After being back in the Chicago area since January, Paul and I decided it was time to turn in our Michigan driver's licenses and plates for those from the Land of Lincoln. And considering that our MI plates expire on our birthdays this month, we didn't have much of a choice. So last Saturday, we went to the dreaded Illinois DMV.We expected the process to be painful, but this exceeded our expectations. We had to drive to Elgin, a suberb about 30 minutes (on a good day) from here (Problem #1). Although there are DMVs all over the Chicago area, there are only a few that are open on Saturdays and even fewer that handle both driver's licenses and titles/plates (Problem #2). Once we arrived, we were herded down a narrow hallway by a very grouchy DMV employee to the driver's license line, no small task with a double stroller (Problem #3). After confirming that we had the correct documentation (Paul was rejected the previous weekend for not having his ducks in a row), we were given clearance to enter the waiting room and received a number....and the wait began (Problem #4). 10 minutes...20minutes...30 minutes...40 minutes...50 minutes!!! There were people being called up before us who arrived long after we did. Argh! When our numbers were called, we were required to do a short vision test, followed by a written test, new picture and another 5 minute wait for the DL to be produced. Ninety minutes later with $20 less in our bank account, we are proud owners of new IL driver's licenses.
But wait, we haven't even started the process of getting new plates. That's another line and another hour. The result....$276 for two IL plates that earn us nothing but choice words on Michigan and Indiana roadways (IL drivers are notorious for bad driving).
Illinois could stand evaluate the whole process. Thankfully, Elise and Julia were very cooperative. It could have been so much worse.
By the way, with the help of Elise, I scored 100% on the written exam (Elise helped me review the shapes and colors of road signs the afternoon prior). Paul did not fare as well, missing 3 questions, including two road signs. The state may wish to reevaluate granting Paul a license next time!
2 comments:
Those ducks will get you every time! Welcome back to the land of corrupt politics, disgruntled state employees and Lincoln. Oh yeah, and the "FIB" comments while driving that you mentioned!
Love Gail the Great (Aunt)
I think there is a place on DMV employment applications that says "can you be grumpy, in-efficient and rude". If so, you're hired! Good thing we don't have to work there.
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