NCT Testing During Covid19

CymbaltaMan

:eek:

My local KIA garage has closed down for a number of weeks, my car is due its yearly service before its NCT.

Why are'nt NCT Centers closing?

CymbaltaMan

CymbaltaMan wrote: »

:eek:

My local KIA garage has closed down for a number of weeks, my car is due its yearly service before its NCT.

Why are'nt NCT Centers closing?

No VRT payments if that happens.

Trampas

CymbaltaMan wrote: »

:eek:

My local KIA garage has closed down for a number of weeks, my car is due its yearly service before its NCT.

Why are'nt NCT Centers closing?

€€€€€€€

CymbaltaMan

Trampas wrote: »

€€€€€€€

Yeah all money! I cant fix the problem if my local garage closed and sure are'nt the lifts still broken in centres

biko

It's probably considered an essential service.
They are taking precautions, minimum number of people allowed in waiting room etc

CymbaltaMan

biko wrote: »

It's probably considered an essential service.
They are taking precautions, minimum number of people allowed in waiting room etc

I would'nt like to be a tester hoping in and out of peoples cars - Not safe for them! Dirtiest thing in a car is steering wheel more so than a toilet seat

Galwayguy35

CymbaltaMan wrote: »

I would'nt like to be a tester hoping in and out of peoples cars - Not safe for them! Dirtiest thing in a car is steering wheel more so than a toilet seat

They wear gloves.

CymbaltaMan

Galwayguy35 wrote: »

They wear gloves.

Nice - Someone sneeze still floating around the car! It only takes one droplet!!

Jinglejangle69

Galwayguy35 wrote: »

They wear gloves.

That matters not one bit.

Gloves collect more germs.

Its about not touching your face.

Kivaro

Know of a person who is under self-isolation but the NCT is due this week. He has sent off a number of emails to them without a response.
The sensible thing for him is to skip it and take a gamble with the authorities.

I looked on the NCT home page just now and there is zero information about the worldwide pandemic that's going on at the moment. Zilch!
If someone books a test now, and if there is a lock down or other situation that causes you to miss a test, they will charge you for it.
If you miss a re-test after 30 days, you have to do the whole test again ..... for the full fee.
If you cancel your re-test within 5 days of the test, you will be charged.
Don't forget that many garages are closed now or will close down due to the virus, so who is going to fix the issues that the NCT finds?

All of these fees and charges are on their homepage, so yeah, it must be all about money for them at this stage. They are a private business.

And I would not recommend anyone with compromised health to go to the NCT testing centres .................. even if the "testers are using gloves".

Sonics2k

I had my test booked for tomorrow but got a text cancelling it last night. It mentions rescheduling it but gave literally no details on why it's cancelled.

Kivaro

Sonics2k wrote: »

I had my test booked for tomorrow but got a text cancelling it last night. It mentions rescheduling it but gave literally no details on why it's cancelled.

Very unprofessional of them Sonic.

Do you know an easy way to rectify the confusion and put many people at ease? Post helpful information on the home page of your web site .......... like so many supermarket chains and other organisations.
It is bewildering that the NCT are not doing this.

Just looks like a money grab by them at the moment.

JMJR

From the NCT website

In line with Government advice, the more vulnerable in society are being asked to contact us on 014135992 to arrange an alternative appointment.

As the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to escalate we have put in place the appropriate precautions to ensure we minimise any impact of the virus in our centres.

Please do not visit any NCTS facility if you have been exposed to the virus or have Knowingly been in contact with anyone showing symptoms. In this instance you should follow HSE advice on https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

This seems poorly thought out advice , does not cater to all conditions and does not seem to address the health & welfare protection of NCT staff.
Does not say what to do if you are in quarantine/isolation.
Am I correct to say that the regs were changed so that only the car owner can present the car for inspection?

Dravokivich

Kivaro wrote: »

Know of a person who is under self-isolation but the NCT is due this week. He has sent off a number of emails to them without a response.
The sensible thing for him is to skip it and take a gamble with the authorities.

