How to book an NCT online, step by step
- Have the car's details ready. The registration number and the date of first registration (on the registration certificate). Not sure when it is due? Work it out here.
- Enter the registration on ncts.ie. On the Bookings page, type the registration in the "Enter registration" box and press Go.
The booking box on ncts.ie/bookings (screenshot, 2026). - Choose the centre and time. Any of the 50 centres. Waits vary a lot: in September 2026 Enniscorthy (7.3 days), Cork-Little Island (7.8 days), Waterford (7.9 days) were the quickest. Compare all centres.
- Pay. Online bookings are paid in full by Visa, Mastercard, Maestro or debit card when the booking is confirmed. You have 15 minutes to pay; if you close the browser before paying, the booking is cancelled after half an hour.
- Keep the confirmation and arrive 10 minutes early on the day with the right documents.
No date that suits? The NCT priority list
Booking the NCT by phone or email
- Phone: 01 413 5992, Monday to Thursday 8am–8pm, Friday 8am–6pm.
- Email: [email protected].
Changing or cancelling an NCT
Give at least five working days' notice. Later changes, cancellations or a no-show cost €24 of a full test fee (€16 for a retest); the rest is refunded. Booking more than 90 days before the due date counts as a voluntary early test.
We are an independent guide, not the NCTS, and cannot book, change or cancel tests.
Free NCT if you cannot get a date within 28 days
The NCTS customer charter promises a free test when an appointment cannot be offered within 28 days, unless any of these apply:
- The test is more than 7 days overdue when you contact the NCTS.
- You were offered an appointment 7 or more days before the due date.
- You asked for specific days, times or dates.
- You declined or rearranged two or more appointments, or missed one.
- You already accepted or asked for an appointment outside the 28 days.
The charter also aims for an average wait of 15 days or less at each centre and 10 days for retests, and if the NCTS cancels your booking without 5 working days' notice, the new test is free.
What happens to your payment
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Reschedule, 5+ working days' notice | Payment moves to the new booking. |
| Reschedule, less notice | Payment moves, plus a €24 fee (€16 for a retest). |
| Cancel, 5+ working days' notice | Full refund. |
| Cancel with less notice, or no-show | €24 kept (€16 for a retest), the rest refunded by email receipt. |
| You bring a different car | New payment for that car; €24 kept from the original booking. |
| You sell the car before the test | Contact the NCTS as soon as possible or you may lose the fee or pay a no-show charge. |
Working days are Monday to Friday, not counting the day of the test. Source: NCTS online prepayment FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a free NCT if there are no appointments?
Under the NCTS customer charter, you are given a free test when an appointment cannot be offered within 28 days, unless an exception applies: for example the test is more than 7 days overdue when you contact them, you asked for specific days or times, you declined or rearranged two or more appointments, or you missed an appointment.
What if the NCTS cancels my appointment?
If the NCTS cancels a booking without giving you 5 working days' notice, the new appointment is free of charge.
My car has been off the road. Can I book online?
If the car has been off the road or untaxed for more than 3 months, the owner has to contact the NCTS directly to book (unless it had a voluntary early test in a previous cycle).
How do I book an NCT?
Online on ncts.ie: enter your registration, confirm the car, choose a centre and time, and pay by Visa or Mastercard. Or call 01 413 5992 (Monday to Thursday 8am–8pm, Friday 8am–6pm).
Why can I not find a date online?
The NCTS says the slots shown online are only about one third of the real appointments. The other two thirds open two weeks ahead, once staff schedules are set. Check again closer to the date, or join the priority list.
What is the NCT priority list?
An option offered during the booking process if you need an earlier date than those shown. The NCTS says it will endeavour to get you an appointment within 28 days.
How long is the wait for an NCT?
11.09 days on average to the first free slot in September 2026. Retests usually have a lead time of under 3 days. Waiting time at every centre.
Can I book my NCT early?
Yes, but if the test is more than 90 days before your due date it counts as a voluntary early test, and the new certificate runs from that test date.
How do I cancel or change my NCT?
On ncts.ie with your booking details, or by phone. With less than five working days' notice, €24 of a full test fee (€16 for a retest) is kept and the rest refunded.
Related guides
What to bring
Documents and 10 checks.
NCT cost
Fees and cancellations.
When is my NCT due?
Work out your dates.
Sources: NCTS bookings · NCTS FAQ · NCTS terms of booking · NCTS booking lead times. NCT Centres is independent and not affiliated with the NCTS or the RSA. Fees and rules can change: confirm on ncts.ie before you book.