A full NCT costs €60. A re-test that needs the test lane costs €40. Both include VAT. The fees went up on 1 January 2025 from €55 and €28, the first change in over a decade, and NCTS notes they may change again.
Every charge on one list
- Full test: €60.
- Re-test using a test lane (brakes, emissions, suspension, lights aim): €40.
- Re-test that is a visual check only (wipers, plates, bulbs): free.
- Changing or cancelling a full test with fewer than five working days' notice, or not turning up: €24. On a cancellation you get €36 back.
- Same for a re-test: €16 kept, €24 refunded.
- Changing with five or more working days' notice (Monday to Friday, not counting the test day): free.
- Priority list, cancellation slots, a different centre: no extra charge.
How you pay
Booking online takes a debit or credit card and charges it when the appointment is confirmed, not on the day. Centres take cash, debit and all major credit cards except American Express for anything paid on site. If you sell the car before the test, ring NCTS or you forfeit the fee.
What is not in the fee
Repairs, obviously, and any pre-NCT check at a garage. A garage pre-check is often €50 to €100 and covers the common fail items: headlamp aim (the top failure item, around 5% of all tests), tyres, brakes, emissions, wipers, lights.
Cost of being late
Driving with an expired certificate is a €60 fixed charge and 3 penalty points, rising to €90 after 28 days and to court after 56. Court can mean 5 points and a larger fine. Against that, €60 for the test and €9.99 for cancellation alerts if the calendar is booked out is cheap.
Frequently asked
Is the NCT fee the same at every centre?
Yes. NCTS is a single national operator; the fee is set in regulations and is the same everywhere.
Do I pay the re-test fee if only a bulb failed?
No. Items that need no lane equipment are re-checked visually for free. Bring the inspection report and call the centre for a time to come in.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes, less the late charge if you are inside five working days: €36 back on a full test, €24 on a re-test. With more notice the full amount is refunded or carried to the new date.
Is there a discount for older cars or pensioners?
No. Cars aged 30 to 39 not used commercially are tested every two years instead of every year, and cars over 40 years old are exempt, but the fee itself does not change.