The rule, by age
| Car age | How often | A pass lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Under 4 years | No test yet | First test on the 4th anniversary |
| 4 to 9 years | Every 2 years | 2 years |
| 10 to 29 years | Every year | 1 year |
| 30 to 39 years | Every 2 years (not used commercially) | 2 years |
| 40 years and over | No test (not used commercially) | Not needed |
The date always follows the anniversary of the day the car was first registered, and the certificate runs to the next anniversary, so a certificate can be a little shorter than 1 or 2 years if you tested early. Cars aged 30 to 39 are now tested every 2 years instead of every year. Vans, taxis, hire cars and anything used commercially follow different rules, so check NCTS.ie for those.
Buying a used car? Check the NCT first
A car with an NCT due in a month or two will need one soon, and a failed test can mean repairs you did not budget for. Ask the seller for the certificate, then confirm the date on NCTS.ie. Our NCT check page explains how to look up a car's status and what the test covers. Before you agree a price, run it through the used car price checker, and use the used car buying checklist when you view it. If it is an import, importing a car to Ireland covers the paperwork, and the VRT calculator works out the registration tax.
Frequently asked questions
When is my NCT due in Ireland?+
A private car's NCT is due on the anniversary of the date it was first registered. The first test is at 4 years, then every 2 years until the car is 10, then every year. Enter the registration date above to get your exact date.
When is the first NCT due on a new car?+
On the 4th anniversary of the date the car was first registered. A car under 4 years old does not need an NCT yet.
How often is the NCT after the first test?+
Every 2 years while the car is 4 to 9 years old, then every year from the 10th anniversary. A car aged 30 to 39 that is not used commercially goes back to every 2 years, and a car that reaches its 40th anniversary needs no test unless it is used commercially.
Can I do my NCT early?+
Yes. You can take the test up to 90 days before the due date and keep the same due date. Test earlier than that and it counts as a voluntary early test, so the next due date runs from the day you pass instead.
Which date counts if I imported my car?+
For a car imported from Northern Ireland or Great Britain, the NCT follows the date the car was first registered in Ireland, once it is 4 years old. A valid EU roadworthiness certificate can be used until it expires, but you should pass the NCT before then.
How much does the NCT cost in 2026?+
A test costs €60 and a re-test €40. A re-test that needs no test equipment, such as a replaced wiper blade, is free. Book the re-test within 21 days and complete it within 30 days of the first test, or you pay for a full test again. Cancelling with less than 5 working days' notice, or missing the appointment, adds €24 next time.
Does this calculator show my actual NCT expiry?+
No. It applies the published rule to the date you enter, so it assumes the car was tested on time. Your official due date and certificate history are on NCTS.ie, which is the only official source. Autoza does not hold NCT records.
Is a car over 30 or 40 years old exempt from the NCT?+
A car that is 40 years old, counted from first registration, needs no NCT unless it is used commercially, and cars registered before 1 January 1980 are also exempt. Between 30 and 39 years old the test is every 2 years instead of every year, if the car is not used commercially.
Sources: NCTS, "How is my NCT due date determined?", "What period is an NCT certificate valid for?" and the import FAQ (ncts.ie/about-the-test/faq); Citizens Information, "National Car Test" (page edited 29 September 2026). Fees and rules checked 12 October 2026 and may change. This is guidance, not legal advice, and it is not your NCT record.