Revealed: Tipperary motorists face lengthy waiting time for NCT tests

Lengthy waiting times for NCT roadworthiness tests are causing major distress for private motorists in the Midlands, where families' vehicles are being put off the road because of potential legal consequences.

The Midland Tribune contacted every National Car Test (NCT) centre in the region, which revealed a minimum wait until July 5 in Offaly, until May 25 in Tipperary and until July 20 in Laois for an NCT test.

Some counties face a minimum wait until mid-August. Mullingar's next available booking is July 5 while Athlone is June 28.

Although a slight ease in skyrocketing winter fuel prices has made life more bearable for drivers, now many are faced with a five to six month wait on average to have their vehicle tested. The vehicle may require subsequent repair to achieve the pass standard - adding to the length of time before it is successfully declared roadworthy.

Questions surrounding if a vehicle and driver are insured when an NCT test is so long out of date are causing distress for local people - unsure if they might be left without transport or face potential legal ramifications if they use their vehicle without a roadworthiness certificate.

Insurance Ireland has stated that its members will be "pragmatic and understanding" in their approach to the current delays at the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) and said "cover will continue to be provided where customers, through no fault of their own, are unable to obtain an NCT appointment".

On the insurance issue, NCTS said: "Under the current circumstances, provided motorists make every effort to book appointments in the normal way, insurance companies will recognise that the current issue is not the fault of the customer".

The Minister of State at the Department of Transport and Environment, Jack Chambers, said it is "disappointing and unacceptable" to see people facing delays for NCT tests and he is aware it is causing worry and anxiety.

Mr Chambers said there is an obligation on every motorist to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy, notwithstanding their NCT. He said Applus, the company which provides the NCT service, is not meeting the current service level agreement so it should face penalties for the delays.

A statement on the NCT website states:

"NCT are experiencing high demand at present and some customers may only see appointments for mid-2023. The available appointments that customers see online only represent approximately 1/3 of the actual appointments available for that time. NCTS will open the full capacity or the remaining 2/3 of appointments two weeks ahead when we finalise our schedules and know what staff are available that week.

"If a customer requires an earlier appointment than those available online, we ask you to please place yourself on the priority list and we will endeavour to get you an appointment within 28 days. The option to add your vehicle to the Priority list can be found during the booking process."

You can view the current average Booking Lead Time for an NCT appointment for each test centre here.