Free NCT after 28 days - specific query on what NCTS need to do within the 28 days

Padraig Mor

I rang NCTS on Jan 9th asking for an NCT within 28 days (current NCT valid until end March). I got a text last Friday (the 28th day) indicating a confirmed appointment for late Feb - i.e. past the 28 day deadline. So, rang them yesterday to confirm that the test would be free. They are saying that it won't be as (1) my NCT would not be 'out' in that period and that (2) they offered me an appointment within 28 days (as opposed to actually doing the test).

The relevant section of the NCTS customer charter states:
"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."

My interpretation of this is that the test itself must be performed within 28 days of asking, NOT that they must simply offer an appointment. While I could see how the first line could be interpreted as meaning that they simply need to give a booking (but not the test) within the 28 days, the two provisos simply do not make sense unless the meaning of the first line is that the test itself must be carried out within 28 days. Further, my wife got a free test last year - she was offered an appointment after about 2 weeks of waiting for the 28th day after her initial ringing. She turned this down and heard nothing more. When she rang some while later she was given a free test - surely if the charter means "we only need to give the booking within 28 days" she would not have been entitled to the free test, as she WAS offered a test within the 28 day period? I also have no idea what they're bringing up my NCT expiry date for - it doesn't seem to have any relevance that I can see.

Has anyone had experience with this specific issue? I'm waiting on a call back from a supervisor and would be interested in how other people got on.

corktina

I'd say they are suffering badly giving out free tests and are trying to limit the damage. I'd agree with your interpretation

mgbgt1978

Op, your interpretation is correct. Otherwise they could just offer you an appointment for 20 years time...as long as they offered it to you within 28 days.
Make sure you decline the date offered (unless it's free), as otherwise it will be deemed that by not refusing it you tacitly accepted it (and waived your entitlement to a free test).
The expiry date of your current NCT has nothing to do with them. It's your business when your Cert expires, not their's.
This is especially true now that the new voluntary testing has commenced.
Ring them back and demand that this test be free. They will try to convince you otherwise but stick with it.

sorry, just noticed the last line of your post. If you don't get a call-back within the next 1/2 hour ring them and demand to speak to a supervisor......and then wait for a call-back.

9935452

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

Op, your interpretation is correct. Otherwise they could just offer you an appointment for 20 years time...as long as they offered it to you within 28 days.
Make sure you decline the date offered (unless it's free), as otherwise it will be deemed that by not refusing it you tacitly accepted it (and waived your entitlement to a free test).
The expiry date of your current NCT has nothing to do with them. It's your business when your Cert expires, not their's.
This is especially true now that the new voluntary testing has commenced.
Ring them back and demand that this test be free. They will try to convince you otherwise but stick with it.

sorry, just noticed the last line of your post. If you don't get a call-back within the next 1/2 hour ring them and demand to speak to a supervisor......and then wait for a call-back.

When you are booking tell them you want it in XXX centre within a month. When they tell you the next available date is over a month away , tell them you will take it but as they couldnt provide it within a month its free.

mgbgt1978

Well Padraig, did they ring you back yet ?


BTW remember that this 'customer charter' is more than simply a marketing tool. It's part of Applus's contract.
If you like you can always contact your local TD, the RSA, The Dept of Transport, etc. and explain that Applus are breaking the terms of their contract and you would like a response from anyone you contact.

The Irish times wrote about this in december;
http://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/nct-provides-200-free-tests-due-to-waiting-times-1.2033087

Padraig Mor

They got back to me today. Free NCT alright!