Abstract: A sensing apparatus for ground sensing from the interior of a vehicle, comprising a sensing probe capable of being brought into contact with the ground, and a handle for moving the sensing probe from a rest position into a lower ground sensing position. The sensing probe can be coupled with the handle such that upon actuation of the handle, the sensing probe is lowered into the ground sensing position accompanied by lever action. A lowering locking mechanism can be provided for arresting a lowering movement of the sensing probe. For orientation purposes, the sensing probe can be pivotable via the handle about an essentially horizontal pivot plane, and an orientation arresting mechanism can be provided for arresting an orientation position of the sensing probe. In a vehicle having such a sensing apparatus, the sensing probe can be guided through the bottom of the interior of the vehicle.