NCT during the 2020/21 Covid19 pandemic

Max Headroom · 28-03-2020 7:19pm

Not wanting to start yet another thread...any thoughts on declaring your vehicle off the road for the foreseeable...???....anyone doing it..?...
Anyone heard any leniency from the gov if your car is parked up for months wasting the road tax..??

dominicbond · 28-03-2020 7:41pm

After the confusion due to the statement on the NCT site, there is now an update shutting the centres. That will be a weight off our minds.
Take care and stay safe everyone!

COVID–19 Update – The Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross and the RSA have confirmed that the National Car Testing Service (NCT) is suspended until further notice with immediate effect. This is in order to comply with the new public restrictions to tackle the spread of the Coronavirus

Buffman · 28-03-2020 8:11pm

Good info here, possible extensions being offered.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/driving-and-nct-tests-suspended-as-minister-looks-to-extend-validity-1.4214971

Irish Steve · 29-03-2020 12:29am

While I didn't and don't have a lot of time for Minister Ross, I'd have to be fair and say that some of the other ministers have more than enough on their plate right now, and discussing the implications of NCT's CVRT's and other motoring issues would have been well down the agenda in comparison to the issues of too many people dying on a daily basis.

They might not be popular, but to be fair, they've done a pretty impressive job over the last few weeks in terms of getting things sorted in a big hurry, and they manage to come across as a lot more competent and capable than some of the other people we are seeing on both sides of the Atlantic.

As for where this goes long term, that's anybody's guess.

CiniO · 29-03-2020 12:45am

Dravokivich wrote: »

No NCT, you shouldn't be driving. If the shops are too far to walk, a lot of places are pushing delivery services now.

Ahh yeah sure...
NCT hardly can be done anywhere since the beginning of the year, due to some ridiculous situation where company chosen by government to proceed those tests is clearly not fit to perform this task. It's totally ridiculous that in a country with over 2.5 million cars there's no backup for tests - just one testing company.
And even more ridiculous is that considering this situation with inablitity to obtain a test + having a country at standstill, that law requiring to have valid NCT is still fully operational, and possibly some mad gardai are enforcing it, and even more ridiculous that some posters on boards are advocating it.

biko · 29-03-2020 11:26am

A reiteration of the news

https://www.ncts.ie/1115

The Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross and the RSA have confirmed that the National Car Testing Service (NCT) is suspended until further notice with immediate effect. This is in order to comply with the new public restrictions to tackle the spread of the Coronavirus. For more details see here

VRT and NTA services are also suspended.

Further information for customers will be provided over the coming days.

ted1 · 29-03-2020 11:34am

wonski wrote: »

There is no difference at all.

No nct is no nct. Half nct is no nct.

That's the whole point.

Scrap it for a month or two at least. There is no point.

Not true.

My NCT is a few months out of date.
Went for my test last month , failed on light allignment and didn’t get a lift inspection.

Sorted the lights bought back for the retest. Still no lift inspection. Was given the report with an incomplete test stamp. And was told that I can drive with that report.

wonski · 29-03-2020 11:17pm

ted1 wrote: »

Not true.

My NCT is a few months out of date.
Went for my test last month , failed on light allignment and didn’t get a lift inspection.

Sorted the lights bought back for the retest. Still no lift inspection. Was given the report with an incomplete test stamp. And was told that I can drive with that report.

It's still true. You can drive with that report. I can drive without it.

We are both without nct. So are thousands other drivers.

Top Dog · 04-04-2020 8:55pm

From the NCT website (its been a week now so I would have hoped there'd be some proper information and clear answers, but it would appear not) :rolleyes:

6 My current NCT has expired or expires shortly, can I still drive my vehicle without an NCT?

The Government have suspended NCT testing and are asking the public to stay at home and only drive vehicles for essential business.

7 Will not having a completed NCT impact on my car insurance?

As the public restrictions prevent customers from having an NCT, we understand the Insurance industry have taken a pragmatic position. Please check with your Insurance Company to confirm.

6 - they pose the question themselves - but fail to answer it. If its essential business is it ok to have an expired test?

7 - pragmatic position? Irish insurance companies?!

My test is now expired. Did the first part a couple of weeks ago while the disc in my window was still valid, passed, but no lift inspection. No idea when I can get the rest of the test done. My wife's car is due for a test in May - had it booked in nice and early mid-April, and with the centers shut down its now been cancelled.

