Vol. 555 No. 2
360 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport, in the event of an owner of a motor vehicle which ought to have undergone the national car test, who disposes of the car prior to same, to a new owner, is it correct to state, when the NCT is taken by the new owner, that the certificate will be issued for a shorter period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18153/02]
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 and consequently the first test due date is determined by reference to the date of initial registration of the vehicle with subsequent test due dates falling every two years after the first test due date. Ownership of the vehicle is not a criterion in determining the test due dates. Where an NCT inspection does not occur on the test due date, the NCT certificate is valid from the date of the test to the next test due date. This is to ensure that the car is again liable for a test in accordance with the test schedule laid down in the directive.
