What's the best way to get a NCT cancellation slot?

Guffy

As it says on the tin really. I find myself in a situation where I need to get the NCT on the car done by monday (no I wasn't stopped) so i was just wondering as to the best way to get in for a cancellation?

Do there be many in Galway?

biko

Just keep ringing really. I know, it's a pain in the behind - butt* it's the only way.





*puntastic.

Guffy

would there be any point in just dropping the car up and leaving them the keys?

alcof89

as biko said - keep ringing them! Even leave your number if there's somebody friendly taking the calls!

snaps

how do trade dealers get them done so quick?

ednwireland

i basically didnt get my act together to book my appointment so rang them, they taxted me back an appointment a week later. 3 week wait instead of 10 weeks

ba_barabus

I called two days last week after work. Got it the second time!

anoda_username

When I was due a retest they advised I call in and see would they fit me in. I waited about an hour and a half in total which wasn't too bad. Try in the evening when it may be a bit quieter

The lips

Ring up at 8am when the office opens, thats when the cancellation slots are given out, worked for me so far.

Guffy

thanks for all the advice guys much appreciated

Sami23

I'm not sure

foxinsox

gufc21 wrote: »

As it says on the tin really. I find myself in a situation where I need to get the NCT on the car done by monday (no I wasn't stopped) so i was just wondering as to the best way to get in for a cancellation?

Do there be many in Galway?

If it was me I would call up to NCT office early in the morning with a dozen donuts and give them to them while explaining that you need your car tested asap and leave your number.

:-)

nct tester

I'd say your best bet is to keep ringing 1890 412 413 to seek cancellations, which can occur anytime of the day, not just the morning. Calling to the Nct Center itself is unlikely to work. There was a time when maybe that would work but because we are so heavily booked and most people are turning up each day, there is very little time to get in an 'extra' car. Plus, there is no gain to us getting in extra work, we are barely given enough time to test what's booked in, extra cars means less time to test cars properly. Also there is also the possibility that you do a favour someone, their car fails and the customer turns out to be a loose cannon.

BMJD

I usually call up between 8 and 9 am and get one within a day or two. I looked on www.ncts.ie last Friday afternoon and booked a test for 10am on Monday morning so that might work too.

discodavie

If your not too fussy about where you have to go you can get one the same day.

I'm a part time motor trader in Kildare and I ring at 8am look for a cancellation in naas-portlaoise-carlow or anywhere in that order. few times id be cutting it short but it can be done

Redhairedguy

I dropped them an email and they got back to me within 3 days with a slot a week from then.

Guffy

Rang them today knocked a month and a half off the online waiting time. She said to ring back again in the eve and morning and odds are I'll get something sooner. She put me on the waiting list too.

Also thanks for the advice NCT

FutureGuy

Ring early in the morning and be prepared to travel within your county if there is multiple centres nearby.

I drive a 2009 Focus and never received my letter. Realized one morning in mid-Feb that I had been driving around without an NCT for 6 weeks. Rang the NCT, aked for cancellations if any and they said it would be at least 5 weeks in Limerick.

However, they had one for Charleville (30 mins drive) that day at 145pm. Car passed by 230 and was home with my NCT by 330

Just keep ringing and you'll get a cancellation soon

wil

Since nobody seems to have mentioned it yet, check the website.
Keep checking if you have a bit of time, it worked for me.

Log in with your booking ref, go to the change booking option then check and wait for slot to appear at your preferred location. You have to hop around to refresh and change location but you'd be surprised how often slots appear and are grabbed a minute later.
Grab a recent slot that suits as soon as it appears then rebook

That website you see is exactly how they see it in the office, that is what I was told when I rang up looking for a cancellation.
Try morning, lunchtime and evenings, even night. If you can do Sunday, they often appear empty

BMJD

FutureGuy wrote: »

I drive a 2009 Focus and never received my letter.

they stopped sending out letters years ago!

snaps

The reason why a lot of people forget. How many people check their discs regular? Id forget about insurance/tax if I didn't receive a reminder. letters in my opinion should be sent out, can't see why not, im sure its not a cost thing, as they are making huge profits.