Motor Tax:National Car Test(NCT)
Details
Testing of private cars (including second hand imports) is required under EU Directive 96/96/EC and began in Ireland on 4th January, 2000.
It is known as the National Car Test (NCT).
What cars must be tested ?
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 NCT for cars 10 years and older commencing 1st June 2011. This means that all cars presented for their 10th anniversary or subsequent NCT on or after 1st June 2011 will receive a certificate valid for up to one year only
Remember: your NCT certificate will expire after the registration anniversary date regardless of when you take the test so there is no advantage in delaying it.
Commercial vehicles will continue to be tested at VTN centres
How do I know when my car is due to be tested?
All cars should be tested on or before the anniversary date of first registration of the car in the country of origin (see note regarding imported cars below). There is no link with motor tax or insurance expiry date.
PLEASE NOTE: NCTS can issue your certificate up to six months early for a first time NCT and three months early for subsequent NCT tests. For example, a car was first registered on the 5th June 2006. The car was due for its NCT on the 5th June 2010, the car is brought for its NCT on the 26th January 2010 and it passes. An NCT Certificate is received with an expiry date of 4th June 2012
Are any cars exempt from the NCT ?
Motor vehicles used only on islands not connected to the mainland by road and motor vehicles belonging to the Armed Forces, the Garda Síochana or the Fire Service are currently not subject to mandatory roadworthiness testing. Vehicles registered before 1980 are also exempt from the test.
Are any other types of vehicle included in the scheme ?
Yes - testing of taxis and hackneys will be carries out under the NCT scheme.
If my NCT is due, how can I arrange an inspection?
If your car is eligible for the NCT then please phone us on 1890 412 413 or you can check our on-line service by simply typing in your car registration number and date of first registration of the vehicle (which can be found on your vehicle registration book, registration certificate or licensing certificate.
Cars that have been off the road or have not been taxed for over 3 months it will be necessary for the owner of the vehicle to contact NCTS directly themselves.
PLEASE NOTE: NCTS can issue your certificate up to six months early for a first time NCT and three months early for subsequent NCT tests. For example, a car was first registered on the 5th June 2006. The car was due for its NCT on the 5th June 2010, the car is brought for its NCT on the 26th January 2010 and it passes. An NCT Certificate is received with an expiry date of 4th June 2012
Who will carry out the NCT ?
Applus+ was recently awarded the 10 year contract to manage the car testing service in Ireland. This contract which commenced in January 2010 saw the construction and operation of an additional two centres to increase the current network to a total of 46 Inspection centres. Applus+ will provide a state of the art technical solution to support the annual inspection of over 1.4 million vehicles.
Where is the Mayo NCT Centre Located ?
Mayo-Sligo Co-op Mart Ltd,Crossmolina Road,Ballina, Co. Mayo;
Lodge Road, Westport, Co. Mayo (Behind Connacht Gold DIY & Garden Centre)
How much will the NCT cost ?
The car test fee is 50.00 Euro and a re-test costs 28.00 Euro (both fees are inclusive of VAT and maybe subject to change). Re-tests, which do not require the use of test equipment, will be free. Free re-tests cover minor items, for example, a visual inspection to check that faulty windscreen wipers have been replaced.
NCTS will accept cash, personal cheque (made payable to Applus Car Testing Service Ltd.) with bankers card, all major credit cards (excluding American Express) and laser cards.
How will car testing be enforced?
Enforcement is the responsibility of the Garda Siochana who have access to our records. All eligible cars must display an NCT Disc on their car windscreen, which will instantly identify cars that have passed the test.
Where to get further information on the NCT?
Queries in relation to any aspect of the NCT should be directed to:
Customer Services
National Car Testing Services (NCTS)
Lakedrive 3026, Citywest Business Campus, Naas Road, Dublin 24.
LoCall : 1890 200 670
Fax : 01 4135996
Email : info@ncts.ie
Website :www.ncts.ie
For Booking Confirmation or Rearrangement, phone LoCall: 1890 412 413
Motor Tax Section
Google Map to Motor Tax Section (external link; opens new window)
Glenpark
The Mall
Castlebar
Phone: (094)90 47600
Email: Motortax@mayococo.ie
Opening Hours: Castlebar - 9:30am-3pm, Mon-Fri, open through lunch.
Note: Ballina and Belmullet Motor Tax are open 9:30am-12:45pm and 2pm-3pm, Mon-Fri