Coronavirus interrupting rites of passage in the United States

QOur granddaughter in Sunnyvale had an appointment for her behind-the-wheel exam in early April, which was canceled due to the virus. She waited patiently for months to hear about a new appointment. She finally got the notice for it in Fresno. Because she leaves for college on the East Coast and needs this REAL ID driver’s license, she and her mom are going to spend seven hours driving to Fresno.

What map does the DMV use that shows Fresno as anywhere remotely close to Sunnyvale? Are these kids being sent all over the state to get their licenses? — Jan Steichen, Sunnyvale A

Some are. Q

My daughter’s friend ended up going to Bakersfield to take the driving test. — Ruth Kunney, San Mateo

AFor other license road trip stories, keep on truckin’.

QMy license expired in June, and the DMV kindly sent me a temporary extension until October. But when I tried to make a new appointment for locations near me, I got Anaheim and Sacramento. I can’t find out if there’s an office open within 30 miles. — Sherida Bush, Martinez

AYikes. When the DMV contacts you, request a new appointment at a closer location. Remember, the DMV is rescheduling 280,000 behind-the-wheel tests, and finding offices with open appointments isn’t always easy. But it got worse.

QTo add insult to injury, my license extension lists my hair color as “gry.” I do not now nor have I ever had gray hair. I guess some ageist at the DMV decided anyone over a certain age has gray hair. — Sherida Bush

AThis isn’t the first time I’ve received this complaint. Four years ago, I got this email.

QI have to explain the prejudice that I experienced at the DMV aimed at older folks. I’m 69 and my driver’s license was due for renewal. I was not allowed to state “silver” as my hair color. Gray was required. — John Schmitz, Morgan Hill.

APhooey. A DMV spokeswoman said the state allows only the following hair colors: brown, blond, black, red, gray or bald. Silver doesn’t make the cut.

QMy driving test was scheduled just after the DMV stopped doing behind-the-wheel tests. I received the cancellation by phone from a number with no caller ID. The DMV website says that they are contacting people to reschedule. How do they contact people, by phone, mail, smoke signals (it is the DMV)? — Richard Bower, Danville

AYou should get a phone call or email. If you miss the call, you can leave a number with DMV and someone from DMV will call you back at a specific time.