National Car Test.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2004

Thursday, 4 November 2004

Questions (153)

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

150 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the NCT testing of cars (details supplied); if he will correct the anomaly in the Road Traffic Act to allow a 1999 registered car which was in a garage but is only having the NCT test carried out now to allow the customer passing the NCT test to have a full two years on the test rather than having to test the car again in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27723/04]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Mr. Callely)

In accordance with EU Directive 96/96/EC, passenger cars are required to undergo a roadworthiness test when they are four years old and every two years thereafter. The age of the vehicle and consequently the first test due date are determined by reference to the date of initial registration with subsequent test due dates falling every two years after the first test due date. Under the provisions of the directive, non-use of a vehicle is not a criterion in determining the NCT test due dates. The first test due date for this vehicle was in 2003 on the anniversary of its first registration. In line with the directive's requirement it will be due a test in 2005.

The extension of the validity of a NCT certificate by any period a vehicle is not in use would be a departure from the test schedule laid down in the directive and, accordingly, I would not be in a position to change the existing arrangements.