53% Pass Rate and the Shortest Queue in the Country — So Why Are You Still Waiting?
While drivers in Dublin, Cork and Galway are staring down four-to-six-month backlogs, one NCT centre quietly processes cars with wait times that would make the rest of Ireland weep. Waterford’s Cleaboy Road centre — tucked behind the Waterford Business Park, just off the roundabout where the R680 meets Cleaboy Road — has consistently recorded some of the shortest appointment queues in the country.
According to our county-by-county breakdown, Waterford’s current wait sits at roughly 8–10 weeks. That’s half of what you’ll face in Deansgrange and a fraction of the Naas backlog. But here’s the catch: word is getting out. Drivers from Kilkenny, Wexford and even Carlow are now booking Cleaboy Road, and those “instant” slots are disappearing.
If you need a test sooner, our NCT cancellation slot scanner monitors the NCTS booking system around the clock and alerts you the moment a slot opens — often within days, not months.
Waterford NCT Centre: The Numbers That Matter
| Metric | Waterford (Cleaboy Rd) | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 53.0% | 49.2% |
| Fail Dangerous Rate | 7.1% | 8.4% |
| Current Wait Time | 8–10 weeks | 16–24 weeks |
| Centre Ranking (Pass Rate) | 8th out of 47 | — |
Why Cleaboy Road Outperforms Most NCT Centres
Three factors make Waterford’s centre a standout:
1. Lower volume, higher throughput. Unlike the mega-centres at Deansgrange or Fonthill, Cleaboy Road handles a manageable volume of tests. Fewer lanes, but fewer cancellations clogging the system. The result? Smoother scheduling and less “ghost slot” frustration.
2. A 53% pass rate. That’s almost 4 percentage points above the national average. Waterford drivers — or more likely their local mechanics — seem to do better pre-test prep. If you’re coming from the city side via the Rice Bridge or from the N25 Bypass, there are several reliable pre-NCT garages along the Cork Road and on the Tramore Road that offer €30–€50 “NCT prep checks”.
3. South East spillover hasn’t peaked yet. Dungarvan doesn’t have its own centre. New Ross drivers have to choose between Waterford and Wexford. Kilkenny city’s centre has longer waits. That makes Cleaboy Road the default for a wide catchment area — but it also means demand is rising.
The South East “NCT Run”: Who’s Driving to Waterford?
We’re seeing a clear pattern from bot data and booking trends. Drivers from these areas are actively searching for Waterford NCT slots:
From Kilkenny (45 min via the M9/N10): Kilkenny’s own centre on the Hebron Road regularly shows 12–14 week waits. The M9 motorway makes Cleaboy Road a realistic alternative — exit at Junction 10, take the R680, and you’re there in under 50 minutes.
From Wexford (55 min via the N25): Wexford town’s centre has similar backlogs. Drivers heading north on the N25 past New Ross are increasingly choosing Waterford over waiting locally.
From Carlow (50 min via the N9): With no NCT centre in Carlow town itself, drivers already commute. Waterford and Kilkenny are the two options — and right now, Waterford wins on wait times.
From Dungarvan and Tramore: These towns feed directly into the Waterford catchment. If you’re in Tramore, Cleaboy Road is barely 15 minutes up the R675. Dungarvan drivers face a 45-minute run on the N25 — but it beats an 18-week wait in Cork’s Little Island.
How to Get a Waterford NCT Slot This Week
The official NCTS booking system (view all locations) shows Waterford availability. But here’s what the system doesn’t tell you: cancellation slots appear and vanish within minutes. Someone in Dunmore East cancels their Thursday 2pm slot at midnight, and by 7am it’s gone.
That’s exactly what NCT Bot was built for. Set your preferred centre to Waterford — Cleaboy Road, choose your date range, and the bot will send you an instant alert the moment a cancellation appears. No refreshing. No 11pm calendar-watching. Just a notification and a direct link to book.
Local Insider Tips: Getting to Cleaboy Road
From the city centre (Viking Triangle/Reginald’s Tower area): Head north on Lombard Street, take the inner ring road past Waterford Crystal, then follow signs for the Waterford Business Park. The centre is on the left just past the Cleaboy Road roundabout. Allow 10 minutes in traffic.
From the N25 Bypass: Exit at the Waterford Business Park junction. Follow the R680 — the centre is signposted. This is the fastest route if you’re coming from New Ross or Wexford direction.
From Tramore/Dunmore East: Take the R675 north into the city, then follow the inner ring road towards Cleaboy. Straightforward route, about 15 minutes from Tramore.
Parking: The centre has its own car park, but it fills fast during morning slots (8:30–10:00). If you’re testing at peak time, arrive 15 minutes early or you’ll be circling the Business Park.
FAQ
How long is the NCT wait in Waterford right now?
As of early 2026, the Waterford NCT centre on Cleaboy Road has an average wait of 8–10 weeks for a standard booking. This is significantly shorter than centres in Dublin (20+ weeks) or Cork (16+ weeks). However, cancellation slots regularly appear with just days’ notice — our NCT Bot catches these the moment they’re released.
Can I book Waterford NCT if I live in Kilkenny or Wexford?
Yes. You can book any NCT centre in Ireland regardless of where your car is registered. Many drivers from Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow and Dungarvan already test in Waterford because of its shorter queue. There are no restrictions — just book through the Waterford booking page and show up with your car.
How much is the NCT re-test fee in 2026?
If your car fails the NCT, the re-test is free provided you return within 21 days of the original test and only for items listed on your fail report. If you miss the 21-day window or fail on different items, you’ll pay the full €55 test fee again. Don’t let it lapse — that €55 adds up fast.