National Car Test

The NCT is available in 47 centres around the Republic of Ireland[1] and it tests various aspects of cars for safety, including tyres, brakes and shock absorbers.

Upon successful completion of the test a valid NCT certificate is issued and this must be displayed on the front windscreen of the vehicle.

This system was introduced on 8 December 2014, whereas previously all offenders were immediately faced with a mandatory court appearance and five penalty points upon conviction, in addition to a fine.

NCTS centres are run by Applus Car Testing Services,[3] who are independent of the motor industry.

[4][failed verification][5] This is assuming that the applicant: In August 2017 the Irish Sunday Independent reported that the best performing car in 2016 tests was the Nissan Juke and the worst the Hyundai Trajet.