Two documents and a prepared car. That is the whole list, and the licence is the one people forget. NCTS says a car presented without the driver's identification will not be issued a certificate at the time of testing, even if it passes.
Documents
- A driving licence for the person who brings the car. It does not have to be the owner, but whoever drives in must show a licence.
- The vehicle registration book, registration certificate or licensing certificate.
- The test fee, if it was not paid when booking. Online bookings are charged to the card once confirmed, so most people have nothing to pay on the day. Centres take cash, debit cards and all major credit cards except American Express. A full test is €60, a lane re-test €40.
- The booking confirmation email. Not required by NCTS, but if your old certificate has expired it is what you show a Garda on the way in.
- For a re-test: the Vehicle Inspection Report from the failed test, so the inspector knows which items to re-check.
How NCTS asks you to prepare the car
- Adequate oil and water.
- Boot empty, seats clear of personal belongings and in the upright position. A removable baby seat should come out; if it stays in, it is checked for correct fitting.
- Glove compartment unlocked and empty. The inspector plugs the OBD scanner into the port, which is usually under the steering wheel but sometimes in the glove box. Any device using the OBD port comes out beforehand.
- Car reasonably clean, especially underneath.
- Hubcaps off where they hide the wheel nuts. Tyres at the correct pressure.
- Engine in a fit state to be tested, timing belt included. You may be asked to sign a disclaimer.
- Seat belts and clips fully visible.
- Registration plates that comply with the current regulations.
- Lights checked and set beforehand. NCTS recommends it specifically.
- Engine at normal operating temperature when you arrive, so drive there rather than starting it cold in the yard.
- Dashcam switched off. Recording devices of any kind are prohibited at the centre.
- Valuables out of the car.
On the day
Arrive a few minutes early; hours vary by centre and there are short closures at lunch and shift changes. The centre pages on this site show the published hours for each of the 50 centres. If your date is still weeks away and you would take an earlier one, nctalerts.ie watches your centres and sends an email or push within a minute of an earlier date appearing.
Frequently asked
Do I need my driving licence for the NCT?
Yes. NCTS says the person presenting the car must bring identification in the form of a driving licence, or the certificate will not be issued at the time of testing.
Can someone else bring my car to the NCT?
Yes. The person who brings it shows their own driving licence and brings the registration certificate for the car.
Do I need to bring the NCT fee?
Only if it was not paid at booking. Online bookings are charged to the card once confirmed. On site, centres take cash, debit cards and major credit cards other than American Express.
Do I need to empty the car for the NCT?
NCTS asks for an empty boot, clear seats and an unlocked, empty glove compartment for the OBD scan. Removable baby seats come out.
Should the engine be warm for the NCT?
Yes. NCTS asks that the car arrives at normal operating temperature, so drive there rather than starting it cold in the yard.
Sources
Read on 22 September 2026. Fees, deadlines and phone numbers above come from these pages.