National Car Testing Service “NCT”

The NCT is a compulsory vehicle inspection programme in Ireland. The primary aim of this programme which falls under the EU Directive 2014/45, is to improve road safety and enhance environmental protection by reducing harmful vehicles emissions in Ireland.

Why the National Car Test Makes Sense?

There are three primary benefits of the National Car Test:

• Greater Road Safety

The NCT is a check of basic requirements at the time of the test.  It assesses components which are visible and accessible. It does not replace or purport to replace your responsibility to ensure your car is roadworthy at all times or the regular maintenance that a mechanic needs to carry out on your car.  Defects found must be repaired and the car must pass a re-test before the car owner will be issued with an NCT Certificate.

Conducting a vehicle daily check is a simple and effective way to spot potentially dangerous issues or defects before a vehicle is used. All vehicle owners should have a system of routine daily checks in place to ensure that their vehicle is in good working order, safe and fit for purpose at the start of each day.

• Environmental Protection

Harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhausts are a primary source of environmental pollution and have a negative effect on the environment and public health. A properly regulated car will be more reliable, run more efficiently and should use less fuel.

• Economic Benefits

NCTS has offered employment opportunities to approximately 800 people throughout Ireland. The NCT has created positive spin-off benefits for other sectors of the motor industry, including, garages, importers, motor dealers and car parts, exhaust and tyre centres.

Advantages for the National Car Test:

A. The National Car Test is helping to reduce the number of road accidents by pointing out such defects as faulty brakes, worn tyres and defective headlight aim.       

B. The NCT is conducted every 2 years for vehicles younger than 10 years and vehicles that are being presented for their 10th anniversary inspection or older than 10 years must undergo an annual inspection. This regular evaluation of cars will result in a more frequent car servicing culture, which will provide better fuel economy, reduce overall repair costs and lower the risk of breakdowns and hence could result in potentially lower insurance premiums.

C. Enhanced air and environment quality resulting from reduced exhaust emissions.  

Important links:

• Book your NCT online via this link.
• Check when NCT due via this link.
• Pre NCT-Checklist: Preparing for your NCT view Pre NCT checklist, and Daily checks.
• Locations and opening hours of all NCT centres in Ireland via this link.

Reference:

• NCTS website: https://www.ncts.ie/