Getting Prepared For The NCT

The NCT (National Car Test) is a roadworthiness test for private cars in Ireland to improve road safety and environmental protection.

During the test, your car is examined for any faults listed in the National Car Test (NCT) Manual. If it passes, you will get an NCT certificate and disc to display on your car. By law, you must have a valid NCT unless the vehicle is exempt from testing.

Once your car reaches four years old, it must undergo its first NCT and every two years thereafter until it’s 10 years old. After that, it will need to go for an NCT every year. For cars of 30 years or more, the NCT must be carried out every two years. Cars of 40 years or older are exempt from testing.

In this article, we’ll tell you how to best prepare for the NCT in Ireland, what to bring to the NCT, how long does an NCT take, and answer some other frequently asked questions.

What should I bring to my NCT appointment?

It’s important to know what to bring to the NCT. You don’t want to arrive and then be turned away because you’re missing an important document or ID.

Briefly, here’s what you need to have with you when you arrive at the test centre:

• Your Vehicle Registration Book, Registration Certificate or Licensing Certificate. Keep these in a safe place at home so it’s easy to find when your NCT appointment arrives.
• Personal identification like your driving licence or Public Services Card (PSC). If you don’t have the required identification, your car will not be issued an NCT certificate.
• Confirmation of your booking.
• Test fee of €55.00 and cancellation fee if required.

Use this NCT checklist as guidance on what to bring to the NCT.

What not to bring

• Remove all your personal belongings and valuables from the car. Don’t forget to clear the glove box and boot as well.
• If your vehicle contains a dashcam, make sure it is switched off in advance of the test.

Do you need to remove child seats for the NCT?

Some people choose to remove child seats beforehand because if they are left in the car, they will be checked to see that they are fitted correctly and could cause you to fail the test.

From a safety perspective, it’s always good to know that your child seats are fitted correctly. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) regularly hosts ‘Check It Fits’ events around the country where you can go along with your car and get them checked for free.

How long does an NCT take?

Allow between 40 minutes and 1 hour for the test.

Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your test time so you don’t miss it. Otherwise, you may have to rebook for another day and pay a cancellation fee.

How to prepare your car for its NCT

Clean it: Make sure your car is reasonably clean inside and out, including the underbody. Ensure the lights, windows, mirrors and registration plates of your car are clean and undamaged.

Keep it tidy: Remove all valuables and personal belongings from the car including air fresheners, fluffy dice and other accessories. Make sure all seat belts and clips are fully visible, including those in the rear. Remember if child seats are fitted, they will be checked to ensure they are fitted correctly.

Check tyres: Check their condition as it’s a common failure. There should be no obvious damage like bulges or tears. They should be inflated to the correct pressure, all of matching size and with the minimum required tread depth (1.6 mm). While checking the tyres, remove the hubcaps so the wheel nuts are visible.

Oil and water: Top up your car’s oil and water levels. If you are unsure where to find them, check your car’s manual.

Light up: Check that your lights are working including indicators, brakes, dipped and high beam headlights, parking lights, fog lights and registration plate lights. A blown bulb is a common failure and easily avoided. Get a friend to help or check using the reflection of a window.

Engine running smoothly? The engine should be in a fit state to be tested with things like the timing belt in good working order. There should be no warning lights on the dashboard. If you have any doubts about the condition of your car like a knocking noise from the suspension or steering pulling to one side, visit a mechanic or garage in advance to get it checked out. Some car owners schedule a service before the NCT to check everything is okay.

Wipers: Check your wipers and replace the blades if necessary.

Top tips for your NCT appointment

• Make sure you comply with the NCT checklist, otherwise your car might not be able to be tested.
• It’s a simple one but make sure your registration plates comply with current regulations.
• Double check the time and location of your appointment and remember to bring all relevant documentation and the fee.
• To avoid retest fees and the inconvenience of having to reschedule and attend another test, try to resolve any known issues with the car in advance like engine warning lights.
• Have your lights set and checked before the NCT – it’s a common fail.
• Finally, run your car so it’s at normal operating temperature when the time comes to be tested.

Good luck!