Its not even 7.30 AM at the NCT Test Centre in Drogheda and already there is a queue of people out of the door of the small waiting room. It is a scene that is being replicated at NCT centres right around the country as motorists scramble to get their NCT paperwork in order.

Since December last year motorists found to be driving without a valid NCT certificate can be subject to a fixed-charge penalty notice, or on the spot fine and three points on their license. Previously while it was offence to drive without an NCT, enforcement required a court summons and few actions were ever brought. Whilst today actual evidence of Garda enforcing the rules on the ground is hard to come by, it appears that Ireland’s drivers no longer want to take the risk of points and a substantial fine and are booking tests and retests in their thousands.

The Road Safety Authority says that more than 10% of the 1.9 million cars on the road have an out of date NCT. Rule changes have seen a 100% increase in on time compliance and this is putting huge pressure on the testing system. To cope with the increased demand some test centres are now offering 24 hour opening during certain periods, while more test lanes are being added and more testing staff are being recruited. Opening hours have also been extended at many centres to include early morning and late night appointments.

It all means that Ireland’s aging vehicle fleet is slowly being brought up to scratch in terms of road worthiness and this is having a big impact in the aftermarket. The majority of motor factors have reported healthy business since the start of the year, while garages are benefiting from an increase in pre-test work and post test remedial repairs. The trend also looks set to continue as more motorist take on time testing seriously.