Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
367. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of delays in getting appointments for NCT checks in some centres, in some instances denying individuals the opportunity to continue to avail of a two-year check instead of a one-year check due to the age of the vehicle and the delay in getting the appropriate appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11780/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing (NCT) service under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006.
Under EU law, Ireland, like other Member States, is obliged to adhere to the minimum specified intervals for carrying out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles and the NCT is operated in line with the requirements of EU Directive 2014/45/EU.
Private cars must undergo a roadworthiness test when they are four years old and every two years thereafter until their tenth anniversary. After that they are required to be tested annually, given the likelihood of deterioration linked to the vehicle's age. This is given effect in Irish law by means of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), as amended.
As of mid-February 2026, the current national average wait time for an NCT is at 16.94 days. This increase is in line with normal seasonal trends, resulting from the disproportionate number of vehicles registered at the beginning of each year, and is expected to work its way through the system shortly.
Customers who are unable to secure a test date before their certification expiry date, can contact the NCT customer service directly by phone or through the website to request to be added to the priority waiting list. I understand that the majority of vehicle owners on the priority waiting list will be provided with an appointment within 30 days.
