NCT guides

Plain answers, with the NCTS rule behind each one. Fees and deadlines checked against ncts.ie in September 2026.

• NCT cancellations: how to get an earlier date

  Where cancelled NCT slots go, when NCTS releases its remaining capacity, how the priority list works, and how to catch a cancellation first.

• NCT re-test rules: deadlines, cost, and booking

  After a fail: minor, major and dangerous results, 21 days to book and 30 to finish, which re-tests are free, and why the re-test calendar is separate.

• NCTS phone number and what to ring about

  NCTS bookings line 01 413 5992 and its hours, the customer service and VRT numbers, and what the call centre can do that the website cannot.

• How much does the NCT cost in 2026?

  NCT fees in 2026: €60 full test, €40 lane re-test, free visual re-tests, €24 for a late change or no-show, refunds, and how you pay.

• Your NCT has expired. What happens now?

  What an expired NCT costs (€60 and 3 penalty points, more in court), insurance, driving to the test, and the fastest ways to get a date when the calendar is full.

• The NCT 90-day rule explained

  Test up to 90 days early and keep your due date. What voluntary early testing does instead, and how to find the day your window opens.