The RDW will conduct tests with autonomously driving vehicles and truck platooning in the future. This is made possible by the construction of an extra-long test track in the new RDW test center. The track at the current RDW test center in Lelystad is not long enough to adequately perform tests with these innovative vehicles. The new test center offers extensive opportunities for testing innovative vehicles and vehicle systems.
New location with more possibilities
The RDW is a legally designated approval authority for vehicles and vehicle components that a manufacturer wishes to bring to the European market. As such, the RDW is responsible for technical services that perform the required tests. The RDW also tests vehicles and parts itself. To perform these tasks properly, its own test center is necessary. The current RDW test center is moving from Lelystad to Marknesse. The new location offers the RDW more opportunities to continue carrying out future testing and market surveillance activities.
Watch this video to get an idea of the RDW’s work and the test track in Lelystad.
“The MITC will become the premier smart mobility living lab in the Netherlands.” – RDW
Extra-long test track
At the heart of the test center will be an oval high-speed track no less than 1,700 meters long and 400 meters wide, where vehicles can drive steer-neutrally at 120 km/h in the curves. The current track in Lelystad is 1,200 meters long. It does not meet the requirements to test, for example, future systems that assist or intervene during overtaking. This requires a test track with a straight section of at least 1,100 meters long. The new test track meets these safety requirements. The new test center also allows for emission testing and the testing of innovative systems in the areas of braking, steering, speed limiting, and stability.
Practical knowledge required
The RDW needs the test center to fulfill its role as an (European) approval authority. Every year, the RDW issues approximately 20,000 type approvals based on third-party testing. To evaluate these tests correctly, the RDW requires practical knowledge, which is gained at the test center.
MITC as a smart mobility living lab
With the arrival of the new RDW test center, the MITC will become the premier smart mobility living lab in the Netherlands. With the extensive capabilities of the new test center, the RDW contributes to achieving important policy goals in the fields of safety, sustainability, and mobility.
We use cookies to ensure our website runs as smoothly as possible. If you continue to use this website, we assume you agree to this.
