3,000 cars disappear after failing NCT leaving testers and drivers wondering

The NCT service has revealed that 3,000 cars tested and failed at NCT centres around Ireland last year never returned to a test centre.

They posted on social media and said: "Did you know? Over 3,000 vehicles that showed up for NCT testing in 2024 never returned for a retest."

They suggested that many may have been "scrapped" or taken off the road while other motorists were quick to comment and suggest other reasons.

One person jokingly said the owners could still be waiting for a new date given the well-publicised backlogs at NCT centres around the country. The NCT service responded by saying: "The average waiting time for an appointment is 13 days, there are currently no delays for customers requesting an NCT appointment.

"Should you require an earlier appointment than online, please contact NCT on 014135992 or go online and place your vehicle on our priority list (available in the booking application), we will endeavour to get you an appointment within the next 2-3 weeks."

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Another person labelled the process a "pure money racket" while another said he couldn't blame people for not going back. He claimed his wife's car failed for a ball joint at one centre but passed at a different centre despite no repairs being carried out.

Drivers have been venting at the NCT process recently after prices rose dramatically with a re-test rising from €28 to €40. A full test now costs €60 with around half of cars failing their initial NCT. 

Some of the main reasons cars fail the NCT include worn tyres, failed suspension, brakes and corrosion. 

However, there are a few little known visual reasons your car could fail the NCT as a checklist released by the organisation conducting the tests reveals.

The NCT says: "Taking a few minutes to check some of the visual items below and ensuring they are all working in advance of your NCT could potentially save you valuable time and money."

One of the more obscure items that you could easily forget to check is the little bulbs on your registration plates. It is a legal requirement that your registration is visible at all times and if these bulbs aren't working, it cannot be seen at night.

Your car could fail its NCT if its registration plate lamps are "not working, faulty or not fitted; not white in colour; or if the lens is missing or broken." You can check these bulbs by turning your car on and checking the bulbs are on front and rear before the test.

You can see the full NCT visual checklist below:

Windscreen Wipers and Washers

Reasons for failure:

Missing
Not cleaning windscreen effectively
Wiped areas less than sufficient to give the driver an adequate view
Washer, not working, no water or incorrectly aimed

Seat Belts

Reasons for failure:

Belts cut, badly frayed or repaired
Belts not operating properly

Tyre Condition

Reasons for failure:

tread worn, distorted or damaged
tread depth of less than 1.6mm
Incorrectly seated on wheel rim
Valve Damaged

Registration Plate Lamps

Reasons for failure:

Not working, faulty or not fitted
Not white in colour.
Lens missing or broken.

Stop Lamps

Reasons for failure:

Missing or not clearly visible.
Not working or faulty.
Not brighter than tail lights.
Not red in colour
Insecurely mounted
Contains water/moisture
Lens missing or broken
Switch does not operate correctly

Indicator/Tell Tales

Reasons for failure:

Missing, not working or faulty
Insecurely mounted
Lens broken or missing
Contains water/moisture
Not amber in colour

Horn

Reasons for failure:

Control insecure
Horn insecurely mounted
Not working correctly
Not working or not fitted

Registration Plates Front and Rear

Reasons for failure:

One or both plates missing, insecure or not clearly visible.
Numbers or letters missing or illegible or incorrect size
Numbers, letter or background of incorrect colour

Side Lamps

Reasons for failure:

Missing or not clearly visible.
Not working or faulty.
Not white in colour
Insecurely mounted
Contains water/moisture
Lens missing or broken