I have little choice but to drive it now - I have to get to work and there's no public transport option. So I now have to hope that (a) I'm not involved in any accident as I don't trust the pragmatic approach and (b) hope I don't get stopped at a checkpoint by a Garda who's having a tough day

I understand that a number of posters think that it's not a huge deal with everything else thats going on at the moment, but when you're one of those people who still has to go to work then it's not a nice position to be in. Because buying another car with a longer test, in the hopes that things will eventually return to normal, really isn't an option.

wonski · 04-04-2020 9:30pm

Top Dog wrote: »

From the NCT website (its been a week now so I would have hoped there'd be some proper information and clear answers, but it would appear not) :rolleyes:

6 - they pose the question themselves - but fail to answer it. If its essential business is it ok to have an expired test?

7 - pragmatic position? Irish insurance companies?!

My test is now expired. Did the first part a couple of weeks ago while the disc in my window was still valid, passed, but no lift inspection. No idea when I can get the rest of the test done. My wife's car is due for a test in May - had it booked in nice and early mid-April, and with the centers shut down its now been cancelled.

I have little choice but to drive it now - I have to get to work and there's no public transport option. So I now have to hope that (a) I'm not involved in any accident as I don't trust the pragmatic approach and (b) hope I don't get stopped at a checkpoint by a Garda who's having a tough day

I understand that a number of posters think that it's not a huge deal with everything else thats going on at the moment, but when you're one of those people who still has to go to work then it's not a nice position to be in. Because buying another car with a longer test, in the hopes that things will eventually return to normal, really isn't an option.

I am in the same boat as you, and just stopped worrying about it and kept driving.

Now if things go wrong somewhere, and I hope not, then we will worry, but at that time just don't.

Was stopped today going back from St James Hospital earlier by Garda and no questions were asked about nct or tax. Just where I am going and why.

Quick look at my passenger in the back seat and just answered we go back from hospital.

Waved on. It was pretty obvious case, though.

I have a letter from work, have a person to take care of for a while giving lifts to and from hospital. Hopefully just two more trips next week and that's all.

Back seat, no chit chats on the way. I stay in the car or just walk around without approaching anyone.

Have to go to work 5 days a week too and the NCT just became non issue now. I am sure Gardaí will understand. Insurance companies we will see. Mine is tpft so not really affected.

Top Dog · 04-04-2020 9:44pm

wonski wrote: »

I am in the same boat as you, and just stopped worrying about it and kept driving.

Sounds like my normal approach to things (don't worry about things out of your control) so maybe I need to get back to that

wonski · 04-04-2020 9:55pm

Top Dog wrote: »

Sounds like my normal approach to things (don't worry about things out of your control) so maybe I need to get back to that

You should.

Some sort of extension for nct that expired during coronavirus /lift failure would be nice, but until then just keep doing what you have to do and yeah, go back to your regular approach

Just realized my tax is just out, too. Unrelated, but is Shannon working and issue tax discs paid for online now?

Can't see meself paying for nothing again

Stay safe TopDog and don't worry too much

Top Dog · 05-04-2020 12:13am

wonski wrote: »

Just realized my tax is just out, too. Unrelated, but is Shannon working and issue tax discs paid for online now?

I believe they are - got 2 notifications (car & camper) on the 1st for Motor Tax renewal with online pin etc

wonski · 05-04-2020 12:30am

Top Dog wrote: »

I believe they are - got 2 notifications (car & camper) on the 1st for Motor Tax renewal with online pin etc

I just paid it now. At least I will have 2/3 in the window. Got email too, but wasn't sure.

Charles Babbage · 05-04-2020 1:36am

wonski wrote: »

You should.

Some sort of extension for nct that expired during coronavirus /lift failure would be nice, but until then just keep doing what you have to do and yeah, go back to your regular approach

Just realized my tax is just out, too. Unrelated, but is Shannon working and issue tax discs paid for online now?

Shannon is working fine, got a disk in 2 days this week.
I have no NCT though right now, I thought it better to have one disk.

SmallTeapot · 05-04-2020 11:39am

My NCT will expire in 10 days time (unfortunately). I had a test booked for last Friday, but similar to others experiences, received a text starting all tests for the foreseeable future were cancelled.

I’m hoping Shane Ross puts an emergency clause in place that will extend disks for approximately 3 months just to get through the lockdown.

