DoE testing - The Last Word

niloc1951 · 17-02-2012 10:23pm #1

Here it is, dated this day last week (17/02/2012)

Funny thing though, I heard nothing about it in/on the media (print, radio, or TV), then maybe I'm not 'switched on' to the right stuff

Notice of New Regulations Regarding the Periodic Roadworthiness Testing of Motor Caravans

killalanerr · 18-02-2012 1:13am

now i wil get mine tested http://www.vehicletesting.ie/15/louth.html

Des32 · 18-02-2012 12:39pm

My motorhome will be nine years old this year.
I got it tested last march 16th so under the new regulations if I am reading it right am I entitled to get a one years extension to my road worthiness certificate if I surrender the old one. ?

Irishgoatman · 18-02-2012 4:18pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

Here it is, dated this day last week (17/02/2012)

Funny thing though, I heard nothing about it in/on the media (print, radio, or TV), then maybe I'm not 'switched on' to the right stuff

Notice of New Regulations Regarding the Periodic Roadworthiness Testing of Motor Caravans

You just beat me to it in posting this!

Good news as far as I'm concerned. We'll know that the camper in front/behind is at least as roadworthy as the cars on the road.

On the other thread I did say that the contact in Balline said they would be advertising in newspapers and mainly/only weekend ones. Maybe not done yet? should have been I would have thought.

defike · 18-02-2012 4:51pm

70.86 + 23% for test when we present this to the tax office must we pay more as commercial owners do for the tax office to convert one piece of paper to another.

Irishgoatman · 18-02-2012 5:04pm

defike wrote: »

70.86 + 23% for test when we present this to the tax office must we pay more as commercial owners do for the tax office to convert one piece of paper to another.

It looks like it until they get a centralised computer system up and running. I believe that the job is out to tender so it might be a while yet. Then we will also get a windscreen disc.
Also only then, as I understand it, will we get notifaction of test due in the same way as we do for our cars.

I belive the fee for the extra piece of paper is, or was, €5. Perhaps a commercial owner can confirm this.

A real pain in the proverbial. For me it means going to Castlebar, looking for somewhere to park then queueing up for god knows how long!!.

the rambler · 18-02-2012 9:25pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

It looks like it until they get a centralised computer system up and running. I believe that the job is out to tender so it might be a while yet. Then we will also get a windscreen disc.
Also only then, as I understand it, will we get notifaction of test due in the same way as we do for our cars.

I belive the fee for the extra piece of paper is, or was, €5. Perhaps a commercial owner can confirm this.

A real pain in the proverbial. For me it means going to Castlebar, looking for somewhere to park then queueing up for god knows how long!!.

its €6 now
if you pop a cheque in the post with the pass cert to the local county council office (mayo/galway etc) they will post out the cert of road worthiness,

it saves the hassel of going in and queing for half hour, and the parking aswell,

Irishgoatman · 18-02-2012 9:31pm

the rambler wrote: »

its €6 now
if you pop a cheque in the post with the pass cert to the local county council office (mayo/galway etc) they will post out the cert of road worthiness,

it saves the hassel of going in and queing for half hour, and the parking aswell,

Thanks, I didn't know that.
Even @ 6euro it's still a bit cheeky for a piece of paper, not even a disc.
Let's hope the computer system is not put on the long finger:(.

Irishgoatman · 18-02-2012 9:37pm

Des32 wrote: »

My motorhome will be nine years old this year.
I got it tested last march 16th so under the new regulations if I am reading it right am I entitled to get a one years extension to my road worthiness certificate if I surrender the old one. ?

The answer to this should be yes because, like a car, it only becomes every 2 years when it's IN it's 4th year and every year when it's IN it's 10th year. Your current cert should therefore be valid until Mar.2013.

Sorry, just read what I put! for the word SHOULD read WILL.

Irishgoatman · 18-02-2012 9:53pm

I've just read all the testing details and I see that they won't need to go inside.

No need to tidy up, hide the booze etc.:D

Slidey · 21-02-2012 9:45pm

Will just add the circulars that was sent to the test centres today

bluethunder · 22-02-2012 4:24pm

Just booked mine for tomorrow, would be annoyed to have a fail. They were asking me to make sure it's below 3,500 kg, i'm assuming a converted 1996 LWB Fiat Ducato would be well below that?

The Bishop Basher · 22-02-2012 4:58pm

bluethunder wrote: »

Just booked mine for tomorrow, would be annoyed to have a fail. They were asking me to make sure it's below 3,500 kg, i'm assuming a converted 1996 LWB Fiat Ducato would be well below that?

