Anyone whose NCT is due to expire is urged to phone their nearest test centre as online bookings are taking longer.
A new penalty points regime came into force today, including three points for not having a valid NCT.
Fianna Fail says the change of rules regarding the NCT should be delayed until the backlog of tests is cleared.
But Brian Farrell of the Road Safety Authority says you can get a quicker appointment by phoning your test centre.