NCT during the 2020/21 Covid19 pandemic

Quackster · 12-01-2021 5:20pm

Luap wrote: »

I have not driven my car since the start of the lockdown last March and my NCT expired in March 2020.

When trying to book it online it's showing that I don't have a test due until March 2021?

I think if you didn't get your last test done and you're now within ninety days of when your next test would be due, the cert is dated from that test date (March 2021) and so will not expire until March 2022

Remember, as you had a test outstanding at the end of March this year, you didn't qualify for the four-month extension.

Quackster · 12-01-2021 5:22pm

turniphead wrote: »

Hi there,

My NCT expired in February 2020. I have a 2009 car so it requires an annual NCT test. I havn't driven this car at all in 2020 as I had permanent access to a work vehicle which was extended throughout 2020 because of Covid.

I'm looking to get my own car back on the road again but I was wondering...

(a). if I book it in for an NCT and it passes how long will the certificate be valid for? The nearest dates available in my local test centre are April 2021.

As per the last post, I believe your next cert will be valid until February 2022.

Seve OB · 12-01-2021 6:35pm

Quackster wrote: »

I think if you didn't get your last test done and you're now within ninety days of when your next test would be due, the cert is dated from that test date (March 2021) and so will not expire until March 2022

Remember, as you had a test outstanding at the end of March this year, you didn't qualify for the four-month extension.

Quackster wrote: »

As per the last post, I believe your next cert will be valid until February 2022.

see my post a few pages back re my wifes car.

basically similar situation, got cert through to march 2022

Zatoichi · 13-01-2021 12:19am

dkd21 wrote: »

Servicing has nothing to do with the test .. who asked you that ?

Person at the desk you show your licence to.

Luap · 13-01-2021 12:30pm

Seve OB wrote: »

see my post a few pages back re my wifes car.

basically similar situation, got cert through to march 2022

Is this possible to drive the car now even with the expired disc? I have my test book in Feb.

Thanks again

zg3409 · 14-01-2021 1:21pm

Luap wrote: »

Is this possible to drive the car now even with the expired disc? I have my test book in Feb.

Thanks again

Check the nct site with your car reg. Some not all have a free extension.

Its an offence to drive with an out of date NCT and your insurance might have an issue with it too, particularly at renewal date.

That said, keep a print out of booking in car and you might be OK

You can get an earlier date by ringing call centre and staying on hold for 20 minutes. They then text you a random day and time a week later. Its better to have NCT than out of date NCT particularly if it can be avoided.

dkd21 · 15-01-2021 10:19am

Zatoichi wrote: »

Person at the desk you show your licence to.

Maybe in relation to your engine condition for the smoke test if its a diesel.

youcancallmeal · 19-01-2021 10:33am

I have a car which is due NCT end of Feb according to the cert I have. I just checked on NCT site and it's been extended 4 months to June this year. If I'm stopped between Feb and June will a Garda accept this explanation or should I do a print out from the NCT site? I'm due to trade in the car in the next few months anyway so definitely don't want to send it for an early NCT.

Quackster · 19-01-2021 1:47pm

youcancallmeal wrote: »

I have a car which is due NCT end of Feb according to the cert I have. I just checked on NCT site and it's been extended 4 months to June this year. If I'm stopped between Feb and June will a Garda accept this explanation or should I do a print out from the NCT site? I'm due to trade in the car in the next few months anyway so definitely don't want to send it for an early NCT.

No need to print off anything, Gardaí are fully up to speed.

Sir Galahad · 20-01-2021 1:56pm

Both my cars are due in February. I get the "WARNING! Your Vehicle is not due yet! If you continue to make a booking, it may fall under the voluntary early testing rules which will bring future test due dates forward." warning when I try to book. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to doing it now rather than waiting for four months ? Thanks.

Quackster · 20-01-2021 2:17pm

Sir Galahad wrote: »

Both my cars are due in February. I get the "WARNING! Your Vehicle is not due yet! If you continue to make a booking, it may fall under the voluntary early testing rules which will bring future test due dates forward." warning when I try to book. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to doing it now rather than waiting for four months ? Thanks.

You mean both your cars were originally due in February but are due in June now?

I don't see any benefit in getting them done early, especially with the levels of covid circulating at the moment. Remember, the ninety-day rule means you can get them done from March and not be penalised.

WestWicklow1 · 20-01-2021 2:28pm

The only advantage I see is if you are selling the car and you want a long test on it to help it's salability.

Mine is due in May but I have a test booked in Feb (within the 90 days of the due date).

Sir Galahad · 20-01-2021 3:42pm

WestWicklow1 wrote: »

Mine is due in May but I have a test booked in Feb (within the 90 days of the due date).

So you have a long nct for selling ?

WestWicklow1 · 20-01-2021 4:57pm

Sir Galahad wrote: »

So you have a long nct for selling ?

Yes.

Seve OB · 20-01-2021 10:07pm

WestWicklow1 wrote: »

The only advantage I see is if you are selling the car and you want a long test on it to help it's salability.

Mine is due in May but I have a test booked in Feb (within the 90 days of the due date).

did you get your 4 month extension last year?

