A majority of Irish drivers - 64 per cent - say that they want to see a change in the NCT system. Most want to see the NCT change from its current centralised system to a UK-like setup where approved garages can carry out the NCT test.
The NCT has been under fire for some time, with many motorists facing long waiting times for appointments to get their cars tested. This was exacerbated by shortages of NCT staff in the post-COVID era. In 2022, the estimated average wait time to be invited for a car test was 15.5 weeks, and in November 2022, 14,947 people in Dublin were waiting to be invited for their test.
The new research, carried out by insurer Aviva, found that most Irish drivers would also like to see the NCT change from its current system of dating the validity of a new certificate from the date of expiry of the old one to one where a new certificate is valid from the date it is issued.
Alan Behan, Product Manager, Aviva, said: “It's evident that there's a notable call for change amongst the driving community here. While the UK's MOT model offers convenience by allowing motorists to select from a wide range of testing facilities, our current system confines drivers to dedicated NCT centres. The discrepancy in validity periods adds another layer of complexity, and as we have witnessed, can add to the likelihood of backlogs and delays in test centres around the country, particularly in recent years. Younger individuals especially demonstrated a strong desire for reform.
“The practical challenges that drivers come up against as a result of backlogs at the NCT centres have left motorists driving without a valid NCT certificate and, while insurers look at this issue on a case-by-case basis and apply leniency where motorists are awaiting their test, most drivers would prefer to drive safely in the knowledge that they are legally compliant to do so.”
The Aviva survey also asked 1,000 Irish motorists how keen they were on vehicle maintenance. The responses showed that only simple tasks are likely to be carried out, such as checking windscreen washer fluid (71 per cent said that they do this), checking tyres (68 per cent), and washing the car (67 per cent).
Eight per cent said that they don’t carry out any basic maintenance or checks at all, and two-thirds (66 per cent) said that they never check their brakes. Older drivers, especially the over-55s, were more likely to carry out basic maintenance, and the same age group was more likely to wash their own car rather than pay someone to do it. Just under half of motorists do not test their headlights and taillights or check to see if their windscreen wipers need replacing.
Alan Behan continued: “All motorists are required to maintain roadworthy vehicles, as mandated by motor insurance and road traffic legislation[2]. This research sheds some light on the tasks that, for whatever reason, people will or won’t do when it comes to their car. It seems that many, but not all drivers, will monitor their windscreen washer fluid levels and tyre pressure. But fewer said they inspect their brakes themselves and/ or monitor the tread depth of their tyres. It’s difficult to say why this is, but a lack of competency and knowledge could be a key factor, while it’s also likely that motorists would simply feel more comfortable leaving it to the experts. And perhaps others feel that they simply don’t have the time to do these things.”
Behan said this raises the worrying prospect that key motoring skills are being lost. “If we had asked these same questions to motorists 20 or 30 years ago, there’s a good chance the number of people with the ability to perform these tasks themselves would be a lot higher. Some of the tasks on the list could be considered relatively easy and perhaps should be within the capabilities of every driver. They serve as crucial measures that ensure the safety of their car to be on the road.
“Some of the basics before driving that motorists should be aware of are checking that their brakes are working, keeping their windscreen washer fluid topped up, and checking all lights and indicators. It’s also important to regularly check brake and engine level oils, as well as tyre pressure and tread depth. Drivers should also ensure to get their car serviced when necessary.”