The NCT has suspended the use of lifts at its 47 test centres around the country due to health and safety concerns.
Inspections have been taking place in recent days after "signs of cracking" were found in almost 50 lifts in the North, causing the closure of the testing centres.
The same company supplies lifts in the Republic of Ireland and an initial inspection by the NCT has found cracks.
However, Beat News understands that there are reportedly at least five lifts with cracks in two South East centres.
Workers received an email on the 29th of January to cease the use of lifts, but a source has told Beat News that staff were aware of the issue on Monday 26th, and were still expected to continue with their routine checks as part of the service, which involved stepping under vehicles that were propped up by the cracked lifts.
It has now ordered their use be suspended and a full audit take place to establish the extent of the problem.
Drivers due for an NCT will still be able to take two-thirds of the test at the full fee of €55, but will have to return and take the final part once the issue has been resolved.
And while a free retest will be scheduled for the affected customers, no certs will be issued until the full test has been completed.
Last night the RSA released a statement:
The Road Safety Authority says it's been engaging with Gardaí and other relevant stakeholders on the situation at NCT centres.
It says since the issue of the scissors lift in centres has come to light, it's been working with the NCT contractor, Applus, which is working to resolve the issue with the lift supplier as a matter of urgency.
It expects to have some centre lifts coming back on line shortly, after the completion of an initial condition survey of lifts in some centres.
The RSA says as an interim measure, a Vehicle Inspection Report will be issued in the normal way following a test, which will clearly indicate "No lift inspection done".
Motorists are advised to keep a copy of this report with them in their car to show it to a Garda if required.
It's expected that this will cause a major backlog in the system as the audit itself could take weeks.
Beat News also understands that the lifts cannot be repaired and must be replaced, and one single lift could potentially take up to a day and a half to replace.
Gardaí are yet to release a statement on the issue.
