NCT cost in Ireland 2026: full breakdown
Test fee, re-test fee, typical repair costs, and how a Pre-NCT compares.
The NCT itself is fixed-fee. The cost of failures and re-tests is where it adds up. Here’s the full 2026 breakdown.
Test fees (paid to the NCTS centre)
- Full test: approximately €56
- Re-test (visual only, after fixing a fail): approximately €31.50
- Re-test (full): approximately €56 — required if more than 28 days passed since the original test
Test fees are set by RSA and may be adjusted yearly. Check ncts.ie for the current rate.
Common repair costs (paid to your mechanic)
These are typical costs at an independent garage in Northside Dublin:
- Headlight alignment: €35
- Bulb replacement (number-plate, indicator, brake): €5–€20 each
- Wiper blades (pair): €15–€25
- Brake pads (front): €110–€180
- Brake discs + pads (front): €220–€380
- Exhaust repair (silencer or flexi): €95–€220
- Suspension bushings or links: €180–€320 per side
- Tyres (per tyre, fitted): €65–€140 depending on size and brand
- DPF clean (diesel): €150–€250
- Wheel alignment: €45–€85
How a Pre-NCT compares
A Pre-NCT inspection at V.T. Motors is €49 flat for all 50 points. If you fix any failures we find, you walk into the actual NCT confident.
The math:
- Without Pre-NCT, fail, fix, re-test: €56 + repair + €31.50 = at least €87.50 extra
- With Pre-NCT, fix in advance, pass first time: €49 + repair = repair only
If your car is anywhere close to the borderline, a Pre-NCT pays for itself almost every time.
Book a Pre-NCT slot — phone 01 847 5146.