NCT Delays can result in a Free Test
December 8, 2011
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Posted by Money Guide
There can sometimes be fairly long delays in some parts of the country when applying for NCT tests.
The worst period is always around December and January – because it was January when most people bought their new cars 4 years ago.
But – every cloud has a silver lining - delays could mean you get a free NCT ! ( An NCT test costs €50 Euro )
According to the NCT customer charter – the NCT aim to :
“ensure that the average lead time for an appointment at an individual test centre is less than three weeks and no greater than four weeks. The customer will be provided with a test free of charge where an appointment cannot be offered within a four week period provided that:
• The Customer has not declined a test appointment (either confirmed or provisional) more than twice, at a centre of their choosing, for the test due at this time
• The Customer has not previously accepted a booking outside of the 4 week period.”
The NCT charter also says that customers are entitled to a free test if they have to wait more than 60 minutes after the appointment time before the test begins. Worth remembering. You will probably need to ask for a refund – the staff will probably not just offer it to you.
NCT Phone Number is 1890 412 413 - (8am-8pm Mon-Thurs; 8am-6pm Friday)
You could also try this alternative number for NCT 01413 5992 – which will be included in your “free landline calls” if you have such a deal with your phone provider.
Categories: Car Servicing, Charges and Fees, Freebies, NCT, Saving Money
My car needed NCT testing in April and I have been offered a test in July. I was told that I could ring in to see if there had been any cancellations to try to get an earlier test. Do you think that I need to do this in order to get the refund, and if so, how often? Would you advise mentioning that I feel I am entitled to a free test?
Clare – I would call them and also follow up with an email – to confirm the date you originally requested a test date and that you were only offered a test more than 4 weeks in the future.
Tell them that you expect this test to be free because it is not within the 4 week limit as per the NCT customer charter. They will probably then offer you another date. If not – you should get it free. Let us know how you get on.
Ive just rang NCT as my letter of appointment was the 27/04/10 with appointment on the 20/07/10 & she tells me to put in writing this claim for refund & see how i get on Ill let you know how it pans out!