Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 July 2018
495. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce the cost of the national car test, NCT, for electric vehicles in view of the fact that they do not need to undertake an emissions test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31390/18]
View answerThe National Car Test (NCT) currently tests hybrid/electric vehicles. While these vehicles do not require an exhaust emissions test, the Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) of the vehicle is assessed during the test.
The NCT Service is delivered on a self-financing basis through the collection of a test fee with no additional cost to the taxpayer. NCT test fees are laid down in the Road Traffic National Car Test Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 322 of 2014). The NCT fee applies to the test carried out on all vehicles including electric vehicles and provides a high quality diagnostic service using computerised testing equipment.
The fee for a full NCT is €55 and €28 for a retest requiring the use of test equipment. Retests which do not require the use of test equipment are free of charge. 30% of all retests are provided free to the customer. These fees have not increased since January 2012 and I will not be revisiting the fee structure at this time.
