DMV: Wait can lead one to drink

During the process of my picking up some meds for the wife, the clerk at the drug store asked to see my ID. When I showed her my Idaho Driver’s License, she promptly informed me that it had expired. So on the next day, which happened to be Friday, I proceeded down Northwest Boulevard to the Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s license place. It has changed somewhat since the last time I had been there on a similar mission. The long horseshoe counter has been replaced by a series of walk-in booths. What hasn’t changed though, is the spool full of numbers in the red dispenser and the room full of restless citizens comparing their number with the one displayed on the wall each time an examiner calls out a new number. No, this ain’t bingo folks. The numbers are sequential and there ain’t no prizes.

Anyway, I know the drill; I’ve been here before. I confidently tear my number from the spool — B52 — just as the next available examiner calls out, “B00.” I find a seat and settle in for a 52 number episode of “hurry up and wait.”

Three hours later, I spend about five minutes peering into an eye chart gizmo (yes I can see), getting my picture taken (smile now), signing my name (yes that’s still me), and parting with $30 (thank you very much). I am now privileged to legally operate motor vehicles on public roads again. I hope I’m not alone in thinking there’s got to be a better way.

Just a few blocks back up Northwest Boulevard from the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles, on the left, there just happens to be an Idaho State Liquor Store. I wheel in to pick up a few libations for the weekend. The clerk cheerily asks me how I’m doing. I grumble that I’ve just endured three hours of “hurry up and wait” down the street at the driver’s license place and I’m ready for a drink. She smiles and says, “You’re the third person I’ve seen in here today who said the same thing.” I’m telling you folks, they’ve got you coming and going. Our state definitely knows how to market goods and services!

BOB LaRUE

Hauser

Editor’s note: Maj. Ben Wolfinger of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office suggests arriving around 7 a.m. any weekday. Doors open at 7:30 but those already in line should get in and out quickly. He also said last week was the first since a new statewide system was installed, so service was slower than usual. Two of the employees there are new and not enough equipment for the new service was delivered.

Maj. Wolfinger says the county’s budget has not approved additional positions for DMV, but he concluded with this: “Our attitude is that it is better to wait for a driver’s license than a deputy in an emergency.”

Well said, Ben.