Just like having reliable car insurance, a valid NCT certificate is required for driving a car in Ireland and shows that your car is roadworthy. Our essential NCT Checklist covers your most commonly asked questions about the NCT. Have a read below and make sure you don’t miss out on anything before your next test date.
What is the National Car Test (NCT)?
The National Car Test (NCT) is a compulsory car examination programme in Ireland since 2000. The scheme aims to improve road safety and reduce harmful car emissions in Ireland. It applies to cars that are four years or older.
Car owners must have their cars inspected in one of the 50 available test centres depending on the age of the vehicle. If your car is older than 10 years, it needs to be tested annually. Or every two years if your car is less than 10 years old.
You can check the due date for your next NCT by logging onto the NCTS website and entering your car’s registration number.
Cost of NCT in 2026
The cost of a full car test is currently €60 and the cost of a re-test is €40 (both fees include VAT). If you fail the test, you will receive a list of everything your car failed on and you then have 21 days to repeat your car test. If you’re re-test only requires a visual inspection e.g. wheel nuts or checks to see if faulty wipe blades were replaced, it will be free of charge.
Re-tests that do not require test equipment are free of charge. For example, if your re-test only requires a visual inspection e.g. wheel nuts or checks to see if faulty wipe blades were replaced, it will be free of charge.
Remember that only the car’s parts that failed the test will be re-tested. Your car does not receive a full car check during your re-test.
| Test Type | Euro |
|---|---|
| Full Test | 60.00 Euro |
| Re-test | 40.00 Euro |
| Cancellation Fee – Full Test | 24.00 Euro |
| Cancellation Fee – Re-test | 16.00 Euro |
| Lost Certs and NCT Reports | 15.50 Euro |
You should also be aware that there is a charge if you cancel or fail to show up for your NCT. If you cancel or rearrange your a confirmed booking with less than five working day’s notice or fail to show up, you will incur a fee of €24.00. With a charge of €16 in the case of re-tests.
NCT test centres accept cash, debit and credit cards. You can also pay for your test at the time of booking via the NCTS website.
NCT Checklist – How to Prepare For and Pass the NCT
1. Check your oil and water levels. Before bringing your car for testing, make sure that you have adequate levels of oil and water. This is a quick and easy job that you can do yourself and can help you pass your test and keep your car is running smoothly.
2. Clean your car. Before presenting your car for the NCT, it needs to be reasonably clean. If your car has not been cleaned out, it may result in the examiner refusing to carry out the test. Testers need access to your seat belts, hand-break and other internal car parts. It’s also important to ensure that your car’s exterior, especially the underbody, is clean before your NCT.
3. Empty the boot. The boot of your car needs to be empty and your vehicle should be clear of any valuables or personal items.
4. Empty your glovebox. To allow for OBD testing, your glove compartment should be emptied, clear of personal belongings and easily accessible to testers.
5. Child car seats. If baby or child seats are left in the car during your NCT, they will be checked to make sure they are fitted correctly. If you are planning on leaving child seats in your vehicle, check they are secure and fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions prior to your test.
6. Tyres. Make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure. Wheel nuts also need to be visible. Depending on your car, this may require you to remove hubcaps or nut covers. Tyres should be properly aligned and balanced to pass. This can be tested beforehand at any tyre garage.
7. Check our engine. The engine of your car must be in a fit state for testing, for example the cam belt and timing belt.
8. Seat Belt Checks. All seat belts and seat belt clips in the front and back of the car must be fully visible and ready for inspection.
9. Check your lights. Failing the NCT on something as simple as a light bulb is always frustrating. Quickly check and set all lights (including reg. plate lights) close to your test date. If you don’t have anyone to help you to test your lights, most service stations provide a reflective mirror to check your lights.
10. Bring the correct documentation – You may be asked to produce your log book and driving license before the test begins. Failure to do so may result in you not receiving the NCT cert for your car. You must also print off and show your booking confirmation email on arrival at the test centre.
11. Bring your identification. Bring your driving license with you when you arrive at the test centre. The person who brings the car for inspection must bring their identification. Failure to provide the required identification will result in the vehicle not being issued an NCT cert.
