NCT chief's have come under fire after it emerged that people are still being charged the full rate for tests, "despite a four weeks or free" pledge.
According to the Irish Mail On Sunday motorists are being forced to wait six months for a test in many centres and are not being told they are entitled to it for free.
Motorists without an NCT cert can now collect three penalty points every time they are stopped, plus a 60 euro fine.
A spokesperson denies there is a backlog and said the vast majority were being offered tests within four weeks.