Procedure
The NCT is available in 47 centres around Ireland and tests various aspects of cars for safety, including tyres, brakes and shock absorbers. It also tests the exhaust fumes for compliance with EU emissions standards. Other safety features, such as the spare tyre, seat belts and lights are also checked.
As of 2012, the fee for the NCT is €55 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 require the use of test equipment such as e.g. obscured registration plate, faulty windscreen wiper) are free of charge. However, if you cancel a confirmed appointment with less than five working days notice (Mon. - Fri., not including the day of the test or the day you contact NCTS) or fail to show up for the test, a €22.00 surcharge will be applied when you next bring your car for testing. A similar surcharge of €11.50 will apply in the case of a re-test
Upon successful completion of the test a valid NCT certificate is issued and this must be displayed on the front windscreen of the vehicle. Driving a car without a valid NCT may attract five penalty points in addition to any fine imposed upon conviction in court. Enforcement is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána. 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.
There are exemptions for certain categories of vehicles such as vintage cars (registered before 1980) and vehicles based permanently on some offshore Islands.
NCTS centres are run by Applus Car Testing Services, who are independent of the motor industry.
Read more about this topic: National Car Test