I looked on the NCT home page just now and there is zero information about the worldwide pandemic that's going on at the moment. Zilch!
If someone books a test now, and if there is a lock down or other situation that causes you to miss a test, they will charge you for it.
If you miss a re-test after 30 days, you have to do the whole test again ..... for the full fee.
If you cancel your re-test within 5 days of the test, you will be charged.
Don't forget that many garages are closed now or will close down due to the virus, so who is going to fix the issues that the NCT finds?

All of these fees and charges are on their homepage, so yeah, it must be all about money for them at this stage. They are a private business.

And I would not recommend anyone with compromised health to go to the NCT testing centres .................. even if the "testers are using gloves".

Cant someone else bring the car for him?

Kivaro

Dravokivich wrote: »

Cant someone else bring the car for him?

Probably not a good idea Drav.

He is in isolation for a reason, and while not showing symptoms yet, it is not wise to hop in his car to bring it to the NCT centre.
Thinking of a lot of possible issues e.g. does the good samaritan sanitise the man's car before bringing it to the centre for his own protection? It's a big ask to bring the car to the testing centre.

In the 'old' days (a few weeks ago), it wouldn't have been an issue.

And JMJR: thanks for posting that. But still wonder why the NCT company would not have a link to it on their home page or actually state it on the home page ..... like most companies and organisations.

inforfun

Currently, all NCTS Centers are operating as normal

In the interests of the safety and welfare of our staff and customers, we will only be allowing a small number of customers into the waiting area at a time and we ask that customers refrain from bringing children to the test centres.

Once checked in, please return to your vehicle and leave your windows slightly opened
Please wait in your vehice until advised it is your turn to enter the building
We are taking these measures in line with the social distancing guidelines that have been issued by the HSE
We also ask that you please ensure your vehicle is clean, tidy and free of any unhygienic matter such as used tissues and wipes
Ensure that the air vents in your vehicle are closed and the fans are on low settings
We also ask that customers pay by card where possible to reduce the chance of cross infection by using cash
In line with Government advice, the more vulnerable in society are being asked to contact us on 014135992 to arrange an alternative appointment.

As the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to escalate we have put in place the appropriate precautions to ensure we minimise any impact of the virus in our centres.

Please do not visit any NCTS facility if you have been exposed to the virus or have Knowingly been in contact with anyone showing symptoms. In this instance you should follow HSE advice on https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

Many thanks for your co-operation.

Mine is due april 27th. My mechanic runs a 1-man show but have no idea if he is actually open at the moment.

jimbobaloobob

Had my car done last week. 18th.
Was instructed to sit in the car with windows down until my test was called. Almost an hour later test was taken only after I enquiried was I forgotten. Oh no no your next I'm told.
Test happens. Well done you passed all the test but we only have one lift and that's in use so you'll have to book to come back for that. It's a 130km round trip for me, felt like driving through the roller door only then the lights would fail next time. I only booked the test because they said the lifts were back in order there. They didn't say they just had one working. Sh1t service, no contact point , you want to call at all it's a central office number in Dublin.

Kivaro

I had forgotten about their lifts issue.
So after risking going to their test centers and hope that their staff and testers are following correct Covid-19 protocols, then even if the vehicle passes the test, people have to come back again next month after they fix their lifts so that they can test it again?

That's a bit mad Ted, isn't it.

This is it

Kivaro wrote: »

I had forgotten about their lifts issue.
So after risking going to their test centers and hope that their staff and testers are following correct Covid-19 protocols, then even if the vehicle passes the test, people have to come back again next month after they fix their lifts so that they can test it again?

That's a bit mad Ted, isn't it.

You've had a bad experience with the NCT, haven't you.

keano_afc

Mine is out in 4 days. Havent booked the test. I'm immunocompromised so i'm not in any rush to get the car down there. I'd like to think the Gardaí have more to do than seize cars with no valid cert.

ILoveYourVibes

CymbaltaMan wrote: »

:eek:

My local KIA garage has closed down for a number of weeks, my car is due its yearly service before its NCT.

