NCT backlog

Elessar

Just this morning I realised my NCT is probably up soon, and realised I never got a letter or email from them as I usually do every year. So I went to check and yep - NCT is up tomorrow! My own fault ultimately but I always relied on that reminder.

So I went online to book and as expected, next available dates for most centers are April 24. I booked anyway. I saw mention of a priority list but didn't see any way to get onto it. Is there a way to get on this priority list for a faster test? Or will I just keep checking each day for an earlier reschedule?

In the meantime, what if you get stopped by the guards? Will they accept the text/email from NCT for the booking?

bazz26

A banner appears on the webpage when booking that tells you if you cannot find a suitable date, to ring them and they will put you on a priority list.

Alternatively if you check around 23:30 most nights, new available slots over the next few days appear online.

endacl

Jayzuz….

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121300958#Comment_121300958

Are you calling for a national strike until NCTS / Applus+ / Department of Transport get their act together and provide a testing service that's fit for purpose?

They are all incompetent but a national strike is a bit drastic.

alan partridge aha

Go online as already stated especially late in evening and you will get a date within a few days or even next day. Problem solved.

TigerTim

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121301395#Comment_121301395

This always works for me or early in the morning (7.00AM -8.00AM).

T.

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121300994#Comment_121300994

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121301592#Comment_121301592

In a properly functioning system it shouldn't be necessary to jump through hoops to get an appointment closer than seven months away when you should be able to get one within twenty-eight days.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121301966#Comment_121301966

You don’t need to jump through any hoops. You simply call them and request an appointment. You will then be given one within 28 days.

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121301971#Comment_121301971

Which is why I describe it as non functioning. Why can't I book one online as easily for within the same 28 days. One that fits my schedule, rather than a random one.

The closest available on line is 7 months away.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302002#Comment_121302002

Yes, the online booking system is pretty much non functional for the most part, but there are alternatives methods to booking an NCT, such as calling their booking line.

There isn’t even a backlog, its very easy to get a test date within 28 days. You simply call them and wait for your appointment.

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302057#Comment_121302057

There is a backlog, there isn't the phone capacity or numbers for everyone to do this

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302127#Comment_121302127

People are going online and booking tests for 9 months away and complaining that they can’t get a test any sooner, calling in to Joe Duffy to say how much of a disgrace it is, and then the journalists write articles on it for click bait.

When in fact all they have to do is call the booking line and they will get a test date within 28 days. And as far as I can remember, I’ve never even been left on hold, they usually answer straight away, so plenty of spare capacity it seems.

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302057#Comment_121302057

If I ring up (and manage to get through) will they give me a date and time of my choice or is it a case of take what they offer or tough.

Their contact page says "REMEMBER - If you wish to make an appointment for an NCT then please go to our on-line bookings which allows you to choose the test centre, time and date that suits you."

As the telephone booking line is only open for very limited hours outside when most people are commuting or working, and not at all at weekends, it is next to useless.

As the nearest appointment I can book online is seven months away, it is totally useless.

The booking process is positively Kafkaesque in its obstructiveness.

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302209#Comment_121302209

Only because people are booking 9 months away, if everyone rings... No

Cookie_Monster

Why does there need to be specialist centres, why can't any and every mechanic / motor dealer get certified to carry it out? Then there would be no issues with waiting forever.

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302423#Comment_121302423

Look at the MOT in the UK to understand the pitfalls. Garages recommending unnecessary work to pass a car and issue it's MOT certificate. MOT certificates being bought for cars that aren't roadworthy. The more test centres there are the more difficult it is to regulate, monitor and ensure consistency.

The independence of the NCT is one of its strengths. It's a pity the implementation has been second rate in other aspects.

Some competition in a duopoly might promote better customer service.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302127#Comment_121302127

Its been said multiple times on this thread already. You need to register on the priority list either by phone or online (priority)

Thats the way its working these days.

They don't seem to bothering anymore with the regular online system, slots appear very slowly for like 12 months away. Whereas you get an appointment within a week or two on the priority list. I don't even bother registering on the normal list. They are working till 10:30pm. So between that and the fact they can offer a priority booking so fast, there doesn't seem to much of backlog.

