Motorists are being urged to book their NCT early, as demand pushes wait times into next year.
An Irish Independent survey found the earliest some people can book an appointment is January 2023. Figures revealed Dublin, Cavan, Kildare and Louth were among some of the longest wait times in the country.
Waterford was found to have the shortest waiting list, with appointments available almost immediately.
The NCT has to be conducted every two years for vehicles between four and nine years old. For cars 10 years or older, an annual inspection is required.
Anna Cullen from AA Ireland says, it's important to prepare yourself properly before the test and to make sure everything is in order "Cleaning your vehicle thoroughly, ensuring your tyres are at the correct pressure, make sure the engine is in a fit state to be tested and ensure the vehicle is topped up with oil, engine coolant and brake fluid"
Cullen says it's also important to check the seatbelts, not only for your safety but for the safety of your passengers and other road users as well.
