07.29.09
Texas DPS efficiency
So, let’s start by explaining. DPS is Department of Public Safety. They do all the driving stuff. Your DMV, technically.
So, let’s start the story. Nancy feels she’s ready for the test, so I’ve been trying to get that going. So, I called the DPS office and told them that I’d like to schedule a driving test for my wife. The lady tells me that you can not schedule a driving test over the phone. It has to be done in person.
OK. Lame. That’s stupid…so we have to show up in person to schedule a driving test, then come back for the test? That’s very stupid. But, whatever. If that’s the way things work, then fine.
So, after a week or so, I determined that sometime soon I’d like to go in and schedule the test, so Nancy suggested I call again and get all the details on what I need to bring so I don’t waste a trip out there. So, I call again and a guy picks up the phone. I tell him that I’d like to schedule a driving test for my wife and that I understand I need to do it in person. I asked him what I would need to bring and does she have to be there in person or can I schedule it for her. He tells me that all we need is the receipt we received when we got her driver’s permit and she doesn’t have to be there in person. Okay, that sounds great.
So last night, I get all the stuff I needed from Nancy and I go in today after work to schedule the test. The place was packed and there was only one receptionist. So I get in line and waited. After twenty minutes, I get up to the front and I tell her that I’d like to schedule a test for my wife. She tells me that it’s waaaaaay too late in the evening to schedule a driving test. I say that’s fine, since we didn’t want to take the test today anyways. She tells me that they don’t do ahead scheduling, it’s done on the same day and on a first come, first server basis.
I could feel a bunch of pressure build up in my gut and I reminded myself to calm down, take a breath. It’s only Texas. Nothing works in common sense or reason. So I just thank the lady and left.
So…but…what the F-?! Any of that make sense? I guess not. I mean, was it too much to tell me the test was same day? Why tell me that she doesn’t have to be there in person…when the test is same day on first come, first serve?! Different culture maybe?
Just maybe….just maybe.