If you are driving a car with a 161 or 162 registration plate, you might have received a nasty surprise in the post this January. For the last decade, you have enjoyed the relative luxury of the biennial National Car Test (NCT)—a trip to the test centre only once every two years.

As of 2026, that grace period is officially over.

Under Irish road traffic laws, once a vehicle reaches its 10th anniversary of first registration, it must undergo an annual roadworthiness inspection. This regulatory shift is not just a headache for owners of 2016 vehicles; it is a silent contributor to the massive NCT backlog currently clogging up centres from Northpoint to Cork.

The Math of the Backlog: Why 2026 is Different

To understand why the queues are longer this year, we have to look at the sales figures from a decade ago. 2016 was a boom year for Irish motor sales, with over 146,000 new cars registered as the economy recovered.

Fast forward to today: tens of thousands of those vehicles are still on the road. Overnight, these cars have switched from needing a test every 24 months to needing one every 12 months. This effectively doubles the testing load for this massive cohort of vehicles, placing an unprecedented strain on an NCTS system that is already struggling to cope with demand.

The Maintenance Trap: Older Cars Fail More

It is not just about the frequency of the test; it is about the complexity. A 10-year-old car is far more likely to have issues with suspension bushes, emissions, or brake lines than a 4-year-old vehicle.

Statistically, the pass rate drops significantly as cars age. This leads to a vicious cycle:

• More Tests: The car needs to be tested every year.
• More Failures: The car is more likely to fail due to wear and tear.
• More Re-tests: The owner must book a visual or lane re-test, consuming yet another slot in the booking system.

If you are driving a 2016 vehicle, you cannot afford to be complacent. As we highlighted in our guide to common NCT fail reasons, simple checks on tyres and lights can save you from the re-test nightmare.

The “NCT Disc” Panic: Don’t Get Caught Out

Many drivers of 2016 cars are still operating on “biennial autopilot.” They assume their disc is valid for two years, only to realise a week before expiry that they need a test now.

This panic leads to a surge in last-minute applications, pushing the “next available date” further into the future. Remember, driving without a valid NCT certificate in 2026 carries significant risks, including potential penalty points if your vehicle is deemed dangerously defective by the Gardaí.

How to Survive the Annual Testing Cycle

If you have joined the “Annual Club” this year, you need to change your strategy. Waiting for the NCTS notification letter is a mistake.

1. Book 90 Days in Advance

You can test your vehicle up to 90 days before its due date without losing the anniversary date of the certificate. If your disc expires in May, you should be looking for a slot in February. This creates a buffer zone that is essential in the current climate.

2. Pre-Test Maintenance is Mandatory

With an annual test, your car is under more frequent scrutiny. Use this to your advantage. Regular servicing is cheaper than multiple re-test fees. specific attention should be paid to:

• Undercarriage corrosion: Ten Irish winters take their toll on brake pipes and subframes.
• Emissions: Older diesel engines (common in the 161 fleet) often struggle with smoke tests if not driven hard occasionally to clear the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).

3. Use Automation to Secure Your Slot

If you have missed your window and your 10-year-old car is out of tax or NCT, you don’t have time to wait 6 months for a standard appointment. You need a cancellation slot.

This is where smart tools come in. Rather than refreshing the website every morning, use a service like NCT Bot to monitor your local centre. Whether you are in Dublin or rural Ireland, cancellation slots pop up daily—you just need to be fast enough to grab them.

The transition to annual testing is a pain for your wallet and your schedule, but it is the law. By understanding the “161” pressure on the system, you can stay one step ahead of the queue and keep your car legal on the road.