Why are'nt NCT Centers closing?

Drivers theory testing centers are still open they are telling people to wear gloves and masks.

Kivaro

This is it wrote: »

You've had a bad experience with the NCT, haven't you.

Not really.
Would just like them to be informative.

Edit: Just checked their web site, and finally they posted something on their home page about the worldwide pandemic. It says that "All NCTS Centres are operating as normal."
So I presume that the Taoiseach's announcement today does not affect NCT testing.

michellie

Nct still open, at the moment. Taoiseachs announcement didn't change it. That's not saying that won't change though.

Any cancellation texts previous posters spoke about would be probably due to staff members going out sick.

Kivaro

I notice that the UK government has granted car owners in Britain and Northern Ireland a six-month exemption from MOT testing during this worldwide pandemic. This makes complete sense.

Yet people in the Republic of Ireland have no such reprieve.

michellie

Kivaro wrote: »

I notice that the UK government has granted car owners in Britain and Northern Ireland a six-month exemption from MOT testing during this worldwide pandemic. This makes complete sense.

Yet people in the Republic of Ireland have no such reprieve.

RSA will not allow NCT to shut. They don't give a **** about staff or customer concerns

Wibbs

It's a bloody disgrace that the NCT centres are still operating. It's a high risk for their staff and if any of the staff are contagious a high risk for their customers. If I have the dose and show up to the test centre live virus will be on my steering wheel, gear shift, touchscreen, indicators(not applicable for BMW drivers), door handles and every other surface I touch and breath on. One "superspreader" in a test centre could potentially infect dozens. And no the same mouldy gloves worn for a shift doesn't cut it as protective, for anyone. The joke is viruses like influenza last around five minutes on our skin, but would last a lot longer on rubber gloves. Never mind the bloody lift nonsense and requirement for two visits in many centres. They're not currently fit for purpose and certainly not in the biggest public health crisis in the state's history. Someone in government needs to take this issue to task and pronto.

Mine isn't due until november, but if it were up next week I'd not attend and take the risk. If I had underlying conditions, or was around loved ones with underlying conditions that put us at an increased risk of mortality, no way in hell. Like I say this is a bloody disgrace.

michellie

Wibbs wrote: »

It's a bloody disgrace that the NCT centres are still operating. It's a high risk for their staff and if any of the staff are contagious a high risk for their customers. If I have the dose and show up to the test centre live virus will be on my steering wheel, gear shift, touchscreen, indicators(not applicable for BMW drivers), door handles and every other surface I touch and breath on. One "superspreader" in a test centre could potentially infect dozens. And no the same mouldy gloves worn for a shift doesn't cut it as protective, for anyone. The joke is viruses like influenza last around five minutes on our skin, but would last a lot longer on rubber gloves. Never mind the bloody lift nonsense and requirement for two visits in many centres. They're not currently fit for purpose and certainly not in the biggest public health crisis in the state's history. Someone in government needs to take this issue to task and pronto.

Mine isn't due until november, but if it were up next week I'd not attend and take the risk. If I had underlying conditions, or was around loved ones with underlying conditions that put us at an increased risk of mortality, no way in hell. Like I say this is a bloody disgrace.

Spot on. Send that to the RSA

Wibbs

I will M. For all the good it'll do.

michellie

Wibbs wrote: »

I will M. For all the good it'll do.

Good man or woman

Kivaro

Wibbs wrote: »

I will M. For all the good it'll do.

And I've done similarly.

It's really bizarre to force immune-compromised and older people to these testing centres; especially when they have to go twice .... if they are lucky.

Wibbs

I found it funny that on the NCTS contact page they have the word integrity with a dropdown telling us that it's an "important element of the National Car Test". Where the hell is their "integrity" when they risk exposing their staff, the general public and vulnerable people among them during the greatest health emergency in the state's history? I added that to my email to them(as well as the RSA). G'way to fcuk NCTS. I didn't add that lest they need an excuse to continue to be dicks. They should be shamed for this and boycotted if needs be. Unreal.

