No Skunks At DMV

Yes the stinky skunks are still here.  I did lots of damage control yesterday, but it will have to wait.  I'm excited to tell you about my DMV experience.

First off, I have not had to go in to the actual office to renew my driver's license in 35 years.  It's always renewed by mail.  With this new deal about getting a REAL license if you want to fly or buy ammunition, you have to PROVE you are a citizens.  Otherwise, you can walk in the door any time with no proof of anything other than you are breathing, and get a California Driver's License.

The reasoning behind that escapes me.  You get a license so you can drive and not get so many tickets for NOT having a license?

Anyway, I made my appointment three months in advance at an out of town office.  The DMV here is the worst in the nation.  They have the most obnoxious, unfriendly rude people in the country working at this location.  Probably says something about this location.

A month after my license expired, I received a text message (WOW they have gone high tech) that I now had a new appointment.  In order to GET this appointment, I had to go online, fill out several forms and print out my NUMBER.  Very important that NUMBER.

I was early, so I checked in to Burger King (my least favorite) and discovered you can get EIGHT reconstituted chicken-like-product nuggets for $1.00.  You can't beat that!  The soda was $3.50.  All pretty tasteless, but at least it kept my nerves at bay.  Why?  Because when I filled out all that paperwork online, it said I would have to take all the tests in order to get my license.

In case you were not aware, you can go online, look up California DMV driving tests and practice literally a hundred different ones.  I've been doing that for about two hours a day for two weeks.  I'm passing this sucker FOR SURE!!

Just for kicks, I took the motorcycle test because I have an M1 classification too.  I failed miserably.  

After a lovely drive, I met the nice man at the door who asked for my documentation.  Keep in mind I took everything but the kitchen sink with me, about twelve documents.  The number was all important, meaning my application was already filled out.  He asked for my passport, my social security card (which I amazingly found in the safe) and only two documents proving my address.  He asked me to wait outside while he went in.

In two minutes he called my number and I walked right up to the window he opened just for me.  WHAT?  I'm definitely not used to that!!  He copied my paperwork, took my thumbprint and did a lot of typing.  Do you want the motorcycle classification?  SURE I said ... might as well, thinking I would probably fail the test, but okay.

Picture time ... without mask.  By the way, I did have to wear a mask, but I kept my finger in the bottom to keep it away from my mouth so I could breathe.  One more thumbprint and I signed my name.

I got nervous as I knew the tests were imminent.  Back at his window, his next words put fear in my heart!  WHAT THE HECK DID YOU DO???  Wait, what?  Nothing that I know of!!  He said my license was flagged to take every test under the sun.  My shoulders slumped.  

BUT ..... he continued ..... I'm the Manager here and I can bypass that requirement with ease.  Are you kidding me?  No he says, I don't know why they did this, but I'm dropping this requirement.  Your license will be good for FIVE years.  

I of course thanked him profusely for waiving that requirement and told him this was the best experience I've had at DMV in my 70+ years.  What a NICE guy!!  I was out the door in under 20 minutes.  I drove home with a big smile on my face and love in my heart for actually meeting a really nice person!!  No he wasn't single, I checked.

So there you have it.  My license will come in the mail, assuming the post office doesn't lose it like most of my other mail.  It should be here by the time I return from Arizona.

Next up ... the REST of the skunk story.  Oh, you thought it was over?  Not a chance.  IT'S WAR!!!!!