NCT confusion - what is the legal situation?

white apples

I'm looking for some advice on where I legally stand with my car regarding it's NCT. From the research I've done it seems it's illegal to drive a car without an NCT, and I could be prosecuted for this.

I've recently brought a car from the UK into Ireland (which was originally an Irish car that I brought over with me when I moved there).

I couldn't book the NCT until the car was taxed.
I couldn't tax the car until it was insured.
It was quite difficult to get insurance on the car without it being taxed or NCT'd.

After a lot of red tape I've finally got the car taxed and insured for the year.
I've tried to book an online appointment today, the car wasn't found in the search and I was told to call them.

I called them and they advised me there are no available appointments, which I'd expected.
However, legally I can't drive the car without an NCT, right?
But they can't provide me with an NCT, or a date for one?

Does this mean that I can't drive the car, and there's nothing I can do about it?

Also I've heard (although couldn't find it on their website) that if they can't give you a test within 4 weeks you are entitled to it free? However, how do I prove that they can't give me a date? The woman on the phone said they would only send me an email once they had a date?

Any advice appreciated!

AnnaStezia

I would e-mail them at bookings@ncts.ie setting out the background and requesting an appointment by the relevant due date.

I know they said that they would only e-mail when you had a definite date. However, I would ask for an acknowledgement of the e-mail. The pop-up message that requests them to send you back acknowledgement of receipt of your e-mail would do.

Print off the receipt/acknowledgement or at least have a copy on your mobile.

This way you can show a Garda or a traffic warden that you have done all that you can to comply with the law. I have no doubt that people are going to get tickets for no current NCT through no fault whatsoever of theirs.

ABajaninCork

I usually print off the confirmation, and keep a copy in the car. I've NEVER been able to get my car NCT'd by the due date, even though I book in good time. Both times it's been NCT'd a good two months AFTER the due date.

I'm not going chasing them up either. The situation is ridiculous.

AnnaStezia

ABajaninCork wrote: »

/ snip / The situation is ridiculous.

I could not agree more.:(

A few more test centres might help given the increasing number of 10 years plus cars now up for NCT every year.

white apples

Thanks for the advice. I have sent in an email will all the details and will await a reply.

For reference their customer charter is here - http://www.ncts.ie/customer_charter.html

Interesting and helpful sections are 4, 7 and 9.

4. Ensure that the average lead time for an appointment at an individual test centre is less than three weeks and no greater than four weeks. The customer will be provided with a test free of charge where an appointment cannot be offered within a four week period provided that:
• The Customer has not declined a test appointment (either confirmed or provisional) more than twice, at a centre of their choosing, for the test due at this time
• The Customer has not previously accepted a booking outside of the 4 week period.

7. Keep queuing times at each NCT centre to no more than 30 mins provided you arrive on time (free test if queue time start of test is over 60 mins).

9. Reply to your written correspondence within 5 working days of receipt or alternatively acknowledge receipt of your correspondence within 3 working days with a full reply within 10 working days.

white apples

Update: I received a text message on Tuesday to advise an NCT was confirmed for 31st January. Pleasantly surprised I got it so quickly.