Booking an NCT.......Shortening the wait.

Bleating Lamb

Went online there to book an NCT and earliest date was August 14th so didn't book it....... Heard before that if you try online just before midnight you can get an earlier appointment.Is that in any way accurate ?

Or are you likely to get an earlier appointment if you phone up to book it?

Thanks for any replies.

looksee

Phone them, much easier to get an appointment.

Paul MCM

I got one within 3 weeks when I rang. Seems to be the best way.

TigerTim

I usually check about 8.00 in the morning. Have never failed to get a test date within a couple of weeks.

T.

mct1

What I did- first take the online option to go on the "Priority List', then check the website 2 or 3 times a day at varying times, for a few days. Cancellations come in but go quickly so you need to put that booking through fast.

bazz26

August 14th is only about 7 weeks away, you did well with that date the first time. Most people were getting a date at the earliest of 6 months from now.

If the car is ready to be tested the check the website between 23:30 and midnight every night as that is when they release slots for 2 or 3 days time. The alternative is ring them to put on the priority list but that will depend on the current expiry date.

looksee

It really isn't a problem to ring them, and I was told when I rang it was better to ring - I was saying that I needed an appointment within 4 weeks and could only get one about 3 months away.

Bleating Lamb

Thanks for all replies, will try phoning them tomorrow.

griffin100

I got a date for mid July today. I checked multiple locations within 90 minutes of home and work. My closest test centre was offering October.

HeidiHeidi

I went to book a couple of months back, and got a date for October!

Went on the online cancellation list (priority list?) and got three appointments by text within about two weeks, the last of which finally suited me.

Old diesel

I rang last week....

Got 17th of July this morning in the centre I asked for.......

So definitely ring them.....

They even say themselves on their website that they hold back 2/3 of appointments from the online system....

And yes I agree you shouldn't need to ring them but it's the system as it's set up now unfortunately

dasa29

I went on to the website last Tuesday 20/06/23 just after 11:30PM and it gave me Friday 23/06/23.

When I clicked in to that date it gave me a choice of 4 slots so I picked the 2:40 PM and booked it.

Brought the car in on the Friday and it passed so I don't have to worry about it for another year.

In regards the backlog I heard that the garages were block booking the NCT and not showing up for the test.

magicbastarder

i have been told (but have not tried) that if you're passing the centre, you could simply call in and ask have they any no-shows they could slot you into.

goldenhoarde

Went to book late last week as it's up on 3rd July and earliest date online for fonthill was 2 Nd Feb 2024🤣🤣

Went on priority list and got appointment for 21st July mid afternoon yesterday

Probably due to the date it's up but handy outcome for me

magicbastarder

gave me a chuckle - car failed on the NCT about a month ago (imbalance in front suspension) in ballymun. got it sorted, and rang to book a retest. that's great, on a weds at 10pm. then the text came through confirming the appointment. deansgrange. do they not think you'd expect the retest where the car went for the full test?

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120776668#Comment_120776668

You should have just booked the re test online for Ballymun