1. Intake
2. Desk research
3. Testing on a proven ground
4. Admittance based on an exemption
5. Evaluation

Step 1 Intake

Please use our contact form if you are interested.

Later on you must supply a comprehensive plan of approach at least setting out the following information:

• precisely what you intend to test;
• the number and type of vehicles to be tested;
• the road(s) and/or road section(s) you wish to test on;
• your preferred dates for carrying out the tests;
• the duration of the tests;
• any other relevant information for evaluation of the application;

If on the basis of the assessment of the plan is considered that the application is viable and can be processed, you will be asked to provide the following additional information:

• reasoning as to why the new technology or the concept does not comply with the regulations for a ‘normal’ vehicle;
• a description of the safety and environmental considerations and measures taken;
• a description of tests already conducted at a secure track/test bed and the results. Already developed test descriptions and test findings (if available) should be included in the information you supply. This data must show that (at least) a minimum level of safety and environmental protection is ensured, as set out in regulations already in place;
• ensuring safety and reliability of data communication where cooperative systems are used;
• results of a risk control analysis such as the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) or the functional safety standard ISO 26262;
• results of an EMC test showing that the adapted vehicles are not vulnerable to unwanted outside signals and do not transmit harmful radiation themselves.

The RDW can only process your application if the above are supplied in full. If you have questions about the intake please use our contact form.

Step 2: Desk research

Following intake, desk research is the second step in the admittance procedure Connected automated vehicle. This focuses on 3 linked sections:

1. The actual vehicle. Its performance must be comparable to that of a vehicle without the new automated systems.
2. The infrastructure. Several types of roads can be considered, depending on the type of practical testing, from highways to city centre.
3. Behaviour. Before vehicles are permitted on the public road, it has to be clear which risks play a role when the driver operates the automated system. The same goes for risks involving interaction with other traffic.

The RDW consults with road authorities and road safety experts. All relevant factors involving vehicle(s), infrastructure and behavioural aspects are discussed in detail in an interview with the applicant, and then described.

Step 3: Testing on a proven ground

The next step is a test at a proven ground. This involves a physical inspection of the vehicle. Next, the applicant can show that the system operates well, during a ‘happy flow test’. In this context the RDW conducts a number of checks. The second test is a ‘stress test’. This involves interaction between the technology or functionalities and the most important risks from the risk analysis.

Step 4: Admittance on the basis of an exemption

If the results from the above steps comply with requirements, the RDW may issue a ‘temporary admittance on the basis of an exemption’. This enables the applicant to gain practical experience, on the public road, with Connected automated vehicle.
The RDW then consults with road authorities to determine the need for additional measures or provisions. These measures may include supervision by road inspectors or security for road traffic control centres.

The RDW may opt for specific requirements and conditions, e.g.:

• insurance;
• test site/test area and route;
• testing times (e.g. day or night);
• drivers’ experience;
• type of test;
• monitoring and keeping a log.

The exemption is valid for 1 year max.

Step 5: Evaluation

Lastly, the RDW evaluates all practical testing, jointly with the parties involved. The RDW uses the evaluation results to firm-up the admittance procedure Connected automated vehicle and to provide input for new (European) regulations.

Questions around methodology/admittance procedure Connected automated vehicle?

If you have specific questions about the admittance procedure ITS, our experts will be happy to discuss matters. Please contact them by using our contact form.