NCTS COVID update - Re: Resumption of NCT inspections
The National Car Testing Service (NCTS) has confirmed that the phased reopening of the NCT service will begin from the 8 June 2020 with the reopening of 15 centres. The reopening of the centres is being done in line with the Government’s Roadmap for reopening Society and Business, published on 1 May, and in compliance with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.
In the short term the roadworthiness testing of vehicles will be on a limited basis and restricted only to those vehicles that had a test due date prior to 28 March 2020 (before the 4-month extension to vehicle certificates of roadworthiness came into effect). This will include vehicle owners who were unable to secure a retest date because of the suspension of the service and those affected by the vehicle lifts issue. Customers should take note of the Government’s travel restrictions before booking a test.
Those who fall into these categories can book an appointment for a test on the NCT website www.ncts.ie in any of the 15 centres re-opening on 8th June. The re-opening of more test centres will be announced in the coming weeks and updates will be posted on ncts.ie.
From Monday 8th June the following NCT centres are reopening:
- Cork – Little Island
- Cork – Blarney
- Northpoint 1 & 2, Dublin
- Deansgrange, Dublin
- Fonthill, Dublin
- Galway
- Limerick
- Waterford
- Letterkenny
- Athlone
- Ballina
- Naas
- Drogheda
- Derrybeg
To enable the re-opening of centres the NCTS has put detailed measures in place, in each test centre, to mitigate against the spread of COVID19 and to protect both customers and staff. These measures include, the need to make an appointment (you will not be seen without an appointment), customers are required to prepay their tests when booking online for preauthorisation purposes, the transaction can be completed using the card in the test centre. No cash will be accepted in the centres. Social distancing controls will be in place including notices posted both internally and externally around the test centre and physical distancing floor markers. The safety of the public is paramount, and we continue to be guided by public health officials and relevant national experts. If information or guidance changes, we will reassess and change our procedures and protocols accordingly.
Furthermore, all staff have received mandatory training on COVID 19 safety and hygiene protocols covering social distancing requirements, personal hygiene, and the correct use of PPE equipment.
Any customers who qualified for the 4 month extension to the period of validity of their NCT roadworthiness certificate are encouraged to log onto www.ncts.ie where they can check their new test due date.
Over the coming weeks the remaining NCT centres will reopen on a phased basis, this reopening will be aligned with the Governments Roadmap for reopening Society and Business. As information and guidance from public health officials change, we will reassess and change our procedures and protocols accordingly.
All centres reopening on the 8th June have functioning lifts. During the suspension of service, NCTS has made some progress in repairing and replacing the vehicle inspection lifts in test centres and this will continue in the coming weeks. We expect that all centres will have functioning lifts by the middle of July such that all tests can be completed in full. By way of clarity no further vehicles presenting for a full test will pass through the NCT without completing all stages of the test.
We ask that customers please continue to check www.ncts.ie for further information and updates on the reopening of the remaining test centres.
Note
In the interests of health and safety of staff and customers, we have the following protocols and procedures in place for those attending for their NCT:
Protocol for Staff:
- Before each inspection, all vehicle inspectors must wash their hands with soap and water and wear a new set of disposable gloves.
- Leave all entrance doors open where possible to minimise the risk of virus transfer via door handles.
- Leave Vehicle Inspection Reports and NCT Certificates (if applicable) on the front seat of the customer’s vehicle following the test, thus eliminating the need for customers to re-enter the test centre, unless they have a query.
Protocol for customers
Tests must be booked and paid online
- In advance of attending for NCT, please ensure your vehicle is being presented in a hygienic state and free of any unhygienic matter such as used tissues, gloves and wipes.
- Only customers with confirmed appointments should present their vehicle for inspection.
- Only one person must present the vehicle for inspection and we are asking that vulnerable drivers and those with an underlying illness do not attend, we ask that they organise for someone else to present their vehicle where possible.
- A maximum number of customers will be permitted to enter the centre and this will be clearly sign posted as you enter the centre.
- All customers must adhere to the social distancing guidelines.
- Driver identification will still be required to be shown at check in, but it should not be handed to the staff member.
- Once checked in, customers will be advised to wait in their vehicles or if they prefer to wait outside the building.
- Leave windows lowered slightly to allow for air to ventilate naturally throughout the vehicle.
- Ensure the air vents in the vehicle are closed and the fans are reduced to the lowest level.
- Once the inspection is complete, the Vehicle Inspection Reports and NCT Certificates (if applicable) will be left on the front seat of the customer’s vehicle following the test, thus eliminating the need for customers to re-enter the test centre, unless they have a query.