Kivaro

A poster on this thread suggested that I had a beef with the NCT because I am a bit pissed that they are still testing during a worldwide deadly pandemic.
My beef is that the NCT testing company is not acting as part of the collective in fighting this pandemic. The UK shut down MOT testing for a reason. Is Ireland so special that we need to continue testing vehicles during a pandemic where the citizenry are supposed to isolate?

My biggest gripe is the fear of motorists, who are vulnerable to this virus due to age or immune-compromise, who dread going to the testing centres. Is it really necessary to cause these people further anguish?

Put it off for six months for feck sake. It makes sense.

fryup

not only that, but they haven't fixed the lifts yet in half their centres...so whats the point in going in?

Kiith

Mine is due this week, and i've booked it in for next week. Would rather not have to do it right now, and they really shouldn't be open, but will bring it in and get it done anyway.

inforfun

As mentioned earlier, mine is due april 27th and i got the letter in the mail today reminding me to that fact.
The center i always go cant accept a booking before may 6th.

Working from home for now, do 1 food shop in the week so i am no even going to bother to book a test as it will be cancelled anyway assuming they will see the light at 1 point and close the centres. The NCT is not an essential service ffs.
They could fix those lifts in the mean time...

Harry Palmr

inforfun wrote: »

As mentioned earlier, mine is due april 27th and i got the letter in the mail today reminding me to that fact.
The center i always go cant accept a booking before may 6th.

Working from home for now, do 1 food shop in the week so i am no even going to bother to book a test as it will be cancelled anyway assuming they will see the light at 1 point and close the centres. The NCT is not an essential service ffs.
They could fix those lifts in the mean time...

Not really, if everyone is at home!

NCTS.ie has not updated AFAIK but presumably tomorrow they'll suspend checking for two weeks after which they'll be a state of chasis.

Dilbert75

I'd like to think you're right but who knows? Will they answer phones?

nthclare

Mine went through but need to go back to the lift in Ennis
The guy said I'd be safe enough with all the passes.
Im roadworthy, 2km radius

inforfun

Harry Palmr wrote: »

Not really, if everyone is at home!

1, maybe 2 days. 1 nct guy to open the door, 1 mechanic to fix the lifts.
They should be able to stay 1,5 meter apart

Del2005

Wibbs wrote: »

It's a bloody disgrace that the NCT centres are still operating. It's a high risk for their staff and if any of the staff are contagious a high risk for their customers. If I have the dose and show up to the test centre live virus will be on my steering wheel, gear shift, touchscreen, indicators(not applicable for BMW drivers), door handles and every other surface I touch and breath on. One "superspreader" in a test centre could potentially infect dozens. And no the same mouldy gloves worn for a shift doesn't cut it as protective, for anyone. The joke is viruses like influenza last around five minutes on our skin, but would last a lot longer on rubber gloves. Never mind the bloody lift nonsense and requirement for two visits in many centres. They're not currently fit for purpose and certainly not in the biggest public health crisis in the state's history. Someone in government needs to take this issue to task and pronto.

Mine isn't due until november, but if it were up next week I'd not attend and take the risk. If I had underlying conditions, or was around loved ones with underlying conditions that put us at an increased risk of mortality, no way in hell. Like I say this is a bloody disgrace.

Any time I've been to an NCT centre they always changed their gloves before starting on a car. When I got the cert they had no gloves on. So even before the Covid-19 issue they where changing gloves between cars.

Fann Linn

Del2005 wrote: »

Any time I've been to an NCT centre they always changed their gloves before starting on a car. When I got the cert they had no gloves on. So even before the Covid-19 issue they where changing gloves between cars.

NCT and driving tests are cancelled tomorrow pending meeting to decide response to Leo's speech according to RSA website.

michellie

Del2005 wrote: »

Any time I've been to an NCT centre they always changed their gloves before starting on a car. When I got the cert they had no gloves on. So even before the Covid-19 issue they where changing gloves between cars.

