By Jim Hunt for the News and Journal
Once the butt of jokes by late-night television hosts, the DMV has made a remarkable
turnaround in the minds of many in the public. I recently stopped by the Clarksburg
office of the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and to my surprise, I was in
and out in less than 15 minutes. The office is conveniently located, and even though the
parking lot was nearly full, I found a spot near the front. Inside, I went to renew my
vehicle license. There were a few people ahead of me, but the line moved quickly. The
lady behind the counter checked my information and handed me a number.
I appreciate the system they use, where you're first screened to ensure you have the
correct paperwork before sitting down to wait for your number to be called. This
approach prevents the frustration of waiting in a long line only to be told you're missing
a document like a tax slip. Years ago, a visit to the DMV often involved witnessing
someone yelling or causing a scene. I'm sure there are still times when it's busy and
tensions run high, but on this day, it was just a cross-section of society, waiting
comfortably to complete their necessary business.
I can still remember, many years ago, taking my 95-year-old mother to the DMV to
renew her driver’s license. One of her caregivers had convinced her that there was a
government conspiracy to confiscate the licenses of elderly drivers. Although she hadn't
driven in years, she insisted on getting the “real” license rather than one for
identification only. The DMV workers were incredibly kind to her, assisting with the
paperwork and taking her picture. The only concern was when I noticed the vision test
station. At 95, my mother’s eyesight wasn’t what it used to be, but she confidently
stepped up to the machine and answered all the young clerk’s questions. I thought
about asking the clerk if she would feel safe with my mother on the road but decided not
to disrupt what had been a smooth process. Within minutes, my mother had her new
license, and we were on our way.
I have great respect for those who work with the public, and the DMV staff is high on my
list. While there are options to renew your license online, I prefer being able to ask
someone a question face-to-face rather than spending 30 minutes searching for an
answer on a tiny screen.
Another reason I enjoy going to the DMV in person is to witness the cycle of life: from
young teenagers nervously getting their driving permits to older folks renewing their
licenses after decades of driving. There are also many families there, smiling as parents
get licenses for new boats or RVs. It's also a place where people run into old friends
and catch up on life.
As I left the DMV building, I went to my car, peeled the sticker off the paper, and applied
it to my license plate. I was now legally set for two more years of driving, and in less
than fifteen minutes, I had gathered enough material for this column. Have a great day!