National Car Test
The National Car Test (Irish: An tSeirbhís Náisiúnta Tástála Carranna; abbreviated NCT) is a roadworthiness test, which all cars in Ireland must undergo.Following a recent competitive tender process, the Road Safety Authority awarded the National Car Testing Service contract for the operation of the car testing Service in Ireland to Applus.
It was introduced in 2000 and all cars four years and older must undergo an NCT. The NCT due date is calculated by reference to the date of first registration of the car with tests due every two years for cars younger than 10 years. Annual Testing was introduced in June 2011 and is now a legal requirement for vehicles that present for their 10th anniversary test and each subsequent test. Vehicles can be inspected up to 90 days in advance of the anniversary of your registration date.
There are exemptions for certain categories of vehicles such as vintage cars (registered before 1980) and vehicles based permanently on some offshore Islands.
The NCT is available in 47 centres around Ireland and tests various aspects of cars for safety, including tyres, brakes and shock absorbers which are vigorously tested. It also tests the exhaust fumes for compliance with EU emissions standards. Other safety features, such as the spare tyre, seat belts and lights are also checked.
Applus Car Testing Service are the sole provider of the National Car Test nationwide and are totally independent of the motor industry and do not engage in garage service and repair activities. When having your vehicle inspected by the NCTS you will receive a fair, uniform and impartial service.
As of 2012[update], the fee for the NCT is €55 for a full test, and €28 for a re-test that requires testing equipment (e.g. emission levels, aiming of headlights, etc.) Re-tests that do not require the use of test equipment such as e.g. obscured registration plate, faulty windscreen wiper) are free of charge. However, if you cancel a confirmed appointment with less than five working days notice (Mon. - Fri., not including the day of the test or the day you contact NCTS) or fail to show up for the test, a €22.00 surcharge will be applied when you next bring your car for testing. A similar surcharge of €11.50 will apply in the case of a re-test
Upon successful completion of the test a valid NCT certificate is issued and this must be displayed on the front windscreen of the vehicle.
Driving a car without a valid NCT may attract five penalty points in addition to any fine imposed upon conviction in court. Enforcement is the responsibitlity of An Garda Síochána. Local authorities can (in theory) refuse to issue a tax disc to a vehicle not having an NCT certificate and insurance companies could (in theory) declare cover for an untested (or failed) vehicle invalid.
See also
- MOT test (UK)
- Shaken (Japan)
- Warrant of Fitness (New Zealand)
References