Ah yea gloves are changed after every car. There's boxes of gloves all over the place in there.

Anyway, NCT is closed for the foreseeable. I think it's the right move. Not sure how it's going to fare out for VRT but I can't imagine there's a huge amount of cars being imported at the minute

leck

This afternoon (Fri) I booked a retest for Monday 6 April. The NCT website hasn't been updated since then.

The RSA site says:

National Car Testing Service (NCTS) Further to the Government’s announcement this evening, Friday 27 March, extending public restrictions in response to the Coronavirus, the National Car Testing Service (NCT)will not be open for business on Saturday 28 March.
Pending a further review on Saturday a decision will be made in relation to the delivery of services in the days ahead.

Wibbs

Del2005 wrote: »

Any time I've been to an NCT centre they always changed their gloves before starting on a car. When I got the cert they had no gloves on. So even before the Covid-19 issue they where changing gloves between cars.

Really D? Never noticed that myself in the one I go to. Wasn't looking though TBH.

The way I look at it is this; would you let a patient with ebola sit in your car and work all the controls for five minutes? Would you get into a car where someone with ebola had driven it for anything up to a half hour? Would the NCTS still be open? I doubt it, and ebola is significantly less infectious than covid-19.

Fann Linn wrote: »

NCT and driving tests are cancelled tomorrow pending meeting to decide response to Leo's speech according to RSA website.

A meeting. Like what do they need to decide?

michellie

Wibbs wrote: »

A meeting. Like what do they need to decide?

Probably how they will answer the many queries on the RSA Facebook page about bookings. There were 350 comments on it this morning. It's not as straightforward as shutting down for 2 weeks. A process will have to be set up.

Galadriel

My retest is tomorrow, obviously that won't be happening now.

I assume at some point we'll get a text cancelling appointments or something on their website about it.

Wibbs

michellie wrote: »

Probably how they will answer the many queries on the RSA Facebook page about bookings. There were 350 comments on it this morning. It's not as straightforward as shutting down for 2 weeks. A process will have to be set up.

Or middle management love meetings, as they tend to. I've never attended a meeting that lasted more than ten minutes that could have been done and dusted within ten minutes.

Something along the lines of: Announce service is temporarily suspended. Announce that during this time enquiries will be monitored and further announcements will be made in response. Announce that the situation is current and fluid and updates will be made accounting for that. Apologise for any delays. That's the guts of it.

Kivaro

The RSA's behaviour regarding this issue is best described as extremely poor and at worst can be described as reprehensible and dangerous.
Up to a day ago they were encouraging everyone to continue going to the NCT test centres. I'm angry about the situation because the solution was simple, and was already enacted on the island of Ireland and the UK i.e. postponement of testing.

For those with elderly parents, you know that they treat the NCT test as a military manoeuver where they prepare for it 6 months in advance. The RSA were risking people's lives by telling them that they needed to continue with NCT testing. Not to mention the ludicrous fact that motorists would have to repeat the NCT centre visit again in a month's time after they fix their lifts. In a month's time, this country could be even in a worse condition with the virus.

A lot of you are young, fit and healthy, and feel that the NCT centre visit is no big deal. For the elderly, the immune-compromised, people with asthma and other respiratory issues, and for the elderly and sick, a visit to the NCT centre is highly dangerous. Not to mention those of you who have an underlying health condition and completely unaware of it ............ for now.

Kivaro

Del2005 wrote: »

Any time I've been to an NCT centre they always changed their gloves before starting on a car. When I got the cert they had no gloves on. So even before the Covid-19 issue they where changing gloves between cars.

We need to get it out of our heads that gloves are somehow the virus' kryptonite. The reality is that gloves could be doing the opposite of what many of you think.

maestroamado

I expect that they be closed now because of rules last night, test should have being cancelled when it became a problem.
Another thing is this is the only country where we need to have car tested when not on the road due to change of owner.
AS far as i know the test is for one/two years from date of test.

Lagore

Website updated to say it’s closed