The National Car Testing Service is still struggling to clear a test backlog following the relaxation of testing during the pandemic and ongoing staff shortages.

Currently there are an estimated 375,000 cars on the road without a valid NCT raising concerns over vehicle safety and insurance cover. It has also emerged that more than 2,000 motorists have been offered free NCT tests since the start of January. This is under the NCT customer charter, which states that vehicle owners are entitled to a free test if an appointment cannot be offered with 28 days. This is subject to certain conditions, but is certainly something drivers experiencing long delays should note.

It appears that testing dates being offered are very dependent on location, with short waiting times reported in Donegal, while test dates currently offered in Dublin and the surrounding areas can be many months in advance.

The NCT service says that they are currently working to increase testing capacity with 24 new inspectors added so far this year. A further 50 new inspectors will also begin training shortly following a recruitment drive in the Philippines. At present the service is operating with 610 vehicle inspectors, with the normal optimum level some 630. However, more testers are required currently to clear backlogs and to replace staff leaving the organisation.

Due to the current difficulties it is also possible that NCT operator Applus will be fined by the  Road Safety Authority (RSA) due to service levels not being met.

Applus has said it is looking at ways to clear test backlogs, including night testing at certain centres and changes to working practices. The company expects a significant improvement in service delivery during the second quarter of 2023 and a return to normal service in the third.