Free NCT Test

Discodog

Just to remind folks that if you have been made to wait more than 28 days for your NCT appointment you do not have to pay the fee. Article in the Sunday Mail today

bazz26

You would be amazed at the amount of people who interpret it as "if they cannot test your car 28 days from it is due date, you get the test done for free".

Mr Benevolent

Discodog wrote: »

Just to remind folks that if you have been made to wait more than 28 days for your NCT appointment you do not have to pay the fee. Article in the Sunday Mail today

Just goes to show that you should never read a tabloid.

Discodog

Well I have a nice test letter & the date of the test is six weeks from the date on the booking letter so it should be free. According to the paper it could cost the private NCT company €2 million if everyone claimed. They are deliberately not publicising this & one would feel rather peed off to have paid.

Discodog

Confab wrote: »

Just goes to show that you should never read a tabloid.

Apparently it is in several other papers as well.
Online article here:

http://www.inishowennews.com/NCTrefund.htm

bazz26

Discodog wrote: »

Well I have a nice test letter & the date of the test is six weeks from the date on the booking letter so it should be free. According to the paper it could cost the private NCT company €2 million if everyone claimed. They are deliberately not publicising this & one would feel rather peed off to have paid.

My understanding is that all they are saying is that if you cannot make an appointment within 28 days its free. The appointment itself for the actual test might not be for 2 or 3 months however.

slimjimmc

Google threw this up NCT Customer Charter pdf from the NCT website but (not suprisingly) I couldn't see any link to it on their website.

Standards of customer service
We aim to:
: :
: :
4. Ensure that an average leadtime for an appointment at an
individual test centre is less than three weeks with a free test
if this is greater than four weeks.

To me it reads like the appointment means the test date itself (same as if you have an appointment with anyone else), therefore it should be within 3 weeks otherwise it's free.

Mr Benevolent

slimjimmc wrote: »

Google threw this up NCT Customer Charter pdf from the NCT website but (not suprisingly) I couldn't see any link to it on their website.



To me it reads like the appointment means the test date itself, therefore it should be within 3 weeks otherwise it's free.

A free test if the average leadtime is over 27 days...

slimjimmc

Oops, yes you are correct I missed the 4weeks bit and it is indeed based on an average. I wonder how that is calculated.

Seth Brundle

Wasn't there someone here a few months back who got their free test?

There'll be a few back dated claims now.

Gadgetman496

Has anyone actually availed of the free test (Item # 4 on their charter)?

I have my appointment for tomorrow and have had to wait 16 weeks from point of requesting booking.

Does anyone know if you have to pay & claim back or can you request the free test at time of test?

-

largepants

I did the NCT on the wifes car last week after a 10 weeks wait for it. Went to the counter and yer man typed in my details and stated 'That test is free as you had more than a four week wait'

That was in the Little Island centre in Cork.

Chippy01

slimjimmc wrote: »

Google threw this up NCT Customer Charter pdf from the NCT website but (not suprisingly) I couldn't see any link to it on their website.



To me it reads like the appointment means the test date itself (same as if you have an appointment with anyone else), therefore it should be within 3 weeks otherwise it's free.

http://www.ncts.ie/customer_charter.aspx
Part 4 relates to NCT appointments, part 7 relates to waiting at the centre for your test (if it's late on the day)

Bodhan

I booked my NCT in March this year, they couldn't give me an appointment until September, does this mean I get it free then?

I love getting stuff for free lol

PrettyBoy

Bodhan wrote: »

I booked my NCT in March this year, they couldn't give me an appointment until September, does this mean I get it free then?

I love getting stuff for free lol

If their average waiting time is 28 days...

hi5

largepants wrote: »

I did the NCT on the wifes car last week after a 10 weeks wait for it. Went to the counter and yer man typed in my details and stated 'That test is free as you had more than a four week wait'

That was in the Little Island centre in Cork.

Same in Kilkenny,I was told at the counter it was free,didnt have to ask for it.
But it did say 'free periodic inspection' on the letter.
I waited 8 weeks for the appointment then 6 weeks for the actual date.

Discodog

My test appointment was 6 weeks after the date on the booking letter. I did get a free test but I had to ask at reception.