Odyssey 2005 · 05-04-2020 12:30pm

Charles Babbage wrote: »

Shannon is working fine, got a disk in 2 days this week.
I have no NCT though right now, I thought it better to have one disk.

Same here. Tax disc came in jig time.

Odyssey 2005 · 05-04-2020 12:38pm

SmallTeapot wrote: »

My NCT will expire in approx 10 days time unfortunately. I had a test booked for last Friday, but similar to others experiences, received a text starting all tests for the foreseeable future were cancelled.

I’m hoping Shane Ross puts an emergency clause in place that will extend disks for approximately 3 months just to get through the lockdown.

Shane Ross ...emergency ?

It would be great if the mupped came out of his rabbit hole and said something, is he even in the jurisdiction?.
Its 8 days since the centre's were closed, and they still haven't updated their website.

delboythedub · 05-04-2020 12:58pm

I was at a motor cycle race in Skerries a few years back were AXA insurance had a stand and I enquired about them continuing insuring older cars and was told to Make sure that tires were good and HAS CURRENT NCT CERT. interesting as I knew a guy years ago who was a Claims assessor for an insurance company and he told that when a claim comes in and its not a small one his job was to find a problem with the crashed car and i think an expired NCT would do.

Kivaro · 05-04-2020 3:49pm

SmallTeapot wrote: »

My NCT will expire in 10 days time (unfortunately). I had a test booked for last Friday, but similar to others experiences, received a text starting all tests for the foreseeable future were cancelled.

I’m hoping Shane Ross puts an emergency clause in place that will extend disks for approximately 3 months just to get through the lockdown.

3 months is not sufficient for obvious reasons.
Extending the certs for 6 months at the very least is what's recommended.
Just like the British did.

Top Dog · 05-04-2020 5:13pm

Kivaro wrote: »

3 months is not sufficient for obvious reasons.
Extending the certs for 6 months at the very least is what's recommended.

Agreed. They were already miles behind with the lift fiasco, this closure is just adding to the backlog now. There's no way they'll be able to clear everything in a 3 month window.

sligojoek · 05-04-2020 11:57pm

Kivaro wrote: »

3 months is not sufficient for obvious reasons.
Extending the certs for 6 months at the very least is what's recommended.
Just like the British did.

Exactly. If it's only 3 months I'll be in trouble in 3 weeks time. Passed first part but lift inspection was cancelled.

wonski · 06-04-2020 11:12pm

If this makes you a little bit less worried I passed another checkpoint just now and after checking the discs the Gardaí said nothing about the NCT.

They were more interested about my license and where I go.

10 seconds later I was on my way

Die Hard 2019 · 06-04-2020 11:18pm

I have been going through checkpoints regularly and only getting asked the where and why questions. I have a letter from my employer explaining my reasons for traveling that I have laminated and I clean it hand it to the Guard and take it back and clean it's again.

Only today I realised that I never changed my tax disc when it came in January and since be n getting waved through no questions asked on a expired since end Jan disc.

They don't care as long as you have a reason to be moving around . Probably would on insurance.

garv123 · 07-04-2020 12:28am

MY VRT inspection was cancelled, no option to rebook yet. I bet I'll still have to pay a late fine and claim it back when I do get the VRT done.

I better ring the insurance company tomorrow and see will they extend the 30 days on a UK reg.

Anyone get an extension of their insurance company before? Unchartered waters I guess.

Hotblack Desiato · 07-04-2020 12:37am

Gardai waving people through checkpoints doesn't answer the question of what the insurance company will do if you crash with an expired NCT.

wonski · 07-04-2020 1:02am

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

Gardai waving people through checkpoints doesn't answer the question of what the insurance company will do if you crash with an expired NCT.

People put too much faith in nct... If you have bald tires nct won't save you. Same with brakes etc.

If everyone stays the **** home then maybe chances of crashes are lower so we won't have to discuss it.

As things stand those who have to be on the road stay on the road, those who don't stay the **** out.

People driving to Centra on Sunday to grab a newspaper and a bottle of milk with a kid don't help. I see it every ****ing day.

NCT or not if at fault you had to worry about it regardless.

If not at fault then it is other party to worry about.

General advice is to not to crash and keep distance. And if those pricks driving to get a roll, a newspaper or a 1l milk could stay at home that would be great

scudzilla · 07-04-2020 1:04am

Mine's only a slight problem

NCT is due up in June, i booked it in for last weekend (obviously cancelled) so when it passed i'd get a 2yr ticket. If i can't get it done before June (month of registration) i'll only get a 1yr cert when it passes, wonder if they'll have any leniency on that?

con___manx1 · 07-04-2020 1:19am

my nct is up on the 14th.I tried to book nct and said its closed. im an essential worker so I have to drive to work. the insurance better cover cars not just mine if anything happens.

