Should I repair my car before the NCT?

Hi,

I crashed my car against a pole a while back and it has been difficult trying to get any word of repairs on it because I need to use spare parts and it's a 2012 Peugeot so no need to buy brand new parts.

Nothing is hanging off - only the front bumper and grille were affected. Looks a little bent and radiators and everything are perfectly fine. I have an NCT test coming up in a few weeks; is it advisable to just go through buying new parts to repair it (will probably cost more than the car itself) or will that pass NCT?

Gladys (Waterford)

Sep 2025 Filed under: NCT

---

Expert answer

Hi Gladys,

We'd recommend the car is repaired before the NCT. Though minor damage should not mean a fail, that is open to interpretation by the tester and if they deem the car a danger to others, they can fail it for damaged bodywork.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor