NCT waiting times

Customer Charter

1. We aim to ensure that the average lead time for an appointment at an individual NCT centre is less than or equal to 15 days. You will be provided with a test, free of charge, where an appointment cannot be offered within a 28 day period, unless any of the following apply:
   • the test is overdue by more than 7 days at the time of contacting us;
   • an appointment was offered 7 days or more prior to the test due date;
   • you have made specific requests regarding suitable days, times or dates;
   • you have declined or rearranged two or more appointments;
   • you have failed to attend an appointment; or
   • you have previously accepted or requested an appointment outside of the 28 day period.

You can get yourself on the priority list online, you’ll get an appointment within a week.

Going on at night has worked for me the last 2 years got a test within 2 days this year.

But as I always point out there should be a better system. Only releasing 1/3 of the slots online creates this daft situtation. How they can say its anything due to available staff is beyond me as its always the same guys on duty whenever I go for a test.

I've noticed that the later you leave it, the better the chances are at getting a short date.

Saying your test center has slots is useless information unless you say where it is. Dublin for example is a lot busier than everywhere else.

For years I used to wait to within 2 weeks and ring them. Always got a priority spot.

Last year they sent a email just after my test allowing me to book the car in for the following year. Simple. Why they didn't do this before is baffling.

Though this year they haven't sent the email so I guess I'll be back to ringing to 2 weeks before the date.

Be true poorly run system.

NCT only initially release 30% of appointment dates online. It doesn't matter how busy the test center its very rare that there are no unbooked appointments released late at night a few days before they come available.