The Postcode Lottery: Where You Live Determines Your Wait

As the RSA continues to struggle with the 2026 backlog, the gap between Dublin and the rest of the country is widening. Drivers searching for NCT wait times 2026 are finding that their location is the single biggest factor in securing a test. Our analysis of Applus+ booking data for January 2026 reveals a stark divide.

While rural centres are clearing faster, the commuter belt remains gridlocked. If you are looking for NCT cancellation slots, understanding these regional differences is key to finding a date before your Test Disc expires.

NCT Wait Times by County (January 2026)

The following table illustrates the average lead time for a standard booking across major counties. Note the severe delays in the capital compared to the west.

County	Average Wait Time (Weeks)	Status	Next Available
Dublin (Northpoint), Fonthill	24-28 Weeks	Critical	July 2026
Kildare (Naas)	20-24 Weeks	Critical	June 2026
Meath (Navan)	18-22 Weeks	High Demand	June 2026
Cork (Little Island)	12-16 Weeks	High Demand	May 2026
Galway (Galway City)	10-14 Weeks	Moderate	April 2026
Donegal (Letterkenny)	4-8 Weeks	Good	February 2026

Why Is Dublin So Far Behind?

The NCTS infrastructure in Dublin is simply overwhelmed by the volume of 10-year-old cars (161-reg) entering the annual testing cycle this year. With staff shortages affecting centres like Deansgrange and Northpoint, the capacity cannot meet the demand.

Conversely, centres in Donegal and Mayo have seen a slight improvement due to seasonal lulls in agricultural vehicle testing. This creates an opportunity for mobile drivers: driving to a neighbouring county might save you 4 months of waiting.

How much is the NCT re-test fee in 2026?

The standard visual re-test fee is free, but if your car requires a lane re-test (using equipment like the brake tester), the fee is €40.00. A full test remains €60.00. Failing your test due to simple issues like bulbs increases the pressure on the NCTS backlog, so always check your car beforehand.

Strategy: How to Beat the 28-Week Wait

If you are in a “Critical” county like Dublin, relying on the official calendar is a failing strategy. You risk driving without a valid CRW (Certificate of Roadworthiness), which can lead to Penalty Points if stopped by the Gardai.

Instead of waiting, use our NCT appointment bot to monitor cancellations. Every day, dozens of people cancel their slots in Northpoint and Naas. These slots appear on the system for seconds. Our service catches them instantly, allowing you to bypass the 6-month queue and secure your test this week.