From the outset of the procurement process for the national car test, it has been envisaged that all roadworthiness testing for cars, including for hackneys and taxis, should be consolidated in one organisation. This approach was favoured because of the perceived benefits of maximising the use of the specialised expertise and equipment, involving considerable capital investment, which would be required for the purposes of the national car test.
The transfer of responsibility for the testing of small public vehicles, including hackneys, from the Garda to the National Car Testing Service Limited was completed in June 2001. The transfer was implemented with the agreement of the Garda Síochána.