Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason national car test centres are not providing clear information to persons (details supplied) when booking an appointments before the due date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39843/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

​The RSA has statutory responsibility for the NCT.

With the vast majority of vehicles registered in the first half of the year, traditionally this has proved to be a particularly busy period for the National Car Testing Service (NCTS). To counter this the NCTS has put a number of demand levelling measures in place, including options to enable motorists to have their vehicle tested early.

Motorists may have their vehicle tested up to 90 days in advance of their test due date without affecting the validity period of the test certificate issued or the next test due date.

Alternatively, a vehicle may be submitted for testing more than 90 in advance of the test due date. Under this voluntary early testing option and depending on the age of the vehicle, that is whether the vehicle is subject to bi-annual or annual testing, the certificate issued will be valid for either two years or one year from the date of a successful test. Consequently, the next test due date will be reset to the anniversary of the successful test.

The RSA informs me that the NCTS makes every effort to ensure that customers understand the implications involved in taking a voluntary early test.  When such a test is booked online, the NCTS website clearly displays a message to this effect. NCTS call centre agents also provide this information to customers.