Vol. 555 No. 4
136 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for a NCT test for taxi and hackney drivers for new vehicles; the reason it takes three weeks of a delay for same to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18774/02]
A certificate of suitability is required before a small public service licence can be issued for a vehicle irrespective of whether it is a new or used vehicle. The inspection for such a certificate is intended to establish that the vehicle is suitable for use as a small public service vehicle by reference to the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 in addition to a standard NCT roadworthiness test. The renewal of the small public service licence in respect of a particular vehicle does not require a further certificate of suitability, however, a standard NCT roadworthiness test is necessary at each renewal date.
Under the terms of its contract, NCTS is required to carry out a test within 28 days of the date of the making of a request for a test. The company consistently offers test appointments in a shorter timeframe than this. However, in order to provide a responsive service to applicants for suitability inspections, the company provides an appointment for a suitability inspection within two weeks of the making of the request. In urgent cases, such as where a vehicle has been replaced, the company will try to facilitate an inspection in a shorter timeframe.
