| Year | Pass rate | Change | Initial tests | Centres | Top centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 49.2% | -1.4 | 1,744,985 | 50 | Deansgrange (57.3%) |
| 2024 | 50.6% | -2.3 | 1,732,094 | 50 | Deansgrange (60.3%) |
| 2023 | 52.9% | -1.4 | 1,587,999 | 50 | Ballinasloe (62.7%) |
| 2022 | 54.3% | +1.5 | 1,395,505 | 49 | Deansgrange (62.7%) |
| 2021 | 52.8% | +9.1 | 1,418,118 | 49 | Portlaoise (60.2%) |
| 2020 | 43.7% | -6.3 | 1,006,981 | 47 | Ballinasloe (60.8%) |
| 2019 | 50% | +0.8 | 1,390,586 | 47 | Portlaoise (59%) |
| 2018 | 49.2% | +0.7 | 1,343,760 | 47 | Kilkenny (58%) |
| 2017 | 48.5% | +1.3 | 1,355,546 | 47 | Kilkenny (56.6%) |
| 2016 | 47.2% | -0.9 | 1,465,702 | 47 | Kilkenny (55%) |
| 2015 | 48.1% | -0.3 | 1,492,179 | 47 | Tralee (56.2%) |
| 2014 | 48.4% | +1.8 | 1,344,268 | 47 | Kilkenny (57.7%) |
| 2013 | 46.6% | — | 1,170,873 | 47 | Tralee (54.7%) |
National rate here is the combined result of the centres in each year's table by centre (initial tests only). From 2018, "pass pending recheck" counts as a pass, as in the RSA open data; 2020 was disrupted by Covid-19 restrictions. Small differences from headline figures in the annual reviews come from that definition.
Frequently asked questions
Has the NCT pass rate gone up or down?
It rose from 46.6% in 2013 to a peak of 54.3% in 2022, and was 49.2% in 2025. The lowest year was 2020 (43.7%).
Why do pass rates change from year to year?
Mostly because of the mix of cars being tested: when a large group of newer cars reaches its first test the pass rate goes up, and when the fleet ages it goes down. Changes to the test itself (new checks, EU directive updates) also move the figures.
Which centre usually has the best pass rate?
It changes. The top centre by year is shown in the table above; in 2025 it was Deansgrange.
Related guides
Pass rates by centre
All 50 centres, 2025.
Best and worst cars
Models compared.
Fail reasons
What fails most.
Sources: NCTS annual reviews 2013–2024 · RSA NCT Pass Fail Rates 2025. 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.