You should be fine on weight with that. Just take everything out of it, empty tanks etc.

I just booked mine in for a couple of weeks time and was told the same.

Will the cert we (hopefully) get cover the new requirements as it's essentially a commercial DOE for now from what I understand. Is that what we have to pay the €6 for at the tax office ?

Now off to find my log book

Irishgoatman · 22-02-2012 6:15pm

I don't know about the cert from the motor tax office, because I've never bother to get one (why spend the money when it wasn't required), but the pass cert from the garage doesn't mention anything about the vehicle being private or commercial.

It only shows the make/type,Design G.V.W, U.L.W and chassis number.
It's a very simple pass statement.

I assume it will stay the same?.

niloc1951 · 22-02-2012 9:56pm

Got mine done today. 3,850Kg but tested and charged as LGV

Initially there was talk about HGV rates as new regs are not law 'til 1st. March but when I suggested I could come back next week they said no need.

the rambler · 22-02-2012 11:05pm

as far as i am aware you need to exchange the pass cert for the roadworthiness cert
otherwise you are on the system as not being tested,
the gardai with the ANPR cameras will be gone mad with all the un certed motorhomes/campers/hgv's on the road:D:D

happy camping

Irishgoatman · 23-02-2012 12:15am

niloc1951 wrote: »

Got mine done today. 3,850Kg but tested and charged as LGV
Initially there was talk about HGV rates as new regs are not law 'til 1st. March but when I suggested I could come back next week they said no need.

Nice one niloc:). That's what I like to hear.

Foot down with a firm hand.

Irishgoatman · 23-02-2012 12:20am

the rambler wrote: »

as far as i am aware you need to exchange the pass cert for the roadworthiness cert
otherwise you are on the system as not being tested,
the gardai with the ANPR cameras will be gone mad with all the un certed motorhomes/campers/hgv's on the road:D:D

happy camping

Actuallt there is no "system" yet, not until they get it organised sometime in the future. Soon I hope. (see my post of the 18th).

Only way the gardai know if we, or commercial vehicles, have a test done at the moment is by stopping us.

Slidey · 23-02-2012 12:27am

Not entirely true.

At the end of each month a report is sent in from each test centre. Gardai have access to this database I believe

Malta1 · 23-02-2012 10:05am

Hi All

Is the test doen in the same mannor as the NCT......it book test, arrive, wait and drive off?
How long does test take?

Cheers

bluethunder · 23-02-2012 10:11am

Malta1 wrote: »

Hi All

Is the test doen in the same mannor as the NCT......it book test, arrive, wait and drive off?
How long does test take?

Cheers

Pretty much, I think. I could get a next day booking and was told it would take 45 minutes. No idea how rigorous it is but will post anything to be aware of here afterwards.

Slidey · 23-02-2012 10:12am

Basically it is the same as an NCT.

It will probably take a little bit longer (40 minutes ish) and you have to have your log book as Doe centres have no access to the database like the NCT does

bluethunder · 23-02-2012 10:18am

Slidey wrote: »

Basically it is the same as an NCT.

It will probably take a little bit longer (40 minutes ish) and you have to have your log book as Doe centres have no access to the database like the NCT does

Ahhh!!! I didn't know this!

niloc1951 · 23-02-2012 12:51pm

Mine took just under an hour, I was able to wait in a staff canteen and enjoy a cup of coffee, I believe some VTN test centres have waiting rooms.
However, unlike the NCT test centres you probably will not be able to watch your 'loved one' being put through its paces,

Slidey · 23-02-2012 1:52pm

You should be able.

Our waiting area is not beside and the test centre but there is cctv that allows the customer to see the vehicle being in tested

Saying that we still get people who insist on standing outside the door looking into the bay

bluethunder · 23-02-2012 2:28pm

FAIL.

4 problems, 2 I can do myself. The screenwash doesn't spray enough, so maybe clean out the pipes etc. One of the front tyres is the incorrect index for the load but I can lash on the spare. The two other problems are a front shock imbalance and too much play in the wheel bearings, so need both bearings and a shock. Have someone looking into the cost now but could be worse.

Des32 · 23-02-2012 3:26pm

I taxed my camper today. My DOE cert which was issued last year expires on march 17th next, without me asking the lady in the motor tax office changed the expiry date to march 2013 in pen then she stamped and signed the cert.

