Passing your NCT comes with stress and worry, here at Windsor we want to give you a checklist you can do before your NCT, from cleaning your car to changing the oil filters, to reduce whatever stress you may be feeling!
Make sure they are secure, clearly visible, with no letters or numbers missing, are the correct size with the correct colour background.
Make sure they are working, clearly visible, not missing, not obscured, are securely mounted without broken lenses, are white in colour and don't contain any water or moisture.
3) Indicator Lamps
Make sure they are working, not missing or obscured, are securely mounted without broken lenses, don't contain any water or moisture and when switched on blink in Amber colour.
4) Tyres & Wheels
Check all 4 tyres and spare tyre. Make sure the thread depth is more than the legal limit of 1.6mm. Check for abnormal wear, damage or bulging on tyres. Make sure they are fitted correctly on the wheel rim and the valves are free of damage. Make sure all tyres fitted are the same size and are acceptable size per the manufacturers handbook. Make sure all wheels and wheel nuts are fastened securely in place and there is no excessive damage to the wheel rims.
5) Engine warnings, oil, water and coolant levels
Make sure that there are no engine warning lights on such as Engine Oil light, Water Coolant, Brake Fluid lights or Brake Warning Lights. Check the engine oil level with the dipstick.
6) Wipers and Washers
Make sure no wipers are missing. Check they are working effectively and clearing the windscreen to give the driver a proper view. Make sure that washer levels are topped up, washers are working and aimed properly.
7) Horn
Make sure the horn is fitted securely and is functioning properly.
8) Brake Lights
Make sure they are working properly, clearly visible, not missing, not obscured, are securely mounted without broken lenses, are red in colour and don't contain any water or moisture. Check that they are not brighter than tail lights.
9) Seat Belts
Make sure all seat belts are functioning properly. Pull out belts slowly and ensure they move with a smooth action, then tug sharply to ensure the belts react properly. Check that no seat belt is torn or frayed.
10) Registration Plate Lights
Make sure they are working, are not obscured, are white in colour and are without broken lenses.
Make sure your car is clean, inside, and out, especially the mirrors, windows, lights, and registration plates. If your car is dirty, it will be more difficult to inspect, and the test inspector might refuse to test it. Don’t forget to clean the underbody of the car with a brush as it will also be examined.
Take all your personal belongings out of your car before your NCT test and don’t forget to empty the boot. If there's a child’s car seat in the car, the test inspector is obliged to check that it's installed correctly.
Don’t forget to bring your vehicle registration book, registration certificate, licensing certificate, your personal identification and a method of payment to the NCT centre. If you turn up without them, it's likely your car will not be tested.