12. Pay your test fee. Have your test fee of €60 ready, plus any applicable extra charges such as a cancellation fee.
13. Registration plates. Ensure your registration plates are clean, fully intact, secure to your car and compliant with all current regulations.
14. Temperature of your vehicle. A normal operating temperature is recommended in your car when bringing it in for testing.
15. Wipers, wing-mirrors and washers. Your wipers must clean the windscreen adequately to provide the driver with a perfect view. Washers must be in working order, aiming correctly and be filled with adequate water.
16. Horn. The horn should be correctly mounted, fitted, and in working order.
17. Locking system. Doors should lock and open correctly.
Failure to take care of the above items prior to testing, may lead to the NCTS being unable to test your vehicle.
What Should I Do if I Fail My NCT?
If you fail your NCT, don’t panic! Take the NCT report from the test centre and bring it to your mechanic. There are lots of common reasons why drivers fail the NCT. Your mechanic will be able to advise and can order any parts needed to fix the issues found for your car. When you know the time frame your car will be fixed, you can book in for a re-test.
Will Not Having a Valid NCT Impact My Insurance?
Current motor insurance and road traffic legislation in Ireland require that all drivers ensure their vehicles are maintained and in a roadworthy condition at all times. Driving without a valid NCT risks your safety and the safety of other road users. If you are driving a car without a valid NCT and get involved in an accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay for damages, leaving you liable.
In situations where a driver, through no fault of their own, is unable to obtain an appointment, such as a delay or backlog in testing. Cover will continue to be provided under strict conditions. Insurance Ireland has advised that its members will take a pragmatic and understanding approach to delays provided drivers prove they have an NCT booked, evidence of Priority List registration or proof that they have made efforts to book appointments in the normal way. And provided the vehicle is fully roadworthy.
NCT Processes
Three changes are being introduced to the National Car Test, that drivers of passenger vehicles, up to 8 people, will be tested for going forward.
- OBD Testing: This new testing method focuses on the On-Board Diagnostics System in vehicles, which monitors the car’s performance and can alert users to potential issues before they become significant problems.
- Pass/Fail Criteria: Clarification on each item on which a car will be tested and the specific criteria for pass/fail outcomes are published in detail to help guide the public and automotive industry regarding why a vehicle may fail the NCT.
- Escalation of defects: This is where a combination of deficiencies found in one area of the vehicle is recorded in the NCT. Such a combination of deficiencies could escalate the NCT to ‘fail dangerous’. Where a vehicle receives a ‘fail dangerous’ result, it is considered to constitute a direct or immediate risk to road safety. The vehicle is not deemed roadworthy and should not be driven on the road.
What is OBD Testing, and why was it introduced?
According to the NCT service, An On-Board Diagnostics System (OBD) is a computer system inside a vehicle which tracks and regulates a car’s performance. It collects information from sensors inside the vehicle to alert the user to a problem, often before it becomes a major issue.
OBD testing was officially introduced in Ireland in 2021 on a phased basis, with Ireland being among the first EU Member States to implement such testing under the EU Directive 2014/45. Under phase, when an OBD error code was detected, it resulted in the vehicle receiving an “Advisory Pass”, provided the vehicle passes on all other items assessed. Phase two was introduced in early 2022 and took a stricter pass/fail approach. Now, when certain error codes are detected, it can constitute a reason for “failure” and an NCT certificate will not be issued until the faults are fixed.
Visit a Car Garage
The above tips for passing your NCT are jobs you can easily do yourself. There are other aspects to passing the NCT, which may require visiting a car garage. Some of these involve work on your suspension breaks and emissions.
And remember, if you fail your first test, you’re not the only one. From January 2025 to January 2026, over 1.7 million NCTs were carried out across Ireland, with almost half of vehicles failing on the first attempt. The good news is that over 92% passed their second test. Good Luck!
The NCT’s Impact on Road Safety
The NCT plays a pivotal role in maintaining road safety standards in Ireland. Since its introduction:
- Reduction in Accidents: There has been a notable decrease in accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions.
- Improved Air Quality: By ensuring vehicles meet emission standards, the NCT contributes to better air quality and reduced environmental pollution.
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