The National Car Testing Service has revoked 34,000 two-year NCT certificates, which were incorrectly issued to vehicle owners - this was due to a “system error” by the national car tester.
A spokesperson for the service said the error occurred when expiry dates for test certificates were extended for four months in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and some customers were incorrectly provided with a two-year cert instead of a one-year certificate.
“This issue only relates to vehicles that were over 10 years old at the time of their last test, and which had their certificate extended by four months because of Covid-19,” the spokesperson said.
It has affected around 34,000 cars out of a total of 1.3 million tested since the service resumed in June 2020.
“The incorrect certificates, issued at the time of the inspections, have been revoked and new NCT certificates are being issued to all affected customers. This should be complete by August,” they added.
The NCTS confirmed that a full, free, test will be provided for vehicle owners who purchased a vehicle with the expectation of a longer NCT certificate duration, if the vehicle is booked for a test in advance of its revised test due date.
“We would like to reassure customers that NCTS has taken all the necessary steps to correct this administrative error and that we will be in contact directly with each affected customer. There is no need for you to take any action until you hear from us,” the spokesperson said.
The NCTS is advising members of the public looking to purchase a vehicle over 10 years old to check the vehicle’s NCT certificate expiry date before purchase as the NCT database has now been updated to reflect the correct NCT dates. This can be done online at www.ncts.ie