Hotblack Desiato · 07-04-2020 3:17am

wonski wrote: »

People put too much faith in nct... If you have bald tires nct won't save you. Same with brakes etc.

The point isn't whether a car is roadworthy or not.

The point is that many policies have T&Cs which mean the insurer can reject a claim out of hand if the NCT is expired.

If everyone stays the **** home then maybe chances of crashes are lower so we won't have to discuss it.

Meanwhile people still have to travel to essential work, food shopping, and medical appointments. Not helpful.

If not at fault then it is other party to worry about.

Right, because nobody who didn't cause an accident has ever suffered financial loss as a result.

Insurers (your own, and the other party's) with go to ANY length to avoid paying out a claim.

Hotblack Desiato · 07-04-2020 3:19am

scudzilla wrote: »

Mine's only a slight problem

NCT is due up in June, i booked it in for last weekend (obviously cancelled) so when it passed i'd get a 2yr ticket. If i can't get it done before June (month of registration) i'll only get a 1yr cert when it passes, wonder if they'll have any leniency on that?

Two chances of that I'm afraid. Useless Shane Ross can't even tell us whether we're legal to drive or not, or insured or not.

The Nutty M · 07-04-2020 6:44am

garv123 wrote: »

MY VRT inspection was cancelled, no option to rebook yet. I bet I'll still have to pay a late fine and claim it back when I do get the VRT done.

I better ring the insurance company tomorrow and see will they extend the 30 days on a UK reg.

Anyone get an extension of their insurance company before? Unchartered waters I guess.

The missus is still waiting on a text from Revenue of the amount to be paid after her VRT appointment for a motorbike. It's insured under the English plate and CN are happy with the situation 40 days further on from the date of first insurance.

Eggs For Dinner · 07-04-2020 7:39am

https://www.insuranceireland.eu/news-and-publications/news-press-release/we-note-the-proposal-to-extend-driving-licences-and-ncts-expiring-between-march-july

Hotblack Desiato · 07-04-2020 4:31pm

Good news! (presuming all companies underwriting here are members of Insurance Ireland)

wassie · 07-04-2020 5:57pm

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

The point isn't whether a car is roadworthy or not.

The point is that many policies have T&Cs which mean the insurer can reject a claim out of hand if the NCT is expired.

This.

Anyone who has an expired NCT should confirm in writing directly from their insurer that they will still have valid cover during this period.

You can not rely advice or statements from anyone else, whether it be the NCTS, Minister, Insurance Ireland or even this forum, regarding ones own validity of cover during this period of NCT closure.

wonski · 07-04-2020 8:24pm

wassie wrote: »

This.

Anyone who has an expired NCT should confirm in writing directly from their insurer that they will still have valid cover during this period.

You can not rely advice or statements from anyone else, whether it be the NCTS, Minister, Insurance Ireland or even this forum, regarding ones own validity of cover during this period of NCT closure.

My insurer, 123.ie has a dedicated covid19 page. It says:

Medical or NCT tests. Customers unable to complete Medical or NCT tests will not be restricted from renewing their policies at this time. But we will ask for this in the future.

Which means it's fine.

They also extend all policies to business class 1 use automatically and few extra perks for essential workers.

Impressed.

dominicbond · 08-04-2020 12:24pm

For customers of Allianz

NCT tests: We understand that customers are unable to undertake NCT tests due to the Government restrictions at this time; and so we would like to reassure our existing and new customers that car insurance cover will continue to be provided and maintained during this time.

https://www.allianz.ie/covid19/

Pops_20 · 08-04-2020 2:10pm

Is there any updates on the NCT situation from Liberty Insurance? There is a dedicated COVID-19 page on their website, but it only relates to keeping their employees safe, offices closed etc.

Townton · 08-04-2020 3:26pm

Anyone here know if the NCT is cross recognised in the UK? I am re registering a car in the UK (bloody nightmare and one of the most bureaucratic processes I have ever seen in my life) but they need an mot certificate before they give me new plates. Can't insure it via English company till I have the plates but can't get those till mot is done. So need to insure it here and tax to drive it to the UK to then get the registration done. But I'm pretty sure there is an EU thing of cross recognition anyone aware of it? Otherwise I need to get two tests done and two sets of insurance and tax

Charles Babbage · 08-04-2020 4:00pm

wassie wrote: »

This.

