Prepare for Your NCT in Ireland (2025)
- What do I need for the NCT? A clean, roadworthy car, photo ID, your vehicle documents, and a quick pre-test checklist so easy wins (bulbs, fluids, tyres) don’t trip you up.
- How can I pass first time? Fix basic faults before arrival, warm the engine for emissions, and know what’s actually inspected, our NCT Pass Pack shows you exactly how.
- Where do I get a printable NCT checklist? Download the Laois Auto Care NCT Pass Pack (A4 guide + glovebox checklist) and tick through it in five minutes.
Why we made this
Test day shouldn’t be a guessing game. We see avoidable fails every week, blown bulbs, worn wipers, loose number plates, under-inflated tyres. The NCT Pass Pack packages our workshop know-how into a quick, printable resource so you arrive prepared and leave confident.
What’s inside the NCT Pass Pack
- A4 Guide (4 pages): plain-English overview of how the NCT works in Ireland, what testers look for, pass/fail categories, and retest rules.
- Printable A4 Checklist (1 page): big tick-boxes for tyres, lights, visibility, brakes, leaks, documents, access, and emissions prep. Perfect for the glovebox.
Guidance only—always confirm current rules, fees and availability on ncts.ie and rsa.ie.
How it helps you pass (without the stress)
- Clarity over jargon: Know the sections actually inspected (lights/electrics, steering/suspension, brakes, wheels/tyres, visibility, emissions and more).
- Fewer surprises: Catch the easy fixes at home (bulbs, plates, fluids, tyre tread/pressure).
- Smoother retests: Understand what happens next if something fails and how to avoid repeat issues.
- Time-smart: The checklist takes five minutes the evening before and on the morning of your test.
At-a-glance: pre-test routine you can trust
- The evening before: run through bulbs, wipers, screenwash, tyre tread/pressure, plates secure, no warning lights.
- On the day: remove hubcaps covering wheel nuts (if any), clear the boot and glovebox for access/OBD, bring photo ID and your vehicle docs.
- On arrival: switch dashcam off, keep the car warm for an accurate emissions reading, and present the car clean and leak-free.
Who it’s for
- First-time NCT motorists and new drivers
- Busy families who want a quick, reliable routine
- Anyone who hates last-minute surprises on test day
How to use the Pass Pack
- Download instantly after checkout.
- Print the checklist (or open on your phone).
- Tick through the steps before you travel and when you arrive.
- Optional: book our Pre-NCT Visual Check for extra peace of mind.
👉 Get your NCT Pass Pack now – [Download & Print]
FAQs
What documents do I bring to the NCT?
Photo ID for the person presenting the vehicle and your vehicle registration/licensing certificate. Bring payment and any recent repair receipts if relevant.
Can I leave child seats in?
You can, but ensure all seatbelts are accessible and working. Fit child seats correctly if they stay in the car.
Should I warm the engine?
Yes, arriving with the car at normal operating temperature helps the emissions test.
Are dashcams allowed?
Recording in the test centre is generally not permitted. Switch your dashcam off.
Does the NCT replace a service?
No. It’s a roadworthiness inspection, not a full diagnostic or service.
Ready when you are
If you prefer a mechanic’s eye before the test, ask us about a Pre-NCT Visual Check (bulbs, tyres, fluids, headlamp aim, brake balance). Pair it with the NCT Pass Pack for a calm, first-time pass plan.
Download the NCT Pass Pack → here
