Insurance
All drivers must have insurance covering them to drive a vehicle in a public place. By law you must inform the insurance company of relevant information, such as penalty points and changes in your medical fitness to drive, before you drive a vehicle. If you are in any doubt you should discuss the matter with the insurance company. It is a serious offence to drive a vehicle that is not insured.
You need to display an up-to-date insurance disc. It is an offence not to have the disc on display.
Vehicles that do not need to display an insurance disc
Motorcycles (with or without a side car)
Tractors
All trailers must be covered by third party motor insurance. This applies whether the trailer is being towed or parked in a public place.
Even though the trailer does not have to display an insurance disc, you must have valid insurance cover.
Vehicles showing a trade licence
Vehicles owned or used by an exempted person as defined by the Road
Traffic Acts, for example members of emergency services
National car test
Vehicle testing makes sure your vehicle is safe to use on the road. This is especially important for older vehicles.
Passenger cars over 4 years old must have a valid NCT Certificate and
show the NCT disc on the windscreen.
Passenger cars between 4 and 10 years old must be tested every 2 years.
Passenger cars over 10 years old must be tested every year.
You may also avail of ‘voluntary early testing’ and get your car tested earlier than 90 days before its NCT due date. (Note: Availing of voluntary early testing will result in a change of date for the next NCT test.)