David Norris (Independent)

On Joe Duffy's radio programme I heard about somebody whose car had failed the test because the "L" learner's notice on the back window was deemed to have been made of the wrong material — the driver had made it himself. I do not believe that is a threat to anybody's safety. The test should be focused on issues of safety.

I put my cards on the table and I make no apologies in saying I have a vested interest in this matter as it happened to me. When I bought my lovely old Jaguar motorcar for €500, I discovered the previous owner had neglected to have it tested. When I had it tested it was passed as being mechanically competent for two years but I only got a certificate for six months, which punished me. This is not fair and bears no relationship to the safety issue or the responsibility of the owner of the car. As all owners are now registered, if the authorities want to go after anybody they should go after the previous owner of the car. It is not my fault that the fellow did not have it tested. Perhaps I should have checked; I do not know. However, this is not just and is stupid. It is a waste of everybody's time to retest the car after six months when NCTS knows perfectly well that it is safe for two years.