They don't allow you to take photos inside the DMV, so I have no illustration for this post. That's not a big deal, as everyone already knows what this place is about.
A few years ago, I laughed at Kevin Smith's TV series "Reaper," about a kid whose parents sold his soul to the devil. He had to report to a minion of Satan, who worked at the DMV. The joke, of course, was that this place was the portal to hell.
It's actually not that bad -- if you have an appointment. We made ours a couple of weeks ago, over the Internet. So the queue we waited in wasn't long. Also, there was stuff to look at on HDTV monitors placed strategically around the building. It's mostly PSAs about driving hazards, insurance requirements and the joy of buying personalized plates - but there are also ads for local businesses, as well as the number you can call to place your ad here. I suppose it's effective, captive audience and all.
Did you know that the DMV has a smartphone app? I guess I should forgive myself for being unaware, since there are few cool apps for my Blackberry. But if you have an iPhone or Android smartphone, you can use it to make appointments, check out wait times, and even take sample driving tests - which I think is pretty cool. And I learned about it while standing in that line today.
My 16-year-old daughter is taking her driving test. I'm kind of a nervous wreck. I have faith in her. But I think I'm projecting a little. I remember how afraid I was when I took my test. And I know she's feeling a little bit nervous, too, so I'm feeling that as well.
The procedures have changed since I was a teenager. The most obvious ones are the restrictions on young drivers now. But I was surprised to learn that they no longer require you to take the written test first. Apparently, it's now considered redundant to take it again so soon after passing it to get your permit.
Did I mention that Megan is in my car RIGHT NOW with the DMV guy who will decide if she's a good enough driver for the state of California? I'm glad I'm not in the car with her. I'm also sad. She is on her own - as she will be increasingly as she marches to adulthood.
UPDATE: She passed her exam. And after driving home, she announced that she would run to the store for me -- alone. She just returned.
"That was weird," she said. And then she retreated back to her room to tackle her homework.
Yes. It is.
YAY!!!! Congrats and, yes, it is very weird. Getting the kid to run out for milk, eggs, fabric softener, whatever...and be excited about it for the first 6 months, at least...priceless ;)
Posted by: Liz | October 23, 2012 at 04:37 PM
When my eldest took the test last year I was surprised to learn he wasn't require to drive on the freeway. I clearly remember not passing my first time many moons ago b/c I failed to wait for a big rig to clear my way on the offramp. The DMV guy was merciless -- the only thing that hasn't changed. ;-)
Posted by: Catalina | October 23, 2012 at 04:58 PM
They are getting lax at the DMV. I cannot imagine having the job of testing drivers behind the wheel. I can only shudder to think of some of the people they must encounter regularly. I don't think I would sleep well knowing some of the people I could be responsible for putting on the road.
Then again, I really never had much faith in the system. My principal and Honors English teacher, a Catholic priest from Ireland, told us this ditty. The first parish where he worked in America had a car for the priests to use. He took it out one day and after nearly hitting a horse, veered into the wall of the church. Thankfully no one was injured, but he was a bit anxious about going down to take his test at the DMV. I guess he must have prayed very hard the night before, because it turned out the guy giving the test was curious about his accent and spent most of the 15 minutes of the appointment talking about Ireland. He then told him to just drive down the driveway and passed him.
Congratulations to your daughter. I still remember my first solo trip. It was weird.
Posted by: chris | October 23, 2012 at 05:11 PM