REVEALED: Testers identify the most common reasons your car fails the NCT

The main reasons why a car fails its NCT have been revealed by the testers who carry out the checks.

Out of 1,920 cars tested in the first six months of 2023, 10,584 passed, with a further 8,622 failing. That represented a pass rate of 55.11% and a failure rate of 44.89%. 

Top of the list is a fail for a lighting and electrical reason, which accounts for 15.18% of failures. 

That is closely followed by steering and suspension problems, which accounts for 13.85% of failures. 

A side slip test is the reason that 11.39% of cars fail the test.

The engine, noise and exhaust is the cause of 9.95% of failures, closely followed by the brake test, which results in 9.35% of cars failing the test. 

There are many other reasons including emissions, wheels and tyres, chassis and body, light test etc. 

NCT says it is experiencing high demand at present for car tests and some customers may only see appointments for mid-2024.

However, they say that the available appointments that customers see online only represent approximately 1/3 of the actual appointments available for that time.

NCTS will open the full capacity or the remaining 2/3 of appointments two weeks ahead when schedules are finalised and they know what staff are available that week.

If a customer requires an earlier appointment than those available online, the can place themselves on the priority list and the NCT will try to get you an appointment within 28 days.

They say the option to add your vehicle to the Priority list can be found during the booking process.

You can check your make and model's reasons for failing HERE