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NCT checklist: what to bring and how to prepare

Bring the registration certificate (or logbook / licensing certificate) and ID for whoever brings the car, arrive 10 minutes early with an empty boot and the glove box unlocked. Then 10 quick checks at home target the faults behind most of the 51% of cars that fail first time.

Updated 2 October 2026 · checked against official NCTS and RSA sources

What to bringPrepare the car10 checks

What to bring to the NCT

Vehicle documentsVehicle registration book, registration certificate or licensing certificate.
ID of the person bringing the carDriving licence or Public Services Card. Without it, the certificate is held back.
Your bookingThe fee (€60) is normally paid when you book online. At the centre: cash, debit or credit card, but not American Express.

How to prepare the car for the NCT

10 checks before the NCT that prevent common fails

The categories that failed most cars in 2025 were steering and suspension (18.5%), lighting and electrical (17.6%), side slip (wheel alignment) test (15.2%). Most of these can be spotted at home:

  1. All lights. Dipped and main beam, indicators, brake lights, reverse, fog and number-plate lights. Ask someone to watch while you switch them on.
  2. Dashboard warning lights. Airbag, ABS or engine warning lights that stay on can lead to a fail.
  3. Tyre tread and condition. At least 1.6 mm of tread on every tyre, no cuts or bulges, same size and type on each axle.
  4. Tyre pressures. Set to the pressures in the handbook or on the door sticker; the NCTS asks for this before the test.
  5. Wipers and washers. Blades that clear the screen and washer fluid topped up.
  6. Windscreen. No chips or cracks in the driver's line of sight.
  7. Seat belts. Every belt and buckle visible and working, rear ones included.
  8. Horn and mirrors. Horn works, mirrors intact and secure.
  9. Exhaust and leaks. No exhaust blows, smoke or oil leaks.
  10. Steering and suspension. Knocks over bumps or a car that pulls to one side are worth a garage check: it is the category that fails most cars.

Want to know what your own car usually fails on? Check your make, model and year.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need for the NCT?

The vehicle registration book, registration certificate or licensing certificate. The person who brings the car also needs ID: a driving licence or a Public Services Card.

What if I forget my ID?

The test can still go ahead and you get the report, but the NCT certificate is held back until the required ID is shown.

Do I need to clean my car for the NCT?

It must be reasonably clean. A vehicle too dirty to inspect properly can be refused, and the NCTS may be unable to test a car that has not been prepared.

Do I need to remove hubcaps and empty the boot?

Yes: remove hubcaps that hide the wheel nuts, empty the boot and remove personal items. A child seat left in the car will have its fitting checked.

Can I record the test on my dashcam?

No. Recording devices are not permitted in NCT centres.

Related guides

Will my car pass?

What your model fails on.

What happens at the NCT

Duration and results.

Fail reasons

With real percentages.

Sources: NCTS FAQ · Preparing for your NCT (NCTS, 2025) · NCT Manual 2023 · NCTS customer charter. 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.