Do older cars have different NCT emissions tests?

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.