NCT backlog

Elessar · 30-10-2023 11:23AM #1

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 · 30-10-2023 11:27AM

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 · 30-10-2023 11:47AM

Jayzuz….

FishOnABike · 30-10-2023 12:31PM

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 · 30-10-2023 02:15PM

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 · 30-10-2023 03:16PM

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 · 30-10-2023 05:20PM

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 · 30-10-2023 05:21PM

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 · 30-10-2023 05:30PM

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 · 30-10-2023 05:46PM

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 · 30-10-2023 06:01PM

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 · 30-10-2023 06:19PM

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 · 30-10-2023 06:28PM

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 · 30-10-2023 06:59PM

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

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

Cookie_Monster · 30-10-2023 07:07PM

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 · 30-10-2023 07:19PM

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 · 30-10-2023 07:40PM

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 · 30-10-2023 07:57PM

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 · 30-10-2023 08:02PM

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 · 30-10-2023 08:05PM

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 · 30-10-2023 08:06PM

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 · 30-10-2023 08:14PM

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 · 30-10-2023 08:33PM

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

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

...

Flinty997 · 30-10-2023 08:42PM

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 · 30-10-2023 08:50PM

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 · 30-10-2023 08:52PM

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 · 30-10-2023 08:59PM

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 · 30-10-2023 09:01PM

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 · 30-10-2023 09:33PM

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 · 30-10-2023 09:43PM

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 · 30-10-2023 09:47PM

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

NCT backlog

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