Licensed to Drive

My Missouri driver's license expires next month. Since I was running errands today, I decided that I would put 'renewing my driver's license' on that list. I went to the DMV, which is traditionally a not-so-sought-after chore. My experience was actually pretty pleasant. I went to the nearest DMV and it was a HUGE facility and they were busy. They were actually very well-tuned and ran their operation seamlessly. Here's the process:

You walk in and immediately get into a line. This line leads you to a greeting desk where you tell the person what you are trying to achieve in your visit. I researched this trip before making it, so I absolutely knew the 4 pieces of documentation I needed, and I had them. He gave me a number and told me to wait til it was called. I started walking to a seat and looked up at the number board and mine was up and the little female computer-generated voice over the loudspeaker was calling it, directing me to the counter where I was supposed to go. Apparently in their system, they give you a number with a letter in front of it that identifies the purpose of your visit. Since my visit was pretty straightforward, they were able to immediately usher me to the proper personnel at the next station, which today happened to be counter #5. I walked up and handed off all my info. After a quick vision test I was directed to the cashier, so I could pay the 10$ for my license. Pretty seamless process, right? Oh yeah, I forgot to add one thing.

Remember, I live in a new state now, so since I am technically applying for a "new" license, I have to follow their state law requirements. One such requirement, besides the application fee and vision test, is a written exam!!!! AHHH, nowhere in my research did I see that I would have to take, let alone pass, a test today!! After I left the cashier counter, they sent me over to the examination area. This is all in one building mind you, and they run you through this place like a herd of well trained, well shepherded cattle. I go up to the exam guy and he wants to know if I am taking the test in English (gotta love that Chicago diversity!). I affirm and I am off to test-taking land. I did not cram for this test because I figured, "How hard could it be? I know how to drive, right?" As it turns out, I was correct in my assumption - the test was a breeze. It consisted of 20 multiple choice questions (mostly T/F and "all of the above" types) and 17 road signs that you had to identify. Going through the test, I was fairly confident in my answers. For the signs part, I felt great about that one too, because I am such a visual guy. I took my completed test up to the grader and she made a few marks and then told me, "Pass". I have to admit I was relieved - even through my confidence there is always that air of "what if?" But no problemo - got 2 wrong on the multiple choice and 2 wrong on the signs (not sure which ones). They shuffled me to another counter where a lady input my info into the computer that creates the physical license cards, all the while peppering me with questions about where I'm from and why I'm here. It was in a welcoming tone though, so I politely obliged.

I got my mugshot, picked up my new ID and headed home. The whole endeavor, including driving time, took me 75 minutes - not too shabby in this city. Granted, it was around noon on a Thursday, but that is no matter. Like I said, the place was crowded, they just had this system down pat. It wasn't bad, I didn't get irritated, and now I am legal to drive for the next 4 years.