UNDER THE WILL… OVER THE DRAMA…

Driving in Ireland: Pay, Pray, and Fail Again…

—

by

Mae Faurel
in

Where Did September Go?

I’m sitting here wondering where the hell September has gone. Honestly, I had plans stacked up like dominoes, and now they’re all toppling over while I’m scrambling to catch up.

But at least I managed to book my NCT. Oh yes, the great Irish rite of passage. Forget confirmation, graduation, or your first pint, the real test of adulthood here is standing at the counter, wallet in hand, while a stranger in overalls tells you whether you’re allowed to drive your own car.

Here’s the fun part: they always find something to fail you on. Always. It’s like a game of “Spot the Difference,” except you’re the picture and the difference costs you €60. Last year, they failed me for headlights that “weren’t adjusted properly.” Funny thing,  my mechanic had adjusted them the day before. But no, apparently the beam of light wasn’t bouncing at just the right mystical angle. Fail. Pay again. Come back.

So this year, I’m already playing NCT bingo in my head. Will it be the tyres? The wipers? A speck of rust hiding behind the bumper? Or maybe something completely new, like “excessive dust on the dashboard” or “bad vibes in the boot”? Because let’s face it, it’s not really about road safety, it’s about money. The system needs to keep the tills ringing, and what better way than to fail people for the tiniest thing?

And the kicker? Most people just nod, pay up, and get on with it. Blind to the fact that this is just another cog in the machine designed to drain us.

Between taxes, fuel, insurance, tolls, and the NCT, it feels like driving isn’t freedom at all. It’s more like renting your own car back from the system.

So here we are, September nearly gone, plans behind, and me gearing up for the annual NCT lottery. I know one thing: I’ll walk out lighter in the pocket, and they’ll walk out smiling.

Mae🧡

Comments

18 responses to “Driving in Ireland: Pay, Pray, and Fail Again…”

  1. For Singles And Couples Avatar
    For Singles And Couples

    Hi M,
    You have the proverbial hammer in hand again, hitting those nails on the head.
    You’re right, in most countries driving is becoming a serious financial liability.
    I wasn’t joking when I said, the govs want driving to be a ‘luxury’ for the top 1-20% financially rich only.
    All the plebs/commoners can get on public transport, like it or lump it.
    The NCT is obviously the Irish equivalent to the English MOT, on vehicles older than 3 years old.
    I hope your old faithful passes.
    Also, when you go in for it, remember to count yourself blessed.
    As you spare a thought for this lover of the manual car, on the open road, with drive time music playing.
    It’s been over 4 and a half years for me, but hopefully the patient wait will be over soon. 🚗
    Please God. 😇
    Thanks for sharing. 🫂😗😗

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. krishnasmercy Avatar
      krishnasmercy

      “All the plebs/commoners can get on public transport, like it or lump it.”

      Which itself is becoming increasingly unsafe, as well 😢

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. For Singles And Couples Avatar
        For Singles And Couples

        I agree with you.
        The majority need to wake up to what time it is and look after each other.
        However, will they?

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Mae Faurel Avatar
        Mae Faurel

        That’s the question, isn’t it 🤔… waking up is one thing, but choosing to care is another. Here’s hoping more hearts stir before it’s too late!

        Like

      3. Mae Faurel Avatar
        Mae Faurel

        Exactly 😔 It’s a bitter pill when ‘affordable transport’ comes with a dose of worry. Safety shouldn’t be a luxury item here. 🧡

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Mae Faurel Avatar
      Mae Faurel

      Ah yes Phil, the hammer stays close at hand 😄… and you’re spot on. Driving is turning into a luxury tax wrapped in red tape. Here’s hoping your wait ends soon. There’s nothing like the hum of an old faithful on an open road with music in your soul. 🚗 🧡
      Much Love,
      M xxx

      Like

      Reply
  2. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
    Willie Torres Jr.

    I feel the same way, blinked and Spring was gone 🌸, blinked again and Summer vanished ☀️, now Fall is here 🍁🍂. Homes are already decked out for Halloween 🎃👻, and I’m not ready for Winter ❄️ or 2026 yet 😅.

    Time is flying … Ugh, and November means another year to celebrate, by God’s grace 🙏.

    Oh well… Happy Fall, I guess 🍂🍎✨

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Mae Faurel Avatar
      Mae Faurel

      Ah yes 🍂… blink twice Willie and the year’s gone like a dream in a hurry. Fall’s here to remind us to slow down, sip something warm, and savor the colours before Winter sweeps them away🧡

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
        Willie Torres Jr.

        I Love that … Wonderful way to look at the bright side of things, life and the days ahead.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Mae Faurel Avatar
        Mae Faurel

        Thanks Willie 🧡

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Mags Win Avatar
    Mags Win

    I too am wondering where September went. It was a full month for me with some firsts to deal with. I hope October stays awhile longer and all is well with us all. Hugs

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Mae Faurel Avatar
      Mae Faurel

      September does have a way of slipping away, Mags 🍂… glad you made it through those firsts. Here’s hoping October lingers a little longer for all of us🧡. Hugs 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. mjeanpike Avatar
    mjeanpike

    I’m assuming your NCT is the equivalent of the yearly car inspection many of our states require here. Ohio does not, thank heavens, but after years of New York driving, I feel your pain. Several years ago they added something called “emissions testing.” I swear cars are programmed to have the Check Engine light come on after a certain number of miles. If the light is on, the car does not pass and you don’t drive it. One year after spending hundreds of dollars to make the light go off, it popped back on just as I was heading to inspection. I ended up having to get rid of a fully paid off, perfectly good car I loved because of that blasted check engine light :(

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Mae Faurel Avatar
      Mae Faurel

      Ohhh yes, Jean, the dreaded NCT — same kind of nonsense, different country! They’ve us queuing up like sheep, paying for the privilege of being told our perfect cars aren’t good enough. And that “check engine” scam? I swear, you’re right, it’s built into the system like a slot machine rigged to never pay out. What a crime to have to give up a car you loved over a blinking light. Sometimes it feels like freedom on the road is more about paperwork and profit than actual safety.

      🧡

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Joey Jones Avatar
    Joey Jones

    Did your car pass?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Mae Faurel Avatar
      Mae Faurel

      Rescheduled! Now I need another wheel bearing fixed this week!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Joey Jones Avatar
    Joey Jones

    They see us coming. Grrr. Sorry about that x

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Mae Faurel Avatar
      Mae Faurel

      A bloody money racket! xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a reply to Willie Torres Jr. Cancel reply