Gadgetman496

Had my test today (Monday) Galway City & was advised it was free without having to ask. Passed too

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Tanman68

I booked my NCT Test in October '14 and was given a date at my chosen Test Centre in January '15. The night before my test I had to cancel due to my car not being ready. I was told by the NCT Call Centre that I would be put on a 'priority list' for an appointment at my Centre within the next 4 weeks. If they cannot give me an appointment within that time frame at my chosen Test Centre can i avail of the 'free test' even though I cancelled the original appointment ?

thesimpsons

Tanman68 wrote: »

I booked my NCT Test in October '14 and was given a date at my chosen Test Centre in January '15. The night before my test I had to cancel due to my car not being ready. I was told by the NCT Call Centre that I would be put on a 'priority list' for an appointment at my Centre within the next 4 weeks. If they cannot give me an appointment within that time frame at my chosen Test Centre can i avail of the 'free test' even though I cancelled the original appointment ?

Haven't heard of anyone getting free test in yrs and yrs. They now hold booking times free for situations like this. I tried to book at start of January 2015 but at the time the only avail date was in march Which would have put me without a valid cert. They were able to give me a propriety date for 2 was later.

Tanman68

Thanks for that

EIDW

I rang for an nct test on 08/01/15 i just received an appointment for 29/04/15. My current disk expires 14/02/15 would be getting a free nct?

Zascar

The other day I realised that my NCT was up by a few days. I was expecting something in the post but got nothing. (Do you just have to register yourself now or do you get any reminders??) Anyway I went to try to book and there was nothing for months. I got a date in April.

Just looking now, in my AIB online banking there is a 'Pending translation' for €0.01 from NCTS. Is that normal? Is that all I'll pay?

If I get stopped by the cops, and I can show my test date, will that be ok or what else should I do?
Thanks

Gadgetman496

Zascar wrote: »

The other day I realised that my NCT was up by a few days. I was expecting something in the post but got nothing. (Do you just have to register yourself now or do you get any reminders??) Anyway I went to try to book and there was nothing for months. I got a date in April.

Just looking now, in my AIB online banking there is a 'Pending translation' for €0.01 from NCTS. Is that normal? Is that all I'll pay?

If I get stopped by the cops, and I can show my test date, will that be ok or what else should I do?
Thanks

If it's the first time you used your card\account with them the €0.01 is probably a test transaction to confirm your account is legit, similar to the way PayPal used to do it. You get the €0.01 back in a few days normally. Unless NCT have re-activated the free tests for those backlogged you will pay the full amount.

I think in general the law take a reasonable approach to it but if you carry proof of test application with you in the car I'd say you'll be fine if stopped.

slimjimmc

EIDW wrote: »

I rang for an nct test on 08/01/15 i just received an appointment for 29/04/15. My current disk expires 14/02/15 would be getting a free nct?

Not unless you specifically requested a date to be within the 4 weeks before you accepted the booking. If you accepted a date outside the 4 weeks before requesting an earlier date then you have to pay.
https://www.ncts.ie/customer_charter.html

slimjimmc

Zascar wrote: »

The other day I realised that my NCT was up by a few days. I was expecting something in the post but got nothing. (Do you just have to register yourself now or do you get any reminders??) Anyway I went to try to book and there was nothing for months. I got a date in April.

You might get a reminder but nevertheless the obligation is on the owner to ensure the NCT is done.

Zascar wrote: »

Just looking now, in my AIB online banking there is a 'Pending translation' for €0.01 from NCTS. Is that normal? Is that all I'll pay?

They're just verifying your card. You'll get the cent back very soon.

Zascar wrote: »

If I get stopped by the cops, and I can show my test date, will that be ok or what else should I do?
Thanks

Gardaí know the situation and will most likely apply discretion, assuming off course you haven't done something else that makes that difficult to ignore. Also check your insurance policy as some policies won't cover own damage (third party cover not affected).

mgbgt1978

gadgetman496 wrote: »

If it's the first time you used your card\account with them the €0.01 is probably a test transaction to confirm your account is legit, similar to the way PayPal used to do it. You get the €0.01 back in a few days normally. Unless NCT have re-activated the free tests for those backlogged you will pay the full amount.