WestWicklow1 · 20-01-2021 11:19pm

Seve OB wrote: »

did you get your 4 month extension last year?

Yes.

njburke · 22-01-2021 4:56pm

Hi,
I just went to fill out the form for NCT recognition of an MOT cert. I brought a car in from the UK last month with MOT valid till July.
I got the postal order needed, but the NCT site seems to have changed. Its now urging me to display the EU cert, I take it this rules out my MOT and I now have to apply for an NCT as UK MOT certs are no longer valid?

Zomoradi · 25-01-2021 1:06am

I was thinking the same

Zomoradi · 25-01-2021 1:07am

i think he got less? maybe im wrong

Coillte_Bhoy · 26-01-2021 3:15pm

Elderly relative just brought to my attention that his NCT is up on 13 Feb (thats with the 4 month extension), he had thought they were closed with the restrictions etc and so had simply forgotten all about it. Nearest date i can get him online is Feb 18 but he wont drive as he is afraid of being stopped and pulled with all the checkpoints. Is there any point ringing them to try and get soemthing sooner?

pinktoe · 26-01-2021 3:18pm

You can drive to the NCT with an expired disc, it's perfectly legal.

Maybe ring or just check for new slots every morning.

gozunda · 26-01-2021 3:18pm

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Elderly relative juts brought to my attention that his NCT is up on 13 Feb (thats with the 4 month extension), he had thought they were closed with the restrictions etc and so had simply forgotten all about it. Nearest date i can get him online is Feb 18 but he wont drive as he is afraid of being stopped and pulled with all the checkpoints. Is there any point ringing them to try and get soemthing sooner?

Yes give them a call you may get lucky.

BrianBoru00 · 26-01-2021 3:19pm

Just book the closest place to him for the next available date -there will be no issue

Coillte_Bhoy · 26-01-2021 3:25pm

pinktoe wrote: »

You can drive to the NCT with an expired disc, it's perfectly legal.

Maybe ring or just check for new slots every morning.

Ok thanks ill try and persuade him

Coillte_Bhoy · 26-01-2021 3:37pm

pinktoe wrote: »

You can drive to the NCT with an expired disc, it's perfectly legal.

Maybe ring or just check for new slots every morning.

But is it actually legal or just that most guards will use their cop on? Also what about the 5km rule or is the NCT now deemed essential?

pinktoe · 26-01-2021 3:43pm

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

But is it actually legal or just that most guards will use their cop on? Also what about the 5km rule or is the NCT now deemed essential?

Sorry it was completely legal in the Road Traffic Regulations 1999, now they removed that part in the 2009 version.

So I was wrong. I'd personally still chance it but it would probably depend on the garda. Sorry about that

kerrycork13 · 26-01-2021 3:46pm

You're fine once you can show your waiting for the test.

pippip · 26-01-2021 4:01pm

Keep checking the system, new dates pop up constantly as people cancel.

emy · 26-01-2021 4:13pm

I just had the NCT done today, supposed to be done in Sept last year, so was postponed and due on the 21st of Jan. The shortest NCT time ever, not so many cars queuing. I changed the oil, and the filter, put some quality diesel + additive, and drove in the 4th gear up to 3000 rot/m to the NCT. Smoke 0.560 and turbo 2.50/m. Last year was smoke 2.310 and turbo 3.00 /m. All good for one more year

MrCostington · 26-01-2021 4:13pm

I had the same situation, forgot about it with the extension and all, and nothing available online.

I rang and got put on a priority list. Had a booking before the expiry in a few days. I've always found them very helpful on the phone.

dmc17 · 26-01-2021 4:13pm

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Elderly relative just brought to my attention that his NCT is up on 13 Feb (thats with the 4 month extension), he had thought they were closed with the restrictions etc and so had simply forgotten all about it. Nearest date i can get him online is Feb 18 but he wont drive as he is afraid of being stopped and pulled with all the checkpoints. Is there any point ringing them to try and get soemthing sooner?

I've found in the past if you check online around 8:30 in the morning there would be new slots available, probably due to updating of cancellations.

Atlantic Dawn · 26-01-2021 4:21pm

njburke wrote: »

Hi,
I just went to fill out the form for NCT recognition of an MOT cert. I brought a car in from the UK last month with MOT valid till July.
I got the postal order needed, but the NCT site seems to have changed. Its now urging me to display the EU cert, I take it this rules out my MOT and I now have to apply for an NCT as UK MOT certs are no longer valid?

MOT certs to swap for NCT no longer an option as of 1st January, you will need to apply for NCT.

jelutong · 26-01-2021 5:17pm

NCT have special arrangements in place for more vulnerable people. If you’re in that category their advice is to ring 01 4135992 (Monday to Friday) .
Worth looking into in your relatives case.

Coillte_Bhoy · 26-01-2021 5:27pm

Got sorted, just checked online 10 mins ago and there was a slot next Wednesday, perfect, gives him a week to get it ready etc. Thanks for all the helpful replies. I presume there's no issue with me taking the car in for the test?

