Drivers are facing the prospect of having to attend their NCT twice after part of the test was suspended due to safety concerns.

The National Car Testing Service (NCTS) has suspended the use of vehicle lifts at testing centres ahead of a full safety audit.

The service has been carrying out inspections in recent days after "signs of cracking" were found in almost 50 lifts in the North. The discovery led to the suspension of Northern Ireland's MOT test - with thousands of drivers affected.

The same company supplied the lifts to the NCTS and initial investigations uncovered cracks in at least one lift here.

The NCTS has now ordered a full audit of all lifts around the country, with the underbody inspection – the part of the test that requires the use of the lift – to be suspended until further notice.

Drivers will be certified for two-thirds of the test and allowed to drive away; however, they will have to return for the final third once the issue has been addressed.

Customers will not be charged for the return test.

They will initially be handed a vehicle inspection report and will receive their NCT cert once the full test has been completed.

The NCTS said there are no concerns about the integrity of any test carried out up to now.

The service has apologised for any inconvenience caused to drivers and noted that its priority is for the safety of its staff and its customer’s property.

It said the extent of repair work on the lifts will be determined as the audit is carried out – but noted that they are all due for replacement next year.

The service is in talks with the manufacturer about bringing forward the replacement date.

With reporting from Adrian Harmon