It’s a Breeze

When the California Department of Motor Vehicles started a mandatory appointment system in 1984, we were dubious. Contrary to the intent, the appointment system eliminated neither long waits on the telephone trying to get through to a DMV field office nor long lines at the offices. So we were quite pleasantly surprised last week when a friend who had misplaced her license breezed through the steps needed to get a duplicate.

When she called the DMV, there was the briefest of waits before Operator 38 pleasantly explained the process and also told her that the offices stayed open until 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Was an appointment required? No, but she could make one if she wanted to. The next phone call, also a breeze, led to reassurances that no appointment was needed, and precise directions to the second floor at the office on South Hope Street.

Still fearing the worst, she put the visit off until the last possible moment, finally arriving five minutes before closing. There were no lines, no waiting and no admonitions to come back tomorrow--just quick, convenient, friendly public service, something that goes right for a change.