When looking at the RSA NCT pass and fail rates for 2023, we saw that 53% of vehicles passed their initial NCT, whereas, 95% of vehicles passed after a re-test. These stats show how important it is to prepare for your NCT to ensure that your vehicle passes first time.
In this article, we’ll explore how to prepare your car for the NCT and what documents you need to bring to the test centre. We’ll also answer some key questions that people have about the NCT.
How much is the NCT?
The NCT costs €55. If you pay for your NCT online, the fee will be processed on your debit or credit card once the test booking has been confirmed.
If your car fails the test, you must book a re-test within 21 days of the initial test, which costs €28 if your car needs to go in-lane again. However, if your car only needs retesting based on visuals alone, e.g., checking that windscreen wiper blades have been replaced, the re-test is free.
How long does the NCT take?
On average, the NCT takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour to complete. So, when you’re bringing your car for an NCT, it’s good practice to factor in the full hour so that you’re not rushing or pressed for time.
Preparing for the NCT
Prepare your car
It’s important to prepare your car for the NCT by ensuring that:
- The oil, coolant and windscreen washer fluid levels are adequate.
- The car boot is empty.
- The seats are clear of personal belongings, including baby seats. However, it’s worth noting that if a baby seat is left in the car, the technician will check that it’s fitted correctly during the test.
- Your glove compartment is clear of personal belongings and unlocked.
- Your car is clean (inside and outside), especially the underbody, lights, mirrors and registration plates.
- Your windscreen wipers are working correctly, i.e., they are fully clearing the area that they pass over on the windscreen.
- If the wheels on your car have hubcaps, they should be removed.
- Your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure levels, are in good condition and have adequate tread depth (i.e., at least 1.6mm). The tread depth ought to be measured at the centre of the tyre, not the edges.
- The seatbelts and clips in your car are visible.
- Your registration plates comply with current registration plate regulations and that the reg plate lamp is working.
- All your lights are working and set to the correct levels. This includes your headlights, indicators, front and rear parking lights, fog lights and brake lights.
- Your horn is working.
- Your car is at a normal operating temperature when you arrive at the NCT test centre. You might want to bring your car for a short drive before your NCT to warm it up.
People will often get a service on their car before they bring it for an NCT to ensure everything is in working order ahead of the test. The mechanic should complete checks that cover the above points during a service. This will help make sure your car has the best chance of passing the NCT.
Documents you need for the NCT
When going to your NCT, you should bring the following documents/ items. You may not be asked for them all, but it is possible to be refused from testing if you don’t have them.
- Your driving licence or public services card as a form of identification.
- Your vehicle registration book, registration certificate or licencing certificate. Please note that this is also known as the ‘logbook’ for your car.
- Confirmation of your booking.
- Your wallet! If you haven’t already paid the test fee, you’ll need to pay it at the test centre.
The NCTS (National Car Testing Service) have a handy NCT Checklist that you can download to complete and check off the items that you need to prep ahead of the test.
Can someone else bring your car to the NCT?
Yes, someone can bring your car to the NCT on your behalf so long as they are insured to drive your car. Remember to make sure that they bring their driving licence with them as a form of identification and you should provide them with the vehicle registration book, registration certificate or licencing certificate to bring too.
Do you need an NCT certificate to insure your car?
Yes, you will need to have a valid NCT certificate to insure your car with AXA. Having this proves that your car has been checked and meets the minimum road safety standards set out by the Department of Transport, which in turn helps us to make our roads safer for everyone.
