Standing the test of time October 2007

In recent years there has been a major emphasis on DOE testing in Ireland, but many will be surprised to learn that the test was introduced as far back as the early eighties.

The spacious premises of Tipperary Testing Centre allows for two vehicles to be tested at once

One of the first testing centres to be opened was Tipperary Testing Centre, which was established by the Kavanagh family in 1982 and today is run by David Kavanagh. Speaking to Irish Trucker, David revealed that the company has moved with the times and gone are the days when mechanics just needed their toolbox to complete a task.
Modern trucks and vans are more reliable than ever with higher mileage service intervals and operators working to tight schedules. Therefore routine servicing and keeping vehicles in proper roadworthy condition is an important part of everybody’s transport operation.

“We have been set up now for 25 years and during that time there has been many changes in the legislation with regards to DOE testing. Nowadays, the testers must be qualified to use computers and there are refresher courses that have to be taken annually,” said David.
They initially specialised in truck repairs, breakdowns and sales. At the time, the volume of trucks on the road was not as heavy as is today. D.O.E testing was introduced a year later, but the tests were not as stringent then, while the age of the trucks being tested was much older. Tipperary Testing Centre built up a successful business in the early years and has maintained the tradition of providing a reliable and efficient service.

Staff at Tipperary Testing Centre. From l/r: David Kavanagh, Ann Ryan, Pat Walsh, Pauline Kavanagh, Remi Petkus, Joe Tracey

The business moved premises two years ago and is now located on the Rosanna Road in the town, although the move only saw the business travel from one end of town to the other.
“The company has been operating in the new premises for the past two years and has seen us move to a facility that suits our needs more, in which there is still work being carried out. The old showroom was roughly the same size, but there was just too much work to be carried out in order to get it to the standard needed.”
Apart from the test centre, the Kavanagh family also runs Matt Kavanagh & Sons Ltd, a renowned bus firm in the county that boasts the Tipperary hurling team among its clients.
“The buses are set to move down here also, but that has not happened yet. We have the fuel and a washer all set up here, so it is all ready to facilitate them.”

As time is of the essence for many hauliers, who rely on their fleet to make a living transporting freight up and down the country and indeed further a field, the experienced and well-trained staff of two D.O.E testers use their skills to get a vehicle in and tested as quickly as possible
David employs two testers that are kept busy putting LGV and HGV’s through the relevant procedures in the two bay facility that can facilitate up to 60 vehicles a week.

Pat Walsh runs a test an one of the many vehicles that pass through on a weekly basis

“We operate two separate DOE testing bays, one for heavy vehicles and one for light vehicles. The light vehicle DOE test applies to all vans, light trucks and 4x4’s which can be driven on a modern car licence with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3,500kgs. The heavy vehicle DOE test applies to all trucks, buses, etc. above 3,500kgs gross vehicle weight.
“Our testing centre is customer friendly and every effort is made to ensure customer satisfaction. Our staff is knowledgeable and will answer any queries before and after the test. Our aim is to test vehicles fairly and assist the customer in getting a pass certificate. If a vehicle undergoing tests is found to be in need of repair work we are always pleased to quote for the work. Minor items can be rectified during trial,” he stressed.

As there are only two other test centres in Tipperary South, it is not surprising to learn that David and his team are kept busy, while customers travel from as far away as Limerick.
“If a vehicle is booked in time, we do our utmost not to let anyone down. Obviously, the size of the truck depends on how long the test will take as the more axles involved the longer the test will be.
"Given prior notice we can arrange a time convenient to our customers. We realise that it is our customer who keeps us in business and we do everything we can do to lighten their load.”

Ironically, the age of a vehicle does not tend to matter when it comes to passing the test as David gave us an example of a recent test involving an eighteen-year-old cattle lorry.
“We had a 1989 Scania cattle lorry in for a test recently and it flew through, while around the same time a relatively new truck failed, which just shows, once a truck is well maintained, it will pass the DOE.

“The quality of trucks has certainly improved since the DOE became more rigorous and this has certainly benefited all hauliers as they are placing more emphasis on maintenance and this ensures less breakdown time. “We also do tachograph, calibrations and vehicle plating.”
"The customer can be assured that he will receive the best service, ensuring minimal vehicle and driver downtime, which will ultimately save money,” concluded David.