Dear Supporters,
I’m writing to clarify what the National Car Test (NCT) is legally required to check and to contest misleading claims that it is merely a “basic” test.
Under EU Directive 2014/45/EU and the Irish Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), the NCT is a comprehensive roadworthiness inspection designed to ensure every vehicle on Irish roads meets stringent safety standards. It is not simply a cursory or basic check.
Legal Framework and Safety Imperatives
The NCT must inspect all key safety components of a vehicle, including but not limited to:
• Brakes, Suspension, and Steering: Ensuring that braking performance, suspension components, and steering systems are in proper working order.
• Tyres and Wheels: Confirming that tyres meet minimum tread depths, and that wheels are secure and undamaged.
• Lighting and Electrical Systems: Verifying that all lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights, etc.) function correctly and that the battery—including its casing—is secure, intact, and free from leaks or corrosion.
• Exhaust, Emissions, and Fuel Systems: Checking for leaks, emissions compliance, and overall integrity.
• Safety Equipment: Inspecting seat belts, airbags, and other safety-critical systems.
• Visibility and Controls: Ensuring that windscreens, mirrors, and driver controls are in proper condition.
Detailed Inspection Requirements
Below is the comprehensive list of components that the NCT is legally obligated to check:
1. Braking System
• Brake performance: Efficiency of the service and parking brakes
• Brake pedal condition: Ensuring proper function
• Brake lines and hoses: Checking for leaks or damage
• ABS and electronic brake force distribution: Where applicable
2. Steering & Suspension
• Steering components: Wheel, column, and linkage
• Power steering system: (if fitted)
• Suspension parts: Shock absorbers, springs, stabilizers
• Connecting components: Ball joints, wishbones, and bushings
3. Chassis & Bodywork (Structural Integrity & Safety-Critical Damage)
This is one of the most critical parts of the NCT. A vehicle must have a structurally sound chassis to be deemed roadworthy.
• Chassis Integrity:
• The chassis must be free from serious rust, cracks, or structural weaknesses.
• Any corrosion or damage that compromises the vehicle’s strength should automatically result in an NCT failure.
• Poorly repaired or welded components are also subject to stringent review.
• Underbody Condition:
• Hidden rust or damage, including from previous accidents or substandard repairs, must be identified and addressed.
• Additional Bodywork:
• Inspection of doors, bonnet, and boot security
• Tow bars (if fitted)
My own vehicle suffered from serious chassis damage yet still passed its test—a clear sign that the system is failing in its duty to protect public safety.
4. Tyres & Wheels
• Tread depth: Minimum of 1.6mm
• Sidewall condition: No cracks, bulges, or damage
• Tyre type and size: Must be appropriate for the vehicle
• Wheel fastenings: Checking that nuts and bolts are secure
5. Lighting & Electrical Components
• Lighting systems:
• Headlights (including aim, brightness, and functionality)
• Indicators, brake lights, fog lights, reverse lights, and reflectors
• Dashboard warning lights: Such as airbag and ABS indicators
• Horn functionality
• Battery Casing:
• The battery must be securely fastened.
• The casing should be intact, with no cracks, leaks, or corrosion.
• All wiring connections must be in good condition with no exposed or damaged cables.
6. Exhaust & Emissions
• Exhaust system: Checking for leaks, excessive noise, or damage
• Emission levels: Ensuring compliance with CO₂, NOx, and particulate matter standards
• DPF and Lambda sensor: Functionality checks where applicable
7. Fuel System
• Fuel leaks: Must be detected and rectified
• Fuel cap and lines: Ensuring secure and proper condition
• Fuel tank integrity
8. Seat Belts & Safety Equipment
• Seat belts: Condition and proper function
• Airbag systems: Verification via warning lights and diagnostic checks
• Head restraints and child restraint anchor points
9. Visibility & Driver Controls
• Windscreen: No cracks or chips in the driver’s line of sight
• Wipers and washers: Must be fully operational
• Mirrors: Both rear-view and side mirrors in proper condition
• Speedometer: Correct functionality
10. Identification & Documentation
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Must be correctly recorded
• Registration plates: Format and legibility are checked
• Tax and insurance compliance
Why The NCT is Not a “basic” Test
In my recent interview on RTE’s Prime Time, the show featured an RSA representative who described the NCT as a “basic” test. This statement I believe is not only misleading but also dangerous, as it downplays the comprehensive, legally mandated scope of the NCT. The inspection is designed to catch even minor issues that could escalate into major safety hazards.
• Comprehensive Inspection: Every component listed above is critical for ensuring roadworthiness—from the battery casing to the chassis integrity.
• Public Safety: Allowing vehicles with serious defects (such as significant chassis damage) to pass the NCT endangers everyone on Irish roads.
• Legal Accountability: The NCT ran by APPLUS must adhere to strict legal standards. Any deviation not only violates the law but compromises public safety.
Call to Action
I urge all supporters to recognize that:
• The NCT must be held to its full legal obligations.
• Claims that the test is “basic”—as suggested by the RSA representative on RTE Prime Time—are misleading and undermine public safety.
• Immediate action must be taken to ensure that vehicles with critical safety issues, like serious chassis damage, do not pass inspection.
Please sign and share this petition so that the authorities are held accountable for ensuring our roads remain safe. Together, we can demand a thorough review of the NCT processes and protect every road user in Ireland