Miscreant · 26-01-2021 5:29pm

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Got sorted, just checked online 10 mins ago and there was a slot next Wednesday, perfect, gives him a week to get it ready etc. Thanks for all the helpful replies. I presume there's no issue with me taking the car in for the test?

There should be no issue with you bringing the car for the test as long as you bring the Reg certificate with you in case you are asked. They may ask for a licence also but sometimes they don't bother.

BronsonTB · 26-01-2021 5:30pm

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Got sorted, just checked online 10 mins ago and there was a slot next Wednesday, perfect, gives him a week to get it ready etc. Thanks for all the helpful replies. I presume there's no issue with me taking the car in for the test?

None - Just bring your ID.

Buddy97mm · 26-01-2021 6:57pm

kerrycork13 wrote:

You're fine once you can show your waiting for the test.

You may be fine but is wholly dependent on the Garda you encounter. Technically it is illegal to drive with an expired certificate, but you will generally be fine if the date of expiration and date of test are reasonably close.

jimbooth · 27-01-2021 6:10pm

Our cars nct is due Feb 2nd so I presumed it automatically had the extension but doesn't after all.
Reason they gave me was it didn't have a valid nct on March 28 last year (2020) it went in for test on March 11 but because of the lifts issue was not issued a full test so is not eligible for the extension!

Cape Clear · 28-01-2021 10:46am

Another 4 month extension but I'm guessing it only covers car that are within the 90 day period!

https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40214309.html

beauf · 28-01-2021 11:05am

"...In the context of the safety protocols relating to Covid-19, the capacity of NCT centres is restricted and there is less opportunity to increase their level of service than would otherwise be possible. This has resulted in delays in a number of centres.”..."

They are constantly backlogged every year. If anything is quicker these days. Probably have lots of people isolating as per protocols though.

zg3409 · 29-01-2021 2:51pm

Cape Clear wrote: »

Another 4 month extension but I'm guessing it only covers car that are within the 90 day period!

https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40214309.html

I am not sure if this is a new extension. Its an answer to a question where they give a statement of what they are doing to help those who need an nct and they are restating the existing situation in answer to a question. The centres are not closed, and I don't think another extension was given, but if it is true I would like to see what years or types of extensions given. I know 171 were not given an extension yet, and they are all due first nct around now.

punisher5112 · 29-01-2021 6:25pm

Just checked mine and there is no additional 4 month extension

jimbooth · 02-02-2021 9:09am

Any vehicle that had a valid Full Nct on March 28 2020 has 4 months extension, lots of cars registered in Jan and Feb now falling due for test are eligible .

zg3409 · 02-02-2021 1:10pm

jimbooth wrote: »

Any vehicle that had a valid Full Nct on March 28 2020 has 4 months extension, lots of cars registered in Jan and Feb now falling due for test are eligible .

I just put in the reg 171G702 into nct website and its due an nct by 10/01/2021, so it did not get any 4 month extension, so no it looks like 171 cars did not get an extension, but many older cars did back last year.

Quackster · 02-02-2021 1:34pm

zg3409 wrote: »

I just put in the reg 171G702 into nct website and its due an nct by 10/01/2021, so it did not get any 4 month extension, so no it looks like 171 cars did not get an extension, but many older cars did back last year.

The NCT extension only applied to vehicles due their first NCT on or before 31st August 2020. Newer vehicles didn't qualify.

L1011 · 02-02-2021 5:10pm

I've had to get a car that was out of use back in to use due to long parts delays getting another repaired; so put it on for a priority list booking last week - at the time there was a single appointment on the 18th of Feb available in Fonthill but at a really awful time.

Got emailed one for the 23rd now! Better time but worse than what was available, and some days later at that.

nightie · 03-02-2021 12:21am

My car is due an NCT. There’s a crack in the windscreen and when I was booking replacement (covered by insurance) I was told the glass has to come from England. If I book NCT and windscreen isn’t replaced on time will they test it still, fail me on the windscreen but give me a window of time to return with my replaced window for a recheck?

punisher5112 · 03-02-2021 12:23am

nightie wrote: »

My car is due an NCT. There’s a crack in the windscreen and when I was booking replacement (covered by insurance) I was told the glass has to come from England. If I book NCT and windscreen isn’t replaced on time will they test it still, fail me on the windscreen but give me a window of time to return with my replaced window for a recheck?

28 days for retest.

You will fail and not get the cert but as it visual there'll be no charge once everything else passes.

zg3409 · 03-02-2021 10:57am

nightie wrote: »

My car is due an NCT. There’s a crack in the windscreen and when I was booking replacement (covered by insurance) I was told the glass has to come from England. If I book NCT and windscreen isn’t replaced on time will they test it still, fail me on the windscreen but give me a window of time to return with my replaced window for a recheck?

Have a look at nct manual. If the crack is in drivers view (with exact dimensions given) then its a fail, depending on location and size you might pass.

nightie · 03-02-2021 4:19pm

Thanks punisher5112 and zg3409 for replies. Windscreen repair company just rang to book appointment for Friday. She won’t fail (for the windscreen anyway)

NCT during the 2020/21 Covid19 pandemic

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