NCT testers respond to driver's claim perfectly good car failed for this reason

NCT testers have responded to claims by one driver that a car in otherwise perfect condition could fail the test for being too dirty.

Their statement on the matter comes after they issued advice to car owners presenting for an NCT to have their cars relatively clean inside.

They said: "Dirty car? Not cool. NCT testers play a vital role in keeping our roads safe. Don't let a dirty car get in the way of having your car tested! This car was refused a test recently and you can see why."

A number of people took to the comments section to vent at the post with one saying, "Jesus, never realised mud on inside from work would effect an engine, or make it less roadworthy."

Another claimed: "So you could have a very clean car held together with rust but that's OK, then a fully roadworthy car comes along and it's turned down because of a bit of dirt on the inside."

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The NCT service responded to the message above by pointing out, "The vehicle is not failed for been dirty, we may refuse to test the vehicle at that time until it is presented in a reasonably clean condition."

When a third person asked, "what's a dirty car got to do with being road legal?," the NCT service responded: "We specifically ask customers to ensure the vehicle is reasonably clean when presenting it for the test, this is to ensure no cross-contamination from one customers vehicle to another customers vehicle."

Some people agreed with the policy. One wrote: "I wouldn't go near a car like that, and it's just bit respect for the testers. They're not looking for a spit and shine. How are they to check the condition of the floor when they can't see it."

The NCT also recently revealed a few little known visual reasons your car could fail the NCT.

The NCT says: "Taking a few minutes to check some of the visual items below and ensuring they are all working in advance of your NCT could potentially save you valuable time and money."

One of the more obscure items that you could easily forget to check is the little bulbs on your registration plates. It is a legal requirement that your registration is visible at all times and if these bulbs aren't working, it cannot be seen at night.

Your car could fail its NCT if its registration plate lamps are "not working, faulty or not fitted; not white in colour; or if the lens is missing or broken." You can check these bulbs by turning your car on and checking the bulbs are on front and rear before the test.

You can see the full NCT visual checklist below:

Windscreen Wipers and Washers

Reasons for failure:

Missing
Not cleaning windscreen effectively
Wiped areas less than sufficient to give the driver an adequate view
Washer, not working, no water or incorrectly aimed

Seat Belts

Reasons for failure:

Belts cut, badly frayed or repaired
Belts not operating properly

Tyre Condition

Reasons for failure:

tread worn, distorted or damaged
tread depth of less than 1.6mm
Incorrectly seated on wheel rim
Valve Damaged

Registration Plate Lamps

Reasons for failure:

Not working, faulty or not fitted
Not white in colour.
Lens missing or broken.

Stop Lamps

Reasons for failure:

Missing or not clearly visible.
Not working or faulty.
Not brighter than tail lights.
Not red in colour
Insecurely mounted
Contains water/moisture
Lens missing or broken
Switch does not operate correctly

Indicator/Tell Tales

Reasons for failure:

Missing, not working or faulty
Insecurely mounted
Lens broken or missing
Contains water/moisture
Not amber in colour

Horn

Reasons for failure:

Control insecure
Horn insecurely mounted
Not working correctly
Not working or not fitted

Registration Plates Front and Rear

Reasons for failure:

One or both plates missing, insecure or not clearly visible.
Numbers or letters missing or illegible or incorrect size
Numbers, letter or background of incorrect colour

Side Lamps

Reasons for failure:

Missing or not clearly visible.
Not working or faulty.
Not white in colour
Insecurely mounted
Contains water/moisture
Lens missing or broken