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302533#Comment_121302533

They do bother with the online system

There are cancellations, they return to this list, these are the same ones they give out to the list

If everyone goes on the priority list...

It's just a list

There are 400k cars out there past the nct out of about 1.5million cars

lucalux

As far as I know it used to be the case that cancelled slots were put back into the online system in batches, late night and early morning, but now they are put back into the system immediately.

Which means if you keep the NCT booking page open and keep selecting different, nearby centres, it will refresh with any 'new' slots. The last few years I booked my NCT/re-tests I was usually able to get a test in 24-48 hours or same-day. Not always at the most convenient centre or time, but fine for me

If you ring, they're looking at the same booking system we are. They'll just get notified of free slots quicker

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302614#Comment_121302614

The problem is that lots can't just fart off to Longford at 3pm on a Tuesday and the more people looking for those slots...

starlit

Best to ring NCT office directly for the NCT you want you get the time and date nearer the time as they free up slots for those that need to repeat an NCT test. I have found the online system a bit all over the place. You can book an NCT 90 days before it’s due.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302624#Comment_121302624

You don’t have to go to Longford. I regularly get appointments within 3 days using the cancellation method, and my family have easily gotten appointments within 28 days using the phone line method. All within Dublin at our local test centre.

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302595#Comment_121302595

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Flr-hQHcY

...

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302595#Comment_121302595

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302624#Comment_121302624

You keep doing it your way insisting you have to drive to Longford.

My most recent NCT tests (more then one car) done through the priority list I got slots nearest to me in Dublin within week or two.

Nothing ever appeared on the regular list.

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302736#Comment_121302736

Were you able to chose the date and time for the appointments or was it a take what you're offered option?

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302759#Comment_121302759

As far as I know you tell them your availability and what centres you are willing to travel to and they give you an appointment to match.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302759#Comment_121302759

On the phone they offered a few dates and times. Online there were also a few options, I chose to pick late and at the weekend, so no traffic, and the dates suited and were earlier. Because your leaving late to get on the priority list it means getting something fixed and then back for a retest is a squeeze before the NCT is up. One of mine failed on a bushing, meant getting replaced and re-tracked, and my mechanic was busy. Then getting back to a retest.

Mostly really early and late slots when I did it. A few weeks back.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302767#Comment_121302767

They were pretty reasonable on the phone with me.

I've just got fed up with the main online system, trying to get a slot. So I've given up on it. I got the impression from the operator a lot of people do it this way now.

FishOnABike

From the NCT online FAQ https://www.ncts.ie/media/pqojq4xu/faq_document_re_appointments_feb_2023.pdf it seems once you go on the priority list, they will get back by SMS or email, depending on your indicated preference, with an appointment date and time. You don't seem to have much choice.

I was on the priority list, and I have received an appointment that doesn't suit, will I have to go back on the priority list again? What can I do?

A family member or friend can bring the vehicle for you, just make sure they bring their drivers licence with them on the day as they will be asked to present it at the time of check in. If you opt to cancel your test, you may be placed on the priority list once more. We would recommend that your vehicle is presented for test by someone else to avoid this occurring.

If the offered date and time doesn't suit you go back on the priority list 🙄 and they'll get back to you with another date and time. 🤦‍♂️

Why not just make all the available dates and times available to book online instead of hiding two thirds of them so customers can actually book an NCT appointment that suits them.

Applus+ and the minister for transport need to be taken to task for this farcical situation. If it wasn't a legal requirement it would be a joke.

Flinty997

No idea, why the main online system seems to have a problem.

I'm only guessing, but I assume the main system is hobbled by some issue. Either a overly complex workflow, either in software or business process, that is sub optimal. But they can bypass using the priority list. Thus that become the optimal process.

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302736#Comment_121302736

It's not too hard to understand how a priority list works

You can't all go on it

The numbers waiting are higher than the full list not to mind the priority one

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302997#Comment_121302997

Not everyone needs to be on it. You only need to be on it when your NCT is due soon.

There are more 2/3 slots on the priority list for near appointments.

