A method for detecting and evaluating a plane for recognition of an object includes detecting the object using a sensor disposed on a vehicle, the object being present in a direction of a relative direction of movement of the vehicle and the sensor being directed onto the plane. A distance of the sensor from at least one measuring point is determined using a control unit. A value of the determined distance is compared with a reference value so as to obtain a difference value. The difference value is delivered to an evaluation unit as at least one of an object, an obstacle, a hole, a floating particle, a defect in the plane and a measurement error.