I think in general the law take a reasonable approach to it but if you carry proof of test application with you in the car I'd say you'll be fine if stopped.

They can't have de-activated them to begin with. It's part of their contract with our Government that they must provide a test within 28 days or it's free.

But, you must request a test within 28 days when originally booking.

homingbird

Their is no requesting a test date they have 28 days to find you a place or give you the free test.

mgbgt1978

If you don't request a test within 28 days and if they simply give you a test 2 months later then you would have accepted that date and would not be entitled to a free test.
That's the way it's worded in their Charter.

homingbird

How are you to blame if you apply for a test in time & they cant give it 28 days pass your car goes out of test their at fault means free test full stop.

homingbird

Proof i am right print this off & take to test center.
https://www.ncts.ie/customer_charter.html

mgbgt1978

Why would you print off something that's on the wall in every NCT test centre ??? And which I referred to only two posts ago.

Read point no. 4 and then read the second bullet point below it;
If they offer a booking beyond the 28 days and you don't refuse it....then you are deemed to have tacitly accepted it.
In other words, if you don't ask for a test within 28 days they can give you an appointment for 3 months time. If you don't refuse this date (and ask for a test within 28 days) then you will have to pay for it, as you will have accepted it.
Maybe you should read the charter again.

Atavan-Halen

Sorry for bumping an old thread but figured I'd ask here rather than start a new one.

I know it's been asked before but my NCT is up this month. I rang them on the 5th of March and asked for a booking. They said they could offer me a date in June to which I said no so she said she'd put me on a priority list instead. I got an email today for a date for the 5th of May. Would I be right in thinking the test will be free? I didn't specifically request a date within the 28 days when I rang but didn't accept a date either. Do I need to ring them again to confirm the test is free?

mgbgt1978

I would. At least you will have confirmed that the test is free, rather than face a possible argument on the day.
As well as that, keep checking their site for a closer date.

vintagevrs

They will probably ring you within the week to tell you it's free. This is what happened me last month. Or just ring them.

chriity139

Booked in my starlet a few months back and I was waiting just over a month to get a test appointment. Showed up on the day and got a free test. The people behind the desk even told me before I got my card out

Zascar

Mine was up in Jan, I went online and the soonest was April, so I have mine on Sat. Really hope I get it free - is it worth calling first to make sure?

chriity139

Zascar wrote: »

Mine was up in Jan, I went online and the soonest was April, so I have mine on Sat. Really hope I get it free - is it worth calling first to make sure?

No they should just tell you when you bring the car up. If not just say you were waiting more than 28 days for an appointment

carzony

Are they really telling people that the test will be free? Can't believe they'd admit that to people willing to pay at the desk..


I think it won't be long till that rule is changed lol...

mgbgt1978

It's part of their contract. Applus+ cannot simply change the terms of their contract with the Government, just because they can't cope with demand.

Kristopherus

carzony wrote: »

Are they really telling people that the test will be free? Can't believe they'd admit that to people willing to pay at the desk..


I think it won't be long till that rule is changed lol...

Or they start failing cars to eke more dosh from ya;)

carzony

Kristopherus wrote: »

Or they start failing cars to eke more dosh from ya;)

There should be motor factors or mechanical garages beside all the nct centres. You could go straight from the nct to get the car sorted across the road..


It's a wonder that's not done... Probably because the nct couldnt restest your car for weeks after?

John P. Mac

I waited 7 weeks for a test (from the date I phoned for an appointment). Was charged the 55 Euro fee as receptionist said "no mention of free test on computer". I did get a refund after I complained.

JP Liz V1

Has anyone ever got a free nct?

carzony

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Has anyone ever got a free nct?

My neighbour claims he got a free test last week...

Pacifico

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Has anyone ever got a free nct?

My test in two weeks will be free. Confirmed via email

carzony

They must be losing a fair few quid all the same.....

cletus

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Has anyone ever got a free nct?

Had a free test last Thursday night... Passed too

chriity139

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Has anyone ever got a free nct?

Yes

zetecescort

a little off topic but is it possible to book online without a debit/credit card anymore?

thanks