In an effort to meet Ireland’s strategic objectives and in accordance with EU Directive 2014/45, the NCT will commence the use of OBD testing as part of the National Car Test from 21st June 2021. Ireland will be one of the first of the EU Member states to implement this new approach of testing, which will help contribute to significantly safer vehicles on Irish roads.

The following changes will come into effect in the NCT from the 21st June 2021.  

NCT Manual 2021 - From this date, a new version of the NCT manual V5.0 (June 2021) will come into operation. The NCT manual lists each item on which a car will be tested. It lays down the test method and pass/fail criteria to be adopted for the compulsory road-worthiness testing of passenger vehicles. It provides guidance in relation to why a vehicle may fail the NCT and the categorisation of defects. The new manual is updated in line with Directive 2014/45 (EU) and is available for download on the NCTS website (www.ncts.ie) and Road Safety Authority website (www.rsa.ie)

OBD Testing - From the 21st June, OBD testing will become an inspection item in the NCT.  It will be introduced on a phased basis. Initially, when an OBD error code is detected it will result in the vehicle receiving an “Advisory Pass”. Then, from early 2022, when an error code is detected, this may constitute a reason for “failure”.

The NCT Vehicle Inspector will plug the OBD scanner into the vehicle's OBD computer port known as the DLC (data link connector). This OBD scanner will quickly indicate whether or not error codes exist, and it also helps and alerts the Vehicle Inspector to possible defects within the vehicle.
In order for the NCTS to conduct the inspection, it is asking customers to ensure:

- Their glove compartments are unlocked and clear of personal belongings before their NCT.

- That any devices using the OBD port in the vehicle are removed in advance of the NCT.

The OBD scanner will scan the OBD system for:

- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

- Odometer Reading

- Electronic Braking System (EBS) - Any error code associated with the electronic braking system will be recorded on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) provided to the customer following their NCT inspection.

- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Any error code associated with the antilock braking system will be recorded on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) provided to the customer following their NCT inspection.

While, initially, vehicles with error codes will be recorded as ‘Advisory Pass’, the NCTS strongly recommends that any error codes be addressed by the vehicle repairer. However, the vehicle will not need to return for re-inspection, for these items alone.

From early 2022, should certain error codes be detected, they will constitute a reason for failure in the NCT and an NCT certificate will not be issued until the items are rectified and a pass result is achieved.

The new NCT manual identifies that, where a combination of deficiencies is recorded in the NCT in one area of a vehicle, the combination of deficiencies could lead to the result of the NCT being escalated to ‘fail dangerous’. In such instances, the deficiencies are considered to constitute a direct or immediate risk to road safety and the vehicle should not be driven on the road under any circumstances, in accordance with The Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017, S.I. 415 of 2017.