She seemed to be well informed about the new regulations. She told me to come back at the end of april and they should be able to issue a new cert then.

Aidan_M_M · 23-02-2012 10:41pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

Mine took just under an hour, I was able to wait in a staff canteen and enjoy a cup of coffee, I believe some VTN test centres have waiting rooms.
However, unlike the NCT test centres you probably will not be able to watch your 'loved one' being put through its paces,

You can in my local one . Garahy's of Birr , Co. Offaly .

Aidan_M_M · 23-02-2012 10:42pm

bluethunder wrote: »

FAIL.

4 problems, 2 I can do myself. The screenwash doesn't spray enough, so maybe clean out the pipes etc. One of the front tyres is the incorrect index for the load but I can lash on the spare. The two other problems are a front shock imbalance and too much play in the wheel bearings, so need both bearings and a shock. Have someone looking into the cost now but could be worse.

play in front or rear wheel bearings , and what year? If it's the front of a ducato , it's a bit of a b1tch of a job TBH . Done a fair few by now .

Irishgoatman · 24-02-2012 12:35am

Slidey wrote: »

Not entirely true.

At the end of each month a report is sent in from each test centre. Gardai have access to this database I believe

I would imagine that these reports are paper reports that are filed somewhere.

When I asked my contact at the R.S.A. in Ballina about being notified when the test is due I was told that it would be down to the centre where you had the previous one done as they were the only people with that sort of information to hand, until the new central system is set up.

Slidey · 24-02-2012 12:40am

I was only going by what truck drivers have experienced at the side of the road when they would get caught telling porkies saying they had a test when they didn't.

I know I tested a vehicle that was stopped at a checkpoint the day before I tested it. One day after the monthly report was submitted a member of the RSA rang me quizzing me on what it failed on

Irishgoatman · 24-02-2012 12:45am

bluethunder wrote: »

FAIL.

4 problems, 2 I can do myself. The screenwash doesn't spray enough, so maybe clean out the pipes etc. One of the front tyres is the incorrect index for the load but I can lash on the spare. The two other problems are a front shock imbalance and too much play in the wheel bearings, so need both bearings and a shock. Have someone looking into the cost now but could be worse.

Good for you for getting the test.

I don't think an annual service would have found these problems, which is what some people were saying, on an earlier thread re (anti)testing.

Makes your camper more reliable/safer on the road.

Irishgoatman · 24-02-2012 12:52am

Slidey wrote: »

I was only going by what truck drivers have experienced at the side of the road when they would get caught telling porkies saying they had a test when they didn't.

I know I tested a vehicle that was stopped at a checkpoint the day before I tested it. One day after the monthly report was submitted a member of the RSA rang me quizzing me on what it failed on

Perhaps registration details of vehicles stopped are passed on to R.S.A. for follow-ups?
As far as getting caught is concerned for us, I would think we will have to produce the cert from the local road tax office then and there or, I would imagine be given a number of days to produce at a local barracks.

I will 'phone my contact tomorrow and ask what the situation will be so watch this space.

"Boing" said Zebedee, " and so to bed".

HereAndThere · 24-02-2012 11:54am

Hi

Has anyone used the beam benders on their headlamps to pass new test?

I know they pass the MOT in England but just wondering if they'll pass here?

I have mine on but not entirely sure if they are fitted correct? Anyone got a picture of theirs? I'm driving a 1999 Fiat Ducato MH.

Thanks

Stephen

bluethunder · 24-02-2012 12:09pm

Aidan_M_M wrote: »

play in front or rear wheel bearings , and what year? If it's the front of a ducato , it's a bit of a b1tch of a job TBH . Done a fair few by now .

96 Ducato, play in the front bearings. Have a mechanic buddy and he reckons hour and a half for each side. They cost 69 each plus VAT. I managed to find a good value shock on ebay so i'm hoping to 'soften' the blow, get it?

bluethunder · 24-02-2012 12:15pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

Good for you for getting the test.

I don't think an annual service would have found these problems, which is what some people were saying, on an earlier thread re (anti)testing.

Makes your camper more reliable/safer on the road.

Yeah, it's a pain in the hole but it was a totally unsustainable position to have completely untested vehicles trundling down the road. To be fair, with a 1996 van I think one shock and the front bearings is a good enough result. I'd say the test centres are delighted to have a new cohort of customers.

Irishgoatman · 24-02-2012 1:38pm

Slidey wrote: »

I was only going by what truck drivers have experienced at the side of the road when they would get caught telling porkies saying they had a test when they didn't.

