Minister for Transport, Pascal Donohoe today unveiled 14 new additions to the penalty points system which will see unaccompanied learner drivers given points on their licence for the first time.
The changes will also increase the number of points applied for 9 offences already on the list, including dangerous overtaking and failing to obey a stop sign or traffic lights.
Motorists caught by Gardai driving without a valid NCT cert now have the option of accepting a fine and three points instead of a court appearance.
However, Fianna Fáil say that the introduction of penalty points for no NCT should be delayed until testing backlogs are cleared.
Brian Farrell of the RSA told the Last Word that motorists seeking urgent tests should book appointments by phone.
