The framework for the national car test – NCT – which was decided by the previous Government and continued by this Government, involves its operation on a public-private partnership and self-financing basis. The NCT is required under EU legislation to provide for virtually universal coverage of private vehicles; accordingly only minimal exemptions have been granted from its scope.
The contract for the NCT has been awarded on a competitive basis so as to ensure a high level of service and value for money to its users. The two-yearly test, which costs £35, provides a high quality diagnostic service using computerised testing equipment. The retest fee has been fixed at £19.80 where use of test equipment is necessary; otherwise, retests will be carried out free of charge.
Private motoring costs have not in the past received public subsidies, apart from the reliefs of VAT-VRT, motor tax and fuel tax afforded for the benefit of persons with disabilities. I do not consider that the introduction and operation of the national car test justify a departure from the well established principle of non-subsidisation of private motoring costs, and I do not accordingly envisage a change in present arrangements.