Pre '92 cars and older will be tested in year 2000, followed by all '92 - '96 registered cars in 2001 and all 4 year old cars and eligible older cars in 2002.

For futher information or assistance on the questions below, please click here.

Car Testing - Inspection list
Will I be notified when my test is due?
What about used imports ?
How often will cars have to be tested ?
What will be covered in the test ?
Where will the test centres be located ?
How much will the test cost ?
What are the benefits of testing cars ?
How can we be sure that the test is fair and that everyone will be treated the same ?
How will the requirement to have a car tested be enforced ?

Car Testing - Inspection list

Want to know more ?
Full details of the test requirements are contained in the Department of Environment and Local Government's publication "the NCT Manual", which is available from the Government Publications Sales Office for £5

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What cars must be tested and how often?

Testing will be introduced on a phased basis as follows: Year 2000: Cars first registered before 1 January 1992 Year 2001: Cars first registered between 1992-1996 Year 2002 onwards: All 4 year old cars and eligible older cars

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Will I be notified when my test is due?

If your car is due for the test, you will be notified by mail 8 weeks before the anniversary date of first registration of your car. You will be offered a provisional appointment for the test that must either be confirmed or rearranged by calling your local NCTS center LoCall booking number.

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What about used imports ?

They will be subject to precisely the same requirements as Irish cars if they are 4 years old or more.

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How often will cars have to be tested ?

Cars will be liable to testing when they are 4 years old and every second year thereafter.

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What will be covered in the test ?

The items to be tested are specified in the Directive. They include braking systems, steering, windscreens/ window glass, lamps and electrical equipment, axles, wheels and suspensions, chassis and attachments, bodywork, safety belts, warning devices, speedometer, noise, air pollutant emissions The way the test is to be carried out and the reasons for failure will be documented in the Car Tester's manual. The Car Tester's Manual will be widely available at least 6 months before testing begins

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Where will the test centres be located ?

They will located so that the distance owners need travel for a test will not be a burden. Most owners will be less than 30 miles from a test centre. Details are given HERE

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How much will the test cost ?

The test will cost £35.00. A retest will cost £19.80. Retests which do not require the use of a test lane will be free. Changes in the fee will require Ministerial approval.

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What are the benefits of testing cars ?

The benefits include:

• Safer vehicles
• Reduced air pollution and noise
• More job opportunities
• Consumer benefits through recorded mileage as part of the test
• Potential for reduced motor insurance premiums
• Longer vehicle service life
• Reduced fuel consumption
• Less likelihood of breakdowns

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How can we be sure that the test is fair and that everyone will be treated the same ?

Uniform standards will be set for

• What is to be tested
• How the test is to be carried out .
• Reasons for failure
• The Department will supervise the Contractor.
• The highest operational and customer service standards will be enforced.
• Accreditation to appropriate international standards such as ISO 9000 and EN 45004 will be required.
• An effective customer complaints process forms part of the contract.

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How will the requirement to have a car tested be enforced ?

The Motor Tax Office will not tax a car unless it has passed its test. The evidence for this will be a Pass Report or Test Certificate. In addition, every car concerned will display a windscreen disc to show that it has passed its test.

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