'Disgraceful' - Drivers fume as NCT price hikes kick in with little-known extra fees

NCT Ireland has reminded motorists of increases to test and retest charges as they kick in across the country this week.

The controversial changes were announced last month with motorists reacting angrily to the scale of the hikes. While a full test has increased from €55 to €60, a retest has increased from €28 to €40. A visual retest for something like a faulty wiper will continue to be free.

In a statement before Christmas, the Road Safety Authority said: "As part of business planning for the coming year, including planned €18m expenditure on public interest activities and government priorities, there will be adjustments to fees for a number of RSA services, effective January 1, 2025.

"These will be the first changes to costs of services since 2012, and in some cases since 2011."

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The following fee adjustments took effect from January 1, 2025:

Driving Licence: Increase from €55 to €65
Learner Permit: Increase from €35 to €45
Exchange of foreign driving licence: Increase from €55 to €65
Full Test under the National Car Test: Increase from €55 to €60
Retest under the National Car Test: Increase from €28 to €40
Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test: 15% increase in the pre-VAT cost

NCT Ireland also shared details this week or other little-known fees, including €15.50 to replace a lost NCT cert or report. The cancellation fee for a full test is €24 while the cancellation fee for a retest is €16.

Drivers have been reacting this week to the changes in fees. One labelled the hikes as "disgraceful when the roads are not fit for purpose, they're a disgrace."

Another blasted: "€40 for a retest is shocking money considering you might pay huge money for repairs. The cost for a cert at €15, NCT having a laugh, disgraceful with the road surfaces in bad way in most rural areas."