Anyone who has an expired NCT should confirm in writing directly from their insurer that they will still have valid cover during this period.

You can not rely advice or statements from anyone else, whether it be the NCTS, Minister, Insurance Ireland or even this forum, regarding ones own validity of cover during this period of NCT closure.

No, the Minister can issue an SI that NCTs are valid for an additional period and that will meet the requirement, insurance companies cannot say that is the wrong sort of NCT. However, he has to get off his butt and do this.

jelutong · 09-04-2020 9:40pm

Off topic but I see some American Car Insurance companies are refunding some of premiums paid by customers for April and May. Very few crashes so very few claims.
Irish Insurance Companies please copy.

dominicbond · 09-04-2020 9:49pm

jelutong wrote: »

Off topic but I see some American Car Insurance companies are refunding some of premiums paid by customers for April and May. Very few crashes so very few claims.
Irish Insurance Companies please copy.

We live in hope. Probably they use the Pandemic as an excuse to increase our premiums ☹️☹️

Hotblack Desiato · 10-04-2020 1:43am

Yep 9/11 all over again. Their global losses in competitive markets are imposed upon customers in uncompetitive markets legally obliged to buy their rip-off product.

Titzon Toast · 10-04-2020 5:05pm

Quick question folks, I'm buying a car in early May that doesn't have an NCT. It hasn't had one in years.
Is there any point in me taxing it? Would I be able to drive it without fear of the Garda hammering me because it's been out for so long even though I'd "just bought" it? *

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

* Wink, wink.

dominicbond · 10-04-2020 6:25pm

Titzon Toast wrote: »

Quick question folks, I'm buying a car in early May that doesn't have an NCT. It hasn't had one in years.
Is there any point in me taxing it? Would I be able to drive it without fear of the Garda hammering me because it's been out for so long even though I'd "just bought" it? *

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

* Wink, wink.

Obviously no fault of your own that you will be in limbo. Trouble is they will argue that is should had been NCTed years ago. If you can't afford to lay it up it probably isn't worth the risk.

wonski · 10-04-2020 7:09pm

I wouldn't.

Purchase the car when the nct is available. Having one out of date for so long is asking for trouble. Especially with the number of checkpoints around.

selectamatic · 10-04-2020 7:23pm

Titzon Toast wrote: »

Quick question folks, I'm buying a car in early May that doesn't have an NCT. It hasn't had one in years.
Is there any point in me taxing it? Would I be able to drive it without fear of the Garda hammering me because it's been out for so long even though I'd "just bought" it? *

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

* Wink, wink.

Not a fear they'd let ya away with it imo.

Plenty of the coronavirus checkpoints down the country are being accompanied by roads policing units every so often and they're checking everything.

If you've half a test or your test ran out during this closed period or just before it, would be the only scenarios I'd be thinking that'll get the blind eye treatment.

Titzon Toast · 10-04-2020 10:36pm

Cheers lads, I pretty much knew as much meself.
It's a car I've just finished recommissioning that I transferred into my friend's name for a month to avoid the back tax!
I'm just dying to drive it again, that's all.
Even if I could just float around my town breaking in the clutch for a few hundred miles I'd be happy.
It is what it is I suppose. I'll just have to wait for the test centres to open again.

Darc19 · 10-04-2020 10:39pm

wassie wrote: »

This.

Anyone who has an expired NCT should confirm in writing directly from their insurer that they will still have valid cover during this period.

You can not rely advice or statements from anyone else, whether it be the NCTS, Minister, Insurance Ireland or even this forum, regarding ones own validity of cover during this period of NCT closure.

Or they could simply look at the website of their insurance company.

I wish people would stop the catastrophe syndrome posts and use basic common sense

Hotblack Desiato · 12-04-2020 1:29am

Yeah TT, it's unfair on people who had a car off the road for whatever reason, and now have it fully roadworthy but the state is refusing to certify it to that effect.

If the state imposes an obligation upon you such as the NCT, then refuses to carry it out, then logically the obligation should be fully removed for that period.

It's unfair too on people who were hoping to learn to drive in the spring / summer period, they can't even get a learner permit as things stand.

NCT during the 2020/21 Covid19 pandemic

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