If you’re worried about getting your NCT sorted, we’re here to help. We know it can be a bit of a hassle, but the good news is that you can book your NCT in a few clicks.
You’ll just need to have your vehicle registration number handy (it’s on your car logbook – and don’t worry if you’ve just had to order another one because there are plenty of ways of finding out what it is without needing the logbook itself).
Putting off booking your NCT is something quite popular in Ireland. A lot of people do, but the reality is that it could be a more straightforward process than you realise.
In fact, many of the steps are surprisingly easy. Here are the things to know before you start:
The NCT (National Car Test) is a mandatory safety and emissions test for vehicles over 4 years old. In order to keep your car on the road, you’ll need to get it booked in for an NCT every two years.
How to Book Your NCT
The whole process can seem a bit daunting, especially if it’s your first time doing it, so we’ve broken down the procedure into easy-to-follow steps:
- Click here https://www.ncts.ie/ to book an appointment online or call 1890 40 60 40 (lines open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm)
- You’ll need to have your vehicle registration number on hand (it can be found on your car logbook).
- When your appointment has been made, you’ll receive a text message with the location of which test centre you should go to.
- Take your vehicle and documentation and a form of ID (Licence/Passport) to the testing centre at the designated time slot (make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes early).
- Wait for the results of your test! If there are issues with your vehicle, they will be recorded on a list of advisory comments.
If there is anything that needs immediate attention you will be informed immediately. If any problems are not urgent, you will receive an advisory slip after.
Get Your NCT Date & Location
Whether your a plumber, roofer, locksmith or a driving instructor once you’ve chosen a date and location, all there is left to do is make sure your car is ready for its NCT test.
The mechanics will check your vehicle’s tires, steering, brakes, and lights. If there’s anything that doesn’t pass inspection or needs additional work, they’ll let you know what will need fixing before you can retest.
It’s also good practice to check your oil and water levels before going in. The handbook that came with your car should tell you how often you should change them out; if it’s been less than six months since the last time they were changed, then there most likely isn’t a problem.
Once you have that, simply go over the page here and follow the steps! It’s as easy as that!
Why It’s Important to Have NCT on Your Car
The NCT is an important part of vehicle ownership. You must get your car tested if it was registered after January 1, 2004, and you must do so every two years.
The NCT is designed to make sure that your car is safe for you to drive.
In the best-case scenario, you will pass the test on the first try and have your certificate in hand very quickly.
My Car Failed The NCT! What now?
But what if things don’t go as planned and your car fails the test? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
If your car fails its NCT, you can still leave with it on the day of your test as long as it’s considered roadworthy.
You will receive a list of failures from the examiner that explain why it didn’t pass the test.
You will then have 28 days to make repairs and retest your vehicle at no extra cost.
We’ve had many learners who needed to book their NCT quickly after having failed a test somewhere else, with only a few days left before their current certificates expired.
We’ve also had many learners who needed to book an emergency appointment because they had not realised that their certificates were due to expire—until they were pulled over by Gardaí while driving without one!
So if you need to book your NCT, what are you waiting for? Go and book it!
The quicker you do it, the quicker you’ll have your registration number, and the less likely you are to forget about it. And that’s all there is to it!
Why Choose Us
Arrive on Time and in UniformFully qualified ADI Instructor
Flexible Schedules for Booking
Home, College & Work Pickup
30 Years of Driving Experience
