DMV woes include clueless customers, screaming kids
Q
During a recent visit, I found DMV employees all very nice and helpful, but …
— Mike Lanahan,
San Jose A
Mike has a very long list of complaints.
Q
Customers are the biggest problem at the DMV. People get in line and stare at their cellphones, oblivious to the sign telling them to fill out a form before they get in line. The DMV lines are longer than the post office lines at Christmas.
— Mike Lanahan
A
Even kids are on his rant list.
Q
Mothers of small, unruly, wandering and screaming children don’t care what mayhem they inflict on everyone else. They should be required to get a parenting license as well. — Mike Lanahan
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OK, but …
Q
Once given a number, people don’t pay attention when their number is called. The automated messenger will periodically announce the same number to be served four or five times, while the worker at the window is patiently waiting, and doing nothing. Call the number once, and move on. Missed your number? Get in the 20-minute line and get another, and maybe you’ll pay attention.
A
Fat chance of that happening.
Q
People don’t read the driver handbook, or are really stupid. It’s amazing how many questions some people miss on the driver’s test. This is not rocket science, and of three choices almost always there is one ridiculous answer. One should be able to pass with common sense, even without studying. Internet searching finds practice tests and see how close you are to being ready.
Like I said, it was interesting. Funny where your mind goes when it has so much free time to wander, even if it is interrupted by screaming children.
— Mike Lanahan
A
DMV service is much improved over past decade or so. Best tips: Call to make an appointment 60 days before needing to visit a DMV office or take advantage of DMV kiosks such as …
Q
Just wanted to pass on kudos to the DMV for their new kiosks (yes, they did something right!). I renewed my tags at the machine in our local Safeway, and it took all of 60 seconds! You scan the barcode on your renewal, pay with a credit/debit card and the machine prints your new tag right then and there. And the tag and new registration were finished printing before I could put my credit card back in my wallet.
I highly recommend using a kiosk to renew. It is hands down the best way to get your tag. It is so fast it will blow your mind!
— Robin Dejarnett,
San Jose
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Go to www.dmv. ca.gov/portal/dmv/ detail/fo/fo_sst/ for a statewide list of kiosk locations.