You’re asking about how often an APK ( Algemene Periodieke Keuring ) is required for a car. The exact interval depends on the country and the car’s fuel type and age. Here’s a concise summary focused on the Netherlands, which is where APK is a standard term:

• First APK
  • Benzine (gasoline) and electric cars: first APK after 4 years of driving on public roads.
  • Diesel and LPG: first APK after 3 years.
• Subsequent APKs (after the first one)
  • For most petrol and electric cars: every 2 years until the car reaches 8 years old.
  • From age 8 onward: yearly APKs.
  • Diesel and LPG cars: annually (every year) after the first APK.
• Exceptions and special cases
  • Older classic cars have different rules in some jurisdictions.
  • Heavy vehicles (e.g., over 3,500 kg) often have different intervals, typically annually.
• Keeping track
  • The RDW (Netherlands) issues reminders and lets you check your vehicle’s specific APK due date online. You can also have the APK performed up to 2 months before the due date, which can extend the expiration by 1–2 years depending on the rules for your vehicle.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to your exact car details (fuel type, date of first registration, weight) and provide the precise APK due date window.