Motorists in some areas could be facing a wait of up to six months for an NCT, as demand for the test reaches unprecedented levels. 

The Irish Independent recently surveyed NCT waiting times in counties across Ireland and found that for some drivers in areas such as Dublin, Cavan, Kildare, Louth and Meath the earliest date they could book a test was January 2023. Eight of the 48 nationwide test centres are currently only able to offer test dates next year.  

The main issue has been that many NCTs were deferred due to the pandemic and centres are now having to catch up with the back-log.  Some areas of the country have escaped the spike in demand, with early test dates available in Waterford, Galway and Monaghan. 

Customers who do experience a long delay can often get an earlier date due to a cancelation and can also arrange earlier appointments by calling the NCT helpline to place themselves on a priority list.

As well as the back-log due the pandemic, centres are also experiencing staff shortages and a high number of test no-shows which effectively remove test slots. 

With delays to testing, motoring organisations are urging drivers to ensure their vehicles are well maintained at all times. This not only ensures better safety, but can also mean that cars produce much better fuel economy and thus save driver money.