Pre-Drive Inspection
- 1/30If the rear tire tread of your vehicle is less than 1.5 millimeters
In the Netherlands, vehicles must maintain legal tire tread depth. Insufficient rear tread under 1.5 mm compromises grip and increases braking distance, especially in wet conditions.
The driver must re-inspect cargo and securement systems after
In line with EU driving regulations adopted in the Netherlands, drivers must recheck cargo security after 150 km or every 3 hours of driving to prevent load shifting or falling.
The minimum tread depth required for front tires of a motor vehicle over 4,500 kg
For heavy vehicles, Dutch regulations align with EU norms requiring at least 1.6 mm tread depth on front tires to ensure adequate road contact and braking.
If you refuse or fail to proceed to a weigh scale when requested
In the Netherlands, ignoring weigh station orders is a violation. Authorities may detain the vehicle and issue fines, especially for suspected overloading.
If a vehicle is driven within a 160-km radius and returns to base
Vehicles operating within 160 km from their starting point and returning same day may be exempt from tachograph use under Dutch adaptations of EU Regulation 561/2006.
If the steering wheel rotates too far
Excessive steering wheel play may indicate a defect or looseness in the steering mechanism, which can reduce vehicle control and lead to accidents. Regular inspections ensure safety compliance.
According to the law, if your load overhangs the rear of your vehicle by 1.5 meters or more
Load overhangs must be visibly marked with warning signs or flags in the Netherlands if they extend more than 1.5 meters to ensure other road users are alerted to extended dimensions.
The proper placement for an annual inspection decal on a vehicle or trailer
Annual inspection decals should be placed according to RDW regulations where they are visible during checks. This ensures the vehicle meets roadworthiness requirements.
A primary reason for conducting a daily vehicle inspection
Regular inspections are crucial for identifying defects early, preventing mechanical failures, and complying with national safety regulations for commercial transport in the Netherlands.
If drivers find a minor defect during their daily inspection
Minor defects should be logged and reported to the operator or supervisor. These do not prevent vehicle use unless the defect worsens, but repair scheduling is required.
Before uncoupling a trailer, your first action should be
Safety begins by parking the vehicle on flat ground, applying the brake, and ensuring stability before uncoupling to avoid rolling or tipping hazards.
The immediate action after coupling a truck and trailer
After coupling, gently pull forward to ensure the trailer is locked properly. This prevents separation during transit and is part of required pre-trip checks.
If you find an out-of-adjustment air brake during your inspection
Air brake defects are considered major. In the Netherlands, driving with faulty brakes violates safety regulations and risks enforcement action or fines.
The frequency a driver is required to complete a vehicle inspection according to regulations
Drivers must perform a daily check before operating their vehicle to comply with inspection requirements and detect potential safety issues.
Vehicle types required to undergo regular inspections
In the Netherlands, commercial vehicles above 3.5 tons must pass periodic vehicle inspections APK to remain roadworthy and legal.
The minimum number of people a vehicle must transport to be subject to regular inspection if used for school purposes
In the Netherlands, school buses or passenger vans designed to carry 8 and above people must pass APK tests to ensure they meet safety and emission standards.
To indicate a vehicle has passed inspection
The Dutch APK inspection certificate must be visible on or near the vehicle licence plate to confirm that the vehicle has passed the technical test.
Before beginning your vehicle inspection, the most important first step is
In the Netherlands, the inspection must begin from a safe position with the engine off and parking brake applied to avoid any hazard to the driver or others.
During your circle check, you inspect
A walkaround check in the Netherlands includes visual and physical inspection of key systems to catch issues before operation.
Items to include in your enroute check or stop inspection
Drivers must visually recheck that cargo is secured, lights are working, and no tires or brakes show new damage during rest stops or delivery breaks.
If a driver identifies a major defect during a daily inspection
In the Netherlands, if a serious safety issue is found and like brake failure or steering problems and the vehicle must be taken out of service and repaired before being driven.
If a vehicle was not inspected and there is no inspection report of the previous 24 hours
Commercial vehicle operators are required to document inspections. Missing records may result in fines or refusal to operate.
To prevent premature tire wear, failure, and breakdown
Dutch transport regulations recommend weekly checks on tire inflation and tread depth, especially for heavy trucks and trailers.
If the steering wheel rotates too far
Excessive free play in the steering wheel is a common APK inspection failure point and must be corrected before operating.
According to Dutch vehicle safety standards, if your load overhangs the rear by 1 meter or more
Overhanging loads in the Netherlands require visible markings. At night or in poor visibility, red lights or reflectors are also mandatory.
The proper placement for an annual inspection decal on a vehicle or trailer
In the Netherlands, the APK periodic inspection sticker is placed visibly near the license plate or on the windshield for easy verification.
A primary reason for conducting a daily vehicle inspection
Dutch law mandates daily checks to prevent unsafe vehicles from entering traffic and to reduce breakdowns and violations.
If drivers find a minor defect during their daily inspection
While the vehicle may still be driven, the defect must be logged and addressed soon. Multiple minor issues may still result in penalties if ignored.
Before uncoupling a trailer, your first action should be
This prevents the trailer from moving unexpectedly, especially on sloped surfaces and standard practice in Dutch transport safety.
The immediate action after coupling a truck and trailer
In the Netherlands, drivers must confirm coupling, electrical lines, brake hoses, and safety latches are secure before driving.