So you have your NCT soon but you’re a bit confused as to what you need to bring, how long it takes or what happens if your car fails? This guide will help you answer any question you may have and provide clarity for your upcoming NCT.

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What Is The NCT?

The National Car Test (NCT) is a legally required inspection for cars in Ireland that checks roadworthiness, emissions, and safety features. Vehicles over four years old must undergo testing at regular intervals:

• NCT is required every 2 years for cars between 4 and 10 years old
• NCT is required annually for cars older than 10 but under 30 years
• NCT is required every 2 years again for cars between 30 and 39 years old, if not used commercially

Failure to display a valid NCT certificate on a car that’s due for testing can result in fines and penalty points.

What Documents Do You Need for the NCT?

To avoid delays or rescheduling, ensure you have the following documents on the day of your NCT:

1. Driving Licence or Public Services Card (PSC): This serves as proof of identity.
2. Vehicle Registration Book, Registration Certificate, or Licensing Certificate: These documents, often referred to as your car’s “logbook,” confirm your vehicle’s details and ownership.
3. Booking Confirmation: Bring proof of your booking confirmation, either digitally or printed.
4. Payment: If you haven’t paid online, you’ll need to cover the NCT fee at the test center.

Arriving with these documents in hand will help ensure a smooth experience and avoid any unnecessary delays.

How Much Does the NCT Cost?

The standard cost of the NCT in Ireland is €55. You can pay online at the time of booking or in person at the test center. In the case of a failed test, the retest fee is €28 if the car needs an in-lane inspection, meaning it requires specific equipment to recheck certain elements. However, if the retest is visual only (for example, confirming that new wipers were installed), it’s free of charge.

How long is your NCT valid for?

The duration of an NCT certificate’s validity depends on your vehicle’s age:

• Cars aged 4-9 years typically receive a 2-year NCT certificate.
• Cars over 10 years old receive a 1-year NCT certificate.

To maintain continuous roadworthiness compliance, schedule your NCT in advance, as delays can occur due to high demand at testing centers.

Preparing Your Car for the NCT

Proper preparation can help you avoid common reasons for test failures. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Tyres: Ensure a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and proper inflation.
• Oil and Water: Make sure your car has enough oil and water.
• Lights: Verify that all lights, including indicators and brake lights, are functioning.
• Engine: Make sure your engine is in a fit state to be tested (the timing belt / chain is not worn).
• Windscreen and Mirrors: Check for any cracks, chips, or obstructions.
• Window Tints: A vehicle’s windscreen, and front side windows must have a light transmission or transparency level of at least 65% to pass the test (RSA).
• Seatbelts and Clips: Make sure they are visible and functional.
• Vehicle Interior and Underbody: Clear personal items and ensure your car is cleaned before your test, especially the underbody. Your boot must also be cleared. No personal belongings should be left in the car during the test.

Scheduling a pre-NCT service with your mechanic can also be beneficial, as they’ll inspect common problem areas, such as brakes, suspension, and steering.

NCT Checklist Download

Click here to open and print the official NCT checklist.

How Does the NCT Retest Work?

If your car doesn’t pass on the first go, the NCT retest process is straightforward. After a failed test, you’ll receive a detailed Vehicle Inspection Report listing the issues that need to be addressed. You then have 30 days to complete any necessary repairs and return for a retest.

Here’s what to expect for different types of retests:

• Minor Issues: For small issues that do not pose an immediate risk, you may still pass but must address the issues promptly.
• Major Faults: These require a retest within 30 days after the repairs. You’ll receive an NCT certificate once the issues are resolved.
• Dangerous Faults: This means your car has a critical defect and should not be driven until repaired. The NCT will mark your car as dangerous, and it’s illegal to drive it until you pass the retest.

If you need your car recovered from the NCT test center to be brought to your mechanics, don’t hesitate in contacting us!

Extra Tips: Early Testing and Exemptions

Did you know you can bring your car for testing up to 90 days before its due date? Testing early can prevent the risk of delays if appointments are scarce.

In some cases, vehicles are exempt from NCT requirements. For example, cars registered before 1 January 1980 or those used exclusively on islands without road connections to the mainland do not require NCT testing.

Booking and Replacing Lost Certificates

You can book your NCT online at ncts.ie, by phone, or by contacting a local test center. If you lose your NCT certificate, replacements are available by completing an RF134 form, available from Garda stations, and by making a payment of €15.50.

Final Thoughts

This guide should provide clarity for your NCT test. Having the correct documents ready and having your car checked by a mechanic before going for an NCT will help you to be best prepared for your test. In the case that your car fails, you can still do an NCT retest once you make the correct fixes to the issues outlined.

Best of luck with your test!

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