The NCT’s plan to go cashless is a "terrible decision" that must be reversed, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has said.
The testing service yesterday said it was "going cashless over the coming months" - warning that drivers would now have to pay in full in advance for their test.
It claimed the move was for drivers "safety and convenience", noting that it would only be accepting payment online or by postal order.
Deputy Tóibín told Newstalk Breakfast the ability to pay in cash is about inclusivity.
"it's a terrible decision by the NCT and it should be reversed," he said.
"Cash is the most inclusive way to pay for items.
"It means that people - no matter what their age or their skill level, no matter if they've access to the internet or smartphones - that they have the ability to participate fully in society.
"Cash is recognised to be crucial, especially for the inclusion of vulnerable citizens".
'Autonomy and independence'
Deputy Tóibín said he believes older people would be particularly affected.
"The many older people who can't use smartphones or don't have access to the internet, for example, would have to ask their children for help or ask their neighbours for help.
"When a person is older what we want to do is actually strengthen their autonomy, to strengthen their independence.
"By getting rid of cash, this has the opposite effect."
The NCT logo at a test centre. Image: Ronin / AlamyDeputy Tóibín said the mandatory nature of the NCT means it should be fully accessible.
"This is a service which is not a service whether people can decide to use or not," he said. "This is a mandatory service."
"If there's a State service such as that, it needs to be accessible to everybody."
Deputy Tóibín said 'sketchy' internet coverage could also be a factor.
"There are people living two or three miles outside of main towns, right across Ireland, who have difficulty in relation to this," he said.
"Transactions usually need an authentication software from a banking app... that transaction may take time - any drop in the coverage is going to prevent that authentication from happening," he added.
