N.C.T Center, Staff lack of Communication skill's.

Bearcat

I hate ncts, went to the one in tallaght, no b/s....no small talk ..in/out 25mins....failed on a balljoint, returned and done in no time. Things have deffo improved.

mcwhirter

ART6 wrote: »

The last time I had a car tested (my wife's) it had been giving trouble that I thought was fixed. On the way to the test centre it started to hesitate. When I got to the test centre I told them that it had a problem and so a test would be a waste of time. Instead, the tester said "Well, stick it through. At least you'll know what's wrong with it."

Since I would have had to pay a cancellation fee I went along with that, and I ended up with a printed report that identified the problem. The tester even made sure that I understood it, although as a manager of a motor operations a few years ago I did.

I got the car fixed that afternoon and was back in the test centre the next day. A pass without a retest fee. To me excellent value for the small payment I made.

I know it's a hassle taking time out to go to the test centre, and waiting for the test is itself a test of one's nerves, but really, is €50 every two years too expensive for an independent report on the condition of your car, particularly of things you could never check yourself (even if you bothered)? I reckon it's very good value, particularly for my wife's car, since she would never know if there was anything wrong with it, and at the time I was too committed to work to properly check it regularly.

It's 55 every year for over 10 year old cars. I know of 2 people without nct for 4 years. There is no incentive to get it tested. The gardai don't seem to be bothered anymore so why should the drivers. Also no reminder anymore.
Anyone who is bothered on keeping their car safe gets it done but for the rest, they get away with it and are not penalised.
In my experience, my car failed on headlight alignment, now tell me is that as unsafe as a car untested for 4 years, there could be multiple problems with it.
I feel like a mug paying the 55 euros.
What is the point?

Yawns

It's 55 since the start of this month. A failed headlight alignment is easily fixed by yourself or cheap by a mechanic. I know people who also haven't had NCT for over 4 years. But they get worried before heading on long distance journeys or if they come across a guard. They hate going to checkpoints because they don't have a valid NCT. I don't.

I can drive anywhere I like with no fear of points from guards unless I drive stupidly. I'd rather pay 55 every year or 2 and get warned about failing joints etc than drive without knowing until something bad happens that could have easily been avoided.

I also know people who drink n drive and haven't been caught. Should I feel like a mug for not doing so?

One day someone you know dodging NCT's will run into a guard who will be bothered to do something about it. They'll regret it then.

mcwhirter

Yawns wrote: »

It's 55 since the start of this month. A failed headlight alignment is easily fixed by yourself or cheap by a mechanic. I know people who also haven't had NCT for over 4 years. But they get worried before heading on long distance journeys or if they come across a guard. They hate going to checkpoints because they don't have a valid NCT. I don't.

I can drive anywhere I like with no fear of points from guards unless I drive stupidly. I'd rather pay 55 every year or 2 and get warned about failing joints etc than drive without knowing until something bad happens that could have easily been avoided.

I also know people who drink n drive and haven't been caught. Should I feel like a mug for not doing so?

One day someone you know dodging NCT's will run into a guard who will be bothered to do something about it. They'll regret it then.

But there have been many reported instances at checkpoints that only insurance and tax were checked, nct wasn't bothered with.
Why?

Yawns

They have also been many reported instances of some people being drunk and waved on. In fact I only recall one checkpoint where a guard actually spoke to me. Normally they just look at my windscreen and wave me on. I could be drunk, high, unlicenced etc and they don't know. Does it mean all drunk drivers get away with it? All ppl driving under the influence?

I'd rather pay 55, pass the test and be done with the hassle. Once every 2 years ain't bad for my situation.