I know I tested a vehicle that was stopped at a checkpoint the day before I tested it. One day after the monthly report was submitted a member of the RSA rang me quizzing me on what it failed on

Just been talking to RSA.

The above would have been because it was a RSA Inspector at the checkpoint not just the Gardai.

Gardai will give 10 days in which to produce cert same as with any documents.
Yes all records are kept on a data base in Shannon and Gardai can get information from there if required. It's this system that new software is being written for in order for them to send out reminders of due dates.

Letters are going out as we speak to ALL 11,000 odd camper owners.
RSA admitted that they took on board my comments that not everybody reads newspaper adverts and discovered it would work out cheaper to send us each a letter.

He expects windscreen discs to be sorted in time for 2013.

The Bishop Basher · 24-02-2012 3:30pm

Taxed mine yesterday and was never asked for a DOE cert.

It's booked in for 9th March anyway so fingers crossed.

Irishgoatman · 24-02-2012 4:51pm

Swanner wrote: »

Taxed mine yesterday and was never asked for a DOE cert.

It's booked in for 9th March anyway so fingers crossed.

No reason for them to ask before 1st March, but then they will!.

Aidan_M_M · 24-02-2012 10:55pm

bluethunder wrote: »

96 Ducato, play in the front bearings. Have a mechanic buddy and he reckons hour and a half for each side. They cost 69 each plus VAT. I managed to find a good value shock on ebay so i'm hoping to 'soften' the blow, get it?

1.5 hr for a wheel bearing? Does he work for McLaren F1? Has he done one before?

Re Beam benders , my local centre has accepted several with beam benders , however I used a proper beam setter to fit them .

Slidey · 25-02-2012 11:20am

I would fit them for people if they had them with them when they came in for the test. It only takes a minute when you have a beam setter.

It would be very difficult otherwise

bluethunder · 27-02-2012 11:30am

Aidan_M_M wrote: »

1.5 hr for a wheel bearing? Does he work for McLaren F1? Has he done one before?

Well, don't know if he's that good but he's a mate so probably doing me a favour.

WildWater · 27-02-2012 12:21pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

Letters are going out as we speak to ALL 11,000 odd camper owners.
RSA admitted that they took on board my comments that not everybody reads newspaper adverts and discovered it would work out cheaper to send us each a letter.

Got my letter in this mornings post. I have mine booked in for its test this day week.

mrgriswold · 27-02-2012 7:32pm

Got my letter of information about the test today 27th of February. I know you would have to be living under a rock not to know the law was coming in but this was the first piece of official information I received. It must have been and official in the department of finance who did the maths... a possible situation where up to 11,000 vehicles would have to be tested in 198 test locations in 3 working days! Genius
:mad:

Micky Dolenz · 27-02-2012 7:51pm

Got my letter today too.

I have a question. My camper is an '82. Will it be exempt in two years or is it only campers prior to 1980 that are exempt?

superfly35 · 27-02-2012 10:09pm

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Got my letter today too.

I have a question. My camper is an '82. Will it be exempt in two years or is it only campers prior to 1980 that are exempt?

I don't so to be honest, I think they are using the rule of the pre 1980 existing on car, which are NCT exempt.

The Bishop Basher · 27-02-2012 10:13pm

Exactly. It's either pre 80 or it's not.

Unless they change the rules your camper will require a cert.

superfly35 · 27-02-2012 10:16pm

I got my letter today and it does not make me happy to be honest. :mad:

The cost of it is ridiculous, and as my camper is more then 10 years old, and I don't think I do 2000 km a year it is a costy business.

Please don't tell me it make the road safer, as if you really want the road safer you don't price this way !! To me it is a money maker business, and it was the same for the car.... I am not saying it to not improve the safety just that it is make to make money more then anything else.

I am wondering when do I actually need to have the camper tested, as in the later it is not clear?
As if it need to be in 2 days, it is going to be a short. :rolleyes:

deadl0ck · 27-02-2012 10:59pm

Where can I get beam benders ?

superfly35 · 27-02-2012 11:12pm

In halfords for about a €10, if you can find it a normal will do the trick I think but I could be wrong.

Pjwal · 28-02-2012 12:38am

Irishgoatman wrote:

I've just read all the testing details and I see that they won't need to go inside.

No need to tidy up, hide the booze etc.:D

the seat belts in the rear also need to be checked.

DoE testing - The Last Word

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