The National Car Test (NCT) is an essential public road safety measure, and an important part of the Government’s approach to improving road safety in Ireland. Since its introduction, through the detection of issues such as faulty components and substandard vehicle performance, it has helped to make our national fleet safer and to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
Under European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness tests, Ireland, like other Member States, must adhere to the minimum specified intervals for such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415 of 2017), as amended.
The minimum intervals set down for cars in the Directive are from four years after the date of registration and then every two years, increasing to annual checks after ten years. Delaying testing requirements for cars at four years would place Ireland in breach of EU law.
Considerable progress has been made in the past year to address the long-term staffing issues which caused the testing backlog and to increase capacity at test centres. This includes extensive domestic and international recruitment of vehicle inspectors, which currently number 660.
The RSA advises that the current national average waiting period for an appointment is 17 days. Q1 is the period of highest demand for the NCTS as many people purchase vehicles in the first months of the year and the test due date is the anniversary of registration. The service level agreement maximum of 12 days is expected to be achieved again shortly.
In the interim, customers seeking test appointments in a shorter period may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992 or through the priority waiting list function on the NCT website, www.ncts.ie.
I understand that Insurance Ireland has confirmed that its members will be pragmatic and understanding in their approach to the current delays and cover will continue to be provided where customers, through no fault of their own, are unable to obtain their NCT due to backlogs at test centres.
Similarly, my Department has been advised that members of An Garda Síochána will take evidence of a booked appointment into account when dealing with these matters and that motorists should keep evidence of their booking with their vehicle.
