National Car Test
Encyclopedia
The National Car Test is a roadworthiness test
, which all car
s in Ireland
must undergo. It was introduced in 2000 The test must first be taken when the car is between 3½ and 4 years old and then once every two years after that. There are exemptions for certain categories of vehicles such as vintage cars (more than thirty years since date of first registration) and vehicles based permanently on some offshore Islands.
The NCT is available in 42 centres around Ireland and tests various aspects of cars for safety, including tyre
s, brake
s and shock absorber
s which are vigorously tested. It also tests the exhaust fumes for compliance with EU emissions standards. Other safety features, such as the spare tyre, seat belt
s and lights are also checked.
Cars which pass receive an official certificate, which is valid for two years as of the latest date the car should have been tested. For example, if a car was first registered on 2000-05-01, it would do its first NCT between 2003-11-01 and 2004-04-30, but the certificate would expire on 2006-05-01 irrespective of when the test was actually taken.
, the fee for the NCT is €
50 for a full test, and €28 for a re-test that requires testing equipment (e.g. emission levels, aiming of headlights, etc.) Re-tests that do not need testing equipment (e.g. obscured registration plate, faulty windscreen wiper
) are free of charge. However, missing an appointment or cancelling less than 5 days before the scheduled test results in a penalty charge of €22.
There is no fixed penalty for not displaying an NCT disc or producing an NCT certificate on inspection by the Gardaí
— the offence must be dealt with by way of a court summons, and carries up to three penalty points
. Local authorities can (in theory) refuse to issue a tax disc to a vehicle not having an NCT certificate and insurance companies could (in theory) declare cover for an untested (or failed) vehicle invalid.
s which had previously been found to have serious defects, apparently in return for bribes. In a follow up statement NCT's management said it would vigorously investigate the matter until all issues raised by the programme, in relation to vehicle inspections, had been fully addressed. It has also reported the matter to the gardaí.
Days later it emerged that the Department of Transport would launch an investigation into car testing following compliants from employees who wrote months earlier that "there are major problems with the testing equipment in all the centres and incorrect results are being given to customers," the letter claims. "We have complained to the managers, but they are afraid of head office and just trying to push as many cars through as possible. There is a real fear." The letter advises that the testing system "needs to be stopped for a couple of weeks" so that experts can sort the situation out. The complaints allege that trade cars that fail tests are retested on certain "reliable" lanes, making them more likely to pass if someone complains. One of the problems highlighted by the concerned testers relates to brake examinations. They claim these tests can produce "any result" depending on the time a brake pedal is pushed or the handbrake is pulled.
Vehicle inspection
Vehicle inspection is a procedure mandated by national or subnational governments in many countries, in which a vehicle is inspected to ensure that it conforms to regulations governing safety, emissions, or both. Inspection can be required at various times, e.g., periodically or on transfer of...
, which all car
Čar
Čar is a village in the municipality of Bujanovac, Serbia. According to the 2002 census, the town has a population of 296 people.-References:...
s in Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
must undergo. It was introduced in 2000 The test must first be taken when the car is between 3½ and 4 years old and then once every two years after that. There are exemptions for certain categories of vehicles such as vintage cars (more than thirty years since date of first registration) and vehicles based permanently on some offshore Islands.
The NCT is available in 42 centres around Ireland and tests various aspects of cars for safety, including tyre
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
s, brake
Brake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s and shock absorber
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
s which are vigorously tested. It also tests the exhaust fumes for compliance with EU emissions standards. Other safety features, such as the spare tyre, seat belt
Seat belt
A seat belt or seatbelt, sometimes called a safety belt, is a safety harness designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result from a collision or a sudden stop...
s and lights are also checked.
Cars which pass receive an official certificate, which is valid for two years as of the latest date the car should have been tested. For example, if a car was first registered on 2000-05-01, it would do its first NCT between 2003-11-01 and 2004-04-30, but the certificate would expire on 2006-05-01 irrespective of when the test was actually taken.
, the fee for the NCT is €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
50 for a full test, and €28 for a re-test that requires testing equipment (e.g. emission levels, aiming of headlights, etc.) Re-tests that do not need testing equipment (e.g. obscured registration plate, faulty windscreen wiper
Windscreen wiper
A windscreen wiper or windshield wiper is a device used to remove rain and debris from a windscreen or windshield. Almost all motor vehicles, including trains, aircraft and watercraft, are equipped with such wipers, which are usually a legal requirement.A wiper generally consists of an arm,...
) are free of charge. However, missing an appointment or cancelling less than 5 days before the scheduled test results in a penalty charge of €22.
There is no fixed penalty for not displaying an NCT disc or producing an NCT certificate on inspection by the Gardaí
Garda Síochána
, more commonly referred to as the Gardaí , is the police force of Ireland. The service is headed by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Irish Government. Its headquarters are located in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.- Terminology :...
— the offence must be dealt with by way of a court summons, and carries up to three penalty points
Point system
A demerit point system is one in which a driver's licensing authority, police force, or other organization issues cumulative demerits, or points to drivers on conviction for road traffic offenses. Points may either be added or subtracted, depending on the particular system in use. A major offense...
. Local authorities can (in theory) refuse to issue a tax disc to a vehicle not having an NCT certificate and insurance companies could (in theory) declare cover for an untested (or failed) vehicle invalid.
Controversy
In May 2011, a television programme featured footage filmed with hidden cameras showing NCT personnel passing taxiTaxicab
A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice...
s which had previously been found to have serious defects, apparently in return for bribes. In a follow up statement NCT's management said it would vigorously investigate the matter until all issues raised by the programme, in relation to vehicle inspections, had been fully addressed. It has also reported the matter to the gardaí.
Days later it emerged that the Department of Transport would launch an investigation into car testing following compliants from employees who wrote months earlier that "there are major problems with the testing equipment in all the centres and incorrect results are being given to customers," the letter claims. "We have complained to the managers, but they are afraid of head office and just trying to push as many cars through as possible. There is a real fear." The letter advises that the testing system "needs to be stopped for a couple of weeks" so that experts can sort the situation out. The complaints allege that trade cars that fail tests are retested on certain "reliable" lanes, making them more likely to pass if someone complains. One of the problems highlighted by the concerned testers relates to brake examinations. They claim these tests can produce "any result" depending on the time a brake pedal is pushed or the handbrake is pulled.
See also
- MOT test (UK)
- ShakenMotor-vehicle inspection (Japan), a contraction of , is the name of the vehicle inspection program in Japan for motor vehicles over 250 cc in engine displacement.- Reason for existence :...
(Japan) - Warrant of Fitness (New Zealand)