They should stop people being able to book months in advance. Its creating a catch 22.

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121302984#Comment_121302984

I think the issue is called incompetence.

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121303071#Comment_121303071

There are 300k plus who are past due

Elessar

Update: I went in to reschedule and noticed that if you click the refresh buttons next to the center names, that new dates would pop up every few minutes. Got a date in Feb, then later December and finally got a slot for this Wednesday. Now just have to see if I can get time off work.

Moral of the story: keep refreshing you'll eventually find a closer date!

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121303071#Comment_121303071

They should just make enough appointments bookable online to meet demand in time. If they can't meet the demand a second NCT company should be appointed.

Looking online now I can't get an NCT until almost two months after it is due. The earliest appointment it shows as available is seven months away!

If I want to ensure my car is tested on time and has time for a retest, if needed, I would have to try booking online nine months in advance. That is beyond ridiculous. The target waiting time service level is twelve days!

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304137#Comment_121304137

Or you could just call them and get an appointment within a couple of weeks.

con___manx1

The nct centres should be open 24 hours. That's the way it's done in Germany.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304215#Comment_121304215

They tried that but too many residents complained

JVince

Very simple solution. Cars are better than ever. Change 1st NCT test to year 5.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304064#Comment_121304064

I'm not surprised considering how many in this thread are determined to stay in the slow queue, even after a faster process has been pointed out to them.

Allinall

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304257#Comment_121304257

If those 300k went for the faster process, it would then de facto become the slow queue.

The system isn’t fit for purpose.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304270#Comment_121304270

This thread suggests otherwise.

lucalux

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304090#Comment_121304090

I'm glad you got sorted, but I really think this point is lost on some.

The slots are released back onto the system for online booking

Yes it takes a bit of time/patience, but all we need to do is keep the NCT booking page open, and *keep refreshing*

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304351#Comment_121304351

Only a third are released. The rest are held in the priority booking.

The refreshing thing hasn't worked for me for years.

lucalux

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304498#Comment_121304498

I thought they were released back onto the system closer to the date

"The available appointments that customers see online only represent approximately 1/3 of the actual appointments available for that time. NCTS will open the full capacity or the remaining 2/3 of appointments two weeks ahead when we finalise our schedules and know what staff are available that week."

Just checked there for the craic, got an appt at my local centre for tomorrow if i wanted it

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304351#Comment_121304351

Depending on pot luck and a race condition with other people trying to book an NCT online is not a functional booking system.

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304955#Comment_121304955

Can you book one for next month at a time and date of your choice?

The target waiting time service level is twelve days.

If the booking system was working as it should I should be able to go online and book a test within the next fortnight or more and select a time and date that suits me.

That I can't even pick any date within the next seven months shows the booking system is completely disfunctional.

_Kaiser_

NCT is due on my car next month but I went onto the site week before last and as expected saw dates of April 2024 as the next available.

Right under that though is the option to be added to the priority list (you don't even need to call them) so clicked that and selected my availability. Received confirmation within minutes via email.

Got the test date on Thursday last week - set for a week later than the renewal date so that'll do nicely.

Whatever about the mess that is the backlog and running of these centres, but the process itself to get a reasonable date (even in these times) is extremely easy.

FishOnABike

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304351#Comment_121304351

I think it's lost on some that little or none of the two thirds ever get released back into the online booking system because they will already have been allocated to those in the 'priority' queue.

The booking system is a total shambles.

It should be simple. How many cars are due to be tested in any time period (week/month/90 days), how many retests can be expected, how many cancellations or no-shows can be expected. Plan for that capacity (plus some buffer capacity) and make it all bookable online.

Hiding the majority of their test capacity seems to be solely for the purpose of Applus+ avoiding being penalised and having to provide free tests for not meeting their service level agreement.

The Department of Transport messed up when the 10 year contract was renewed in 2020. It should have included strong, target driven penalty clauses to encourage Applus+ to meet its targets and allow for introducing a competitor if targets were not met.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121304955#Comment_121304955

That you can get a date on priority list within the next week or so but not on the main system suggests otherwise.