The 2026 Road Safety Push: A Wake-Up Call for Irish Drivers

January 2026 has kicked off with a serious message from the government: road safety is back at the top of the agenda. With the official launch of the new Road Safety Strategy this week, Irish motorists are facing a stricter landscape regarding vehicle standards, driver health, and insurance compliance.

For many, this renewed focus is welcome news given the tragic rise in road incidents over the last few years. However, for the everyday driver, it brings a fresh wave of “NCT stress.” We all know the feeling—glancing at the windscreen disc, realizing it’s expired, and dreading the log-on to the booking portal only to see the next available date is months away.

In this update, we’ll break down what the new strategy means for your insurance, why valid NCT certificates are more critical than ever, and how you can avoid getting caught in the backlog crossfire.

Insurers Back the New Strategy: What It Means for You

The insurance industry has been quick to react to the government’s announcement. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) and major players like Admiral have publicly welcomed the strategy, highlighting that reducing road deaths is a top priority for the sector.

But what does this mean for your premium?

Historically, insurance companies have taken a dim view of cars without a valid NCT. While some policies might offer a grace period if you can prove you have a test booked, the “renewed focus” mentioned in the strategy suggests patience is wearing thin. With the government pushing for stricter enforcement, insurers may tighten their terms regarding roadworthiness.

If you are involved in an accident without a valid NCT, you could face:

• Reduced claim payouts: Insurers may argue the vehicle was not roadworthy.
• Policy cancellation: Driving illegally can void your contract.
• Higher renewals: A history of non-compliance is a red flag for underwriters.

The Disconnect: Stricter Rules vs. The NCT Backlog

Here lies the problem. The government and insurers are demanding higher standards and strict compliance, but the infrastructure—specifically the National Car Test (NCT) system—is still struggling to keep up. The dreaded backlog hasn’t gone away.

Drivers looking to book a test at popular locations often find themselves staring at a calendar with no availability until mid-2026. For example, drivers trying to book at the Northpoint NCT centre or busy hubs in Cork and Galway are frequently met with the “No dates available” message.

This creates a dangerous gap. You want to be compliant, you need to be compliant for your insurance, but the system is making it incredibly difficult to get the test done on time. The Gardai have been lenient in the past for those with proof of booking, but relying on discretion is a risky strategy in 2026.

Don’t Let the Backlog Catch You Out

The new strategy also touches on driver health, with discussions around mandatory sight tests for drivers over 70. This signals a broader move towards regular, mandatory checks. Just as you wouldn’t skip a health check, your car’s “health check” (the NCT) is non-negotiable.

Waiting for the official system to release a slot is a gamble. Cancellations happen all the time—thousands of them every week—but they are snapped up in seconds by those who are paying attention. Or rather, by those who have the right tools.

If you are driving in Dublin or any major urban area, the competition for these NCT cancellation slots is fierce. You cannot afford to wait 6 months while risking penalty points and insurance issues.

The Solution: Beat the Queue with Automation

You don’t need to sit at your computer refreshing the page. There is a smarter way to secure your test and ensure you stay on the right side of the new Road Safety Strategy. nct-bot.ie