| Age of car | NCT frequency |
|---|---|
| Under 4 years | No NCT yet |
| 4 to 10 years | Every 2 years |
| 10 years and over | Every year |
| 30 to 39 years (non-commercial) | Every 2 years |
| Over 40 years | Exempt |
Imported vehicles and some special cases have their own rules; check the NCTS FAQ for your car.
How the NCT due date is worked out
- Anniversary rule: the NCT is due on the anniversary of first registration, whatever happened in between. Months off the road do not move it.
- Late tests give shorter certificates: the certificate runs from the pass date to the next due date, so it can be under 2 years (or 1 year).
- Up to 90 days early: no change to your dates. More than 90 days early is a voluntary early test: the certificate runs 2 years (or 1) from the pass date.
- 30 to 39 years old and not used commercially: every 2 years. Used commercially (e.g. wedding hire): every year.
- 40 years or older, or registered before 1980: exempt.
Imported cars
| Imported from | NCT due |
|---|---|
| Another EU country, with a valid roadworthiness certificate | Use that certificate until it expires, then pass the NCT before then. |
| Northern Ireland or Great Britain | Once 4 years old, due from when it was first registered in Ireland. |
| Any country, under 4 years old at import | Due date based on the date of importation. |
| Any country, 4 years or older | Due date set by the date it presents and passes the NCT. |
Source: NCTS FAQ, questions 5, 6, 16 and 20 to 23. Check your exact date with the official due-date tool or our calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my new NCT certificate valid for less than 2 years?
The certificate runs from the day the car passes until the next due date, which is set by the anniversary of first registration. If the car was tested late, the certificate is shorter. Time off the road does not change the due date.
What is a voluntary early test?
Testing more than 90 days before the due date. If the car passes, it gets a 2-year (or 1-year, depending on age) certificate from the date it passes, and the due date resets to that date.
When is an imported car due its NCT?
From another EU country you can use the foreign roadworthiness certificate until it expires, then pass the NCT. From Northern Ireland or Great Britain, once the car is 4 years old it is due when it was first registered in Ireland. A car under 4 at import is due 4 years from the import date; one 4 or older is due when it presents and passes.
Which vehicles do not need an NCT?
Cars registered before 1 January 1980 or 40 or more years old, vehicles used only on islands not connected by road, and Defence Forces, Garda and Fire Service vehicles. Light and heavy goods vehicles (for example vans with two passenger seats and no rear side windows) are tested at approved CVRT (VTN) test centres, not NCT centres.
When is a car's first NCT due?
At four years from the date of first registration.
Can I do the NCT early?
You can test up to 90 days before the due date without changing your renewal date. Testing more than 90 days early counts as a voluntary early test and can move your next due date.
Do vintage cars need an NCT?
Non-commercial cars 30 to 39 years old are tested every two years. According to the NCTS FAQ, vehicles over 40 years old are exempt.
Related guides
Sources: NCTS FAQ. 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.