The purpose of the NCT test is to make sure that vehicles are checked to see that they comply with set roadworthiness and environmental standards. A record of each test is kept online, it’s checked when a vehicle is taxed and can be accessed by anyone so you can keep a track of when a test is due, or see if a car you want to buy has a valid NCT.
Check the NCT validity for a car on the NCT website >
Most vehicles need to have a valid NCT to be driven on our roads. Most new cars and motorcycles don’t need one until they’re 4 years old. There are some vehicles that are exempt from needing an NCT test:
The frequency of your car needing an NCT test depends on the age of it. If your car is;
A full NCT test costs €55. A retest is €28.
Before the test, you’ll need to check your vehicle is in a certain condition, things like checking your lights, oil levels and tyre pressure, and that you have the necessary paperwork.
You can find a full checklist on the NCT website >
The NCT technician will check key items such as:
Your car fails if the test Vehicle Inspection Report lists any minor, major or dangerous problems with your car. Items must be resolved and submitted for retest. All retests must be booked within 21 days of the initial test.
Minor – if your report lists minor problems you have to resolve them and present the car for re-inspection before you can get an NCT Certificate for the car.
Major – if your report lists major problems you’ll have 30 days to have the car repaired and return for a re-inspection. If your car is not presented within the 30 day period then a new inspection will need to be conducted.
Dangerous – if your report lists a dangerous defect that constitutes a direct or immediate risk to road safety then the car should not be used on the road. A sticker stating failed dangerous will be put on your car by the inspector. Your car must be presented for re-inspection.
Often failures can be simply repaired, though more complex, dangerous failure reasons or multiple items that need fixing, can result in mounting costs to make your car roadworthy again.
You can’t drive your car if it has dangerous failure reasons.
If your car fails an NCT test your options are:
If you pay to have your car repaired after failing because of dangerous issues, you’ll need to have the car retested and have it pass to be able to drive the car again.
If you decide to sell your car you’ll need to make sure that the vehicle can be collected. You’ll also need to make the buyer of the car aware that the car has failed its NCT test, not all buyers will purchase NCT failures. The most common reason for selling a car without a valid NCT is that repairs would cost more than the value of the car. If this is the case, scrapping your car may be the best option. You can get an instant scrap car quote and arrange free collection of your car with CarTakeBack.
