an expired MOT is an offence and can result in a fine. You may also have your car inspected before the expiry date without changing your next due date.
How much does an MOT inspection cost?
The price of an MOT inspection varies by garage and region, but you typically pay between 30 and 60 euros for a passenger car. There is no fixed statutory price; each approved MOT station sets its own rates. Larger vehicles such as vans or heavier cars may cost more.
Please note: the inspection fee is separate from any repair costs if your car fails. Always ask about the rate in advance to avoid any surprises. At many garages, you can also combine the MOT with a service, which saves you time.
What if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails its MOT, you are in principle no longer allowed to drive it on public roads. You will receive a list of defects that need to be repaired. Your car must then be re-inspected before you can legally drive it again.
There are two types of failures:
- Immediate failure: your car is immediately unsafe and may not be driven on the road. Examples include serious brake defects or dangerous structural rust.
- Failure with a repair period: you are given a short period of time (often two weeks) to have the defects repaired and to have the car re-inspected.
Many garages offer the option to carry out the repairs immediately after the inspection and perform the re-inspection straight away. This saves you an extra visit and is often the quickest way to get back on the road legally.
Can I combine my MOT with a service?
Yes, you can easily combine your MOT with a service. In fact, it’s a smart move: during the MOT, the mechanic already checks many of the same components that are covered in a standard service. If anything is not in order, it can be addressed in the same appointment.
Combining the two has several advantages:
- You save time by getting everything done in a single visit
- Defects that would cause the car to fail the MOT can be repaired on the spot
- Afterwards, you have peace of mind knowing your car has both passed its MOT and been serviced
When scheduling your MOT, always ask whether a service check or minor service can be included. Most garages are happy to accommodate this.
How Autobedrijven Verdonk helps with your MOT inspection
We are an approved MOT station in Veldhoven, just outside Eindhoven. We welcome all makes and models for their MOT: from Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, and Dacia to Toyota, Volkswagen, or whatever you drive. We specialize in Renault, Citroën, Peugeot, and Dacia, but also serve private and business customers with other makes.
What you can expect from us:
- Approved MOT inspections for all passenger cars and vans
- Immediate results and clear explanations of any defects
- Combined appointments for MOT, maintenance, or repairs in a single visit
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Personal service in a welcoming, no-nonsense environment
Autobedrijven Verdonk also carries out maintenance and repairs for all other car makes.
Would you like to book your MOT or do you have questions about maintenance? Feel free to contact us or stop by in Veldhoven. Get in touch to make an appointment, or read more about our history and why customers have trusted us for over 95 years.