NCT disc query

alexlyons

Hi folks,

NCT is out and I just booked it over the phone. Earliest I could get was 6th april and at that stage it'll be out a few months.

I'm aware not having a valid NCT can now get you penalty points and was wondering where does this leave me? The disc is out but a test is booked.

Is the car still legal?

Any ideas how I can prove I have booked it over the phone?

slimjimmc

Is the car still legal? No.
No NCT when one is required means you cannot legally use the car in a public place.

The NCT will send you a letter soon to confirm you have made a booking. Keep that with you while driving so that you can show it if you are ever quizzed. Most Gardaí will accept it at their discretion, so it's likely you'll be (unofficially) ok to drive so long as you don't do something silly that makes them throw the book at you.

By the way, you can do the NCT up to 3 months in advance of the renewal date without losing any cover, or up to 6 months for first NCT.

Atlantic Dawn

You normally get a text reminder to your phone, just have your phone with you for proof.

CiniO

alexlyons wrote: »

c is out but a test is booked.

Is the car still legal?

No.
You will be only legal on the road on the test day driving to the test centre.

Any ideas how I can prove I have booked it over the phone?

When you booked over the phone they should give you the reference number. Have it with you. If the guards will stop you, this might help, but it's all up to them. If they will want to do you for no NCT they will and you won't be able to help it.

Eleanor Abernathy

If the Guards stop you just be polite but play dumb. Say you didn't realize you shouldn't be driving it. Also the NCT people don't send out reminders that the test is due anymore so you could say you didn't know to book it in time. My test is tomorrow and it'll be the first time I've put it through (previous owner had it tested last time) I got no reminder and wouldn't have booked it in time only a guard stopped me 3 days before it expired to check tax and stuff and pointed it out, she didn't make it out to be serious though, just said to book it in.

Alanstrainor

Eleanor Abernathy wrote: »

If the Guards stop you just be polite but play dumb. Say you didn't realize you shouldn't be driving it. Also the NCT people don't send out reminders that the test is due anymore so you could say you didn't know to book it in time. My test is tomorrow and it'll be the first time I've put it through (previous owner had it tested last time) I got no reminder and wouldn't have booked it in time only a guard stopped me 3 days before it expired to check tax and stuff and pointed it out, she didn't make it out to be serious though, just said to book it in.

The letter must have been sent to the previous owner. Unless things have changed since January. The previous owner of my car was sent the letter about my car, which was forwarded on to me. I just rang them up and they asked me for the new contact details for the new owner.
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No NCT still equals 5 penalty points. It's not something i would simply play dumb with. Just get it sorted asap. You could apply for a cancellation also, i got a test in under 2 weeks a month ago by getting a cancellation.

Esel

Alanstrainor wrote: »

No NCT still equals 5 penalty points.

Only after a court appearance and conviction. Up to €1,500 fine as well.

Most gardaí, I would think, will let you on as long as you're not obviously taking the piss or haven't been pulled over for something really stupid. Carry the booking letter with you.

Eleanor Abernathy

My car passed!