Do older cars have different NCT emissions tests?

Hi,

My car is 1986; does it have different emissions testing?

Thank you

JOHN FEENEY

Jun 2026 Filed under: NCT

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Expert answer

Hi John,

Yes, if the car still needs an NCT, it will be tested to older emissions standards, not the same limits as a modern car. If it's a 1986 petrol car, the NCT emissions test is essentially an idle CO/HC test, with the limits depending on whether it was first registered before or after 1 October 1986.

If it's diesel, it will be smoke-tested to the older diesel limits. Also note that, once the car reaches the 40th anniversary of its first registration, a private car becomes exempt from the NCT altogether. That will be relevant for a car first registered in 1986, obviously, as it hits the big Four Zero this year.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor