NCT issue warning after thousands of drivers fail test due to key issue

The National Car Testing Service has issued a warning to drivers after over 180,000 people have failed their test due to one issue

NCT Centre

The National Car Testing Service has issued a warning to drivers, revealing that over 180k individuals have flunked their test due to a single issue.

In collaboration with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána, NCT officials are alerting motorists to this prevalent problem. And they’re urging people to be aware of their tyre conditions, as many drivers only realise there are problems when they go to the test, reports RSVP Live.

To highlight the dangers of neglecting tyre upkeep, especially with winter on the horizon, NCT has launched Tyre Safety Day. With the onset of the colder months, roads can become wet and slippery, making it harder for tyres to grip and brake effectively.

Over the past year, the NCTS revealed that a staggering 182,160 drivers failed their NCT due to the state of their tyres – that’s 10.5% of motorists. Alarmingly, they found that 43,184 vehicles had dangerously low tread depths of less than 1.6mm.

Mark Synnott, Managing Director of NCTS, pointed out that the service has identified over 200,000 defective tyres already this year. An Garda Síochána has also handed out 1,755 fixed charge notices for tyre offences so far this year.

Sam Waide, CEO of the RSA, said: “Tyres are the only part of your vehicle in direct contact with the road, and they play a vital role in keeping you safe. Worn or defective tyres can mean the difference between stopping in time or being involved in a serious collision. Alarmingly, tyres remain the leading cause of NCT failures, which shows that too many motorists are not carrying out basic checks. Tyre Safety Day is a reminder that checking your tyres should be a year-round habit, not something left until test time.”

Inspector Ross O Doherty, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, also added: “Too often, Gardaí encounter vehicles on the road fitted with tyres that fall below acceptable legal and safety standards, posing risks not only to the driver but to all road users. We encourage drivers to make tyre checks a regular habit-looking out for signs of wear, damage, or low tread depth-and to replace tyres when necessary. This simple step can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and ensuring safer journeys.”

The NCTS has confirmed that tyres need to be the right standard and size for your vehicle, free from any defects, inflated correctly, and have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm (1mm for motorbikes).

Here are some safety tips they’ve shared for drivers:

• Do a visual inspection before every trip
• Check for bulges, cracks, cuts, or uneven wear patterns
• Make sure tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Swap out your tyres when the tread depth drops below 3mm – new tyres usually come with 8mm
• Bear in mind: the legal minimum tread is 1.6mm (1mm for motorcycles)

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