When your car needs its National Car Test, how to book it on ncts.ie, what it costs and what to do if it fails.
The numbers
€60full NCT fee (retest €40)
4 yearsage of a car at its first test
Onlinebook at ncts.ie or call 01 413 5992
21 daysto book a retest if your car fails
You book a National Car Test (NCT) at ncts.ie, choose a test centre and a time, and bring your car on the day. A full test costs €60 and a retest costs €40.
Does your car need an NCT?
Your car needs its first NCT when it is 4 years old. After that, how often depends on its age. The test is run by the National Car Testing Service (NCTS).
How often your car is tested
| Age of car | How often |
|---|---|
| Under 4 years | No test yet |
| 4 to 10 years | Every 2 years |
| 10 to 30 years | Every year |
| 30 to 39 years (not used for business) | Every 2 years |
| 40 years or more, or registered before 1 January 1980 | No test needed (unless used commercially) |
Source: NCTS, Citizens Information
What you need
- Your car's registration number (for booking)
- Your vehicle registration certificate, registration book or licensing certificate (bring it on the day)
- Photo ID for the person bringing the car: a driving licence or Public Services Card
- A debit or credit card to pay (not American Express), or cash at the centre
- Your booking ID if you need to change or cancel
Step by step
- Go to the bookings page on ncts.ie. You can also phone 01 413 5992 (8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to 6pm Friday).
- Enter your car's registration number and your contact details.
- Pick a test centre, date and time. Only about a third of slots are online at first, and more open two weeks ahead.
- Join the priority list if you need an earlier date. NCTS aims to offer you a slot within 28 days.
- Pay online. The fee is taken once your booking is confirmed.
- Check your car against the Pre NCT Checklist: tyres, lights, wipers, seat belts, horn and number plates.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes early with your documents. If you are late, you may have to rebook and pay a fee.
- Collect your Vehicle Inspection Report. If your car passes, you get a certificate and a disc to display on the windscreen.
How much it costs and how long it takes
NCT fees
| What | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full test | €60 |
| Retest that needs test equipment | €40 |
| Retest of a small visual item (such as a wiper blade) | Free |
| Cancelling with less than 5 working days' notice, or not turning up | €24 (€16 for a retest) |
| Replacement certificate or report | €15.50 |
Source: NCTS FAQ and Bookings pages. Fees rose on 1 January 2025.
49%
of cars passed their full NCT in 2025 (1.74 million full tests)Source: rsa.ie
What fails most often
Top five fail items, 2025
| Item | Cars with the defect |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | 190,737 |
| Tyre condition | 156,385 |
| Headlamp beam | 151,214 |
| Steering linkage | 149,347 |
| Mechanical brake | 147,439 |
Source: RSA, 2025 NCTS Annual Report
If your car fails
A minor fault means you fix it and show the car again before you get a certificate. A major fault is a fail: book a retest within 21 days and finish it within 30 days, or you pay for a full test again. A dangerous fault gets a "failed dangerous" sticker, and it is illegal to drive the car until it is fixed.
3 points
plus a €60 fine (€90 after 28 days) for driving without a valid NCTSource: citizensinformation.ie
Common mistakes
- Missing your due date. Book in good time. Driving without a valid NCT can bring 3 penalty points, or 5 if it goes to court.
- Booking more than 90 days early. That counts as an early test, and your certificate runs from the test date.
- Cancelling late. Give 5 working days' notice or lose €24.
- Forgetting easy checks. Tyres and lights fail many cars and are cheap to fix before the test.
- Using a third-party booking site that charges a fee. Book only on ncts.ie.
If something goes wrong
- Disagree with a result? Talk to the person in charge at the centre before you leave.
- If that does not settle it, fill in a complaint form. NCTS Customer Service replies within 2 weeks.
- You can then appeal to the Independent Appeals Board or the District Court.
- NCTS will never ask for card details by phone or call to your home about payment.
Related guides
- How to pay motor tax online
- How to exchange a foreign driving licence
- How to get a verified MyGovID
