A Visit to DMV, and a Lesson in Patience

Two Hours of a Life

Crowded DMV
Take number and wait in line
Read the newspaper


Gadabout recently made a visit to his local DMV to apply for a Virginia Driver’s License. This particular DMV is capable of handling large volumes of customers. It is equipped with 16 service windows, a check in desk and a driver’s license area. It is a modern facility and has 162 chairs for those waiting for service. Good thing they have 162 chairs, because they need them. Sounds like an opening to a horror story, right? Well, sort of, but not really because it all worked out in the end and Gadabout learned another lesson in patience. Read on.

When I FIRST arrived, I was asked for proof of residency in the form of a power bill or the like. My automobile registration and insurance policy was insufficient, so I was directed to return home and bring in a billing statement. Gadabout fumed and pined the entire drive home to fetch the required documentation. Upon my return, I was given a number, a clipboard and documents to complete. Filling out the standard forms took about 5 minutes, and since half the 162 seats were occupied with other citizens I decided to read my newspaper. Glad I was ready for a wait. 30 minutes later I became curious as to the length of the wait ahead of me, so I made an inquiry with the security chick who seemed to be on the ball, and she was. She looked at my ticked and broke the news that I had about another 30 minutes to wait.

A DMV is a great place to observe humanity. Pure, naked humanity is on display at your local DMV everyday (excluding weekends and certain holidays, of course). There are the young grunge couples with facial piercings, anxious hard nosed business types rhythmically checking the time, young drifty blondes...the entire spectrum! I recommend bringing a camera and taking notes!

Remember the 16 service lines? Unfortunately, only 6 of them were manned and engaged in service. It would be nice if there was an estimated wait time display because just about everyone seemed confused. Anyway, I took the time to collect service time data and found that the average time a person takes to complete a transaction was 6 minutes—including vacant time between customers. With 81 people ahead of me, 6 operating service desks and an estimated 6 minute service time, my estimated wait period was calculated to be 81 minutes—so I went shopping at Target for a few minutes. Exactly 81 minutes after the time stamp on my ticket, my number (C225) was called, and I proceeded to desk 15. Gadabout was, again, right on the mark.

The lady who took care of me was very polite and professional. I applied for my license, registered to vote, had my picture taken, paid $28 and was out of there 15 minutes after first approaching the service desk!

Here is my point. If you are in a big hurry and DMV is busy, then ask when a light time is expected and come back. If you are not in a rush, ask what the time delay will be and either read a book or do some shopping during your waiting time. In any case, do your research ahead of time to avoid having to make a separate trip! Hey, it was a better experience than getting mugged and pistol whipped.