Thousands of motorists get free NCT test due to backlog

Thousands of motorists are believed to have been offered free NCT tests since the start of the year, because of delays caused by a massive backlog.

The test normally costs €55. However, under a customer charter, drivers qualify for a free test if they are not offered an appointment within 28 days of seeking a test.

This rule is subject to a number of conditions, including that the vehicle owner did not fail to attend an appointment.

In February it emerged that there are now 375,000 vehicles on Irish roads without a valid NCT certificate.

One reason for this is that 3,500 people per week are not turning up for appointments to have their car tested. 

Many NCT centres around the country do not have appointments available for the next 5 months. 

Representatives from the car testing company told an Oireachtas Transport Committee in February that there are 375,000 vehicles overdue their NCT, which they said is more than double the normal amount for the early months of the year.