So I recently moved from New Mexico back to California and my faith in the system in restored.
My last experience with the DMV occurred in New Mexico where it took a total of 5 trips to get my vehicle registered. My mistake was trying to go to one of those DMV express locations only to find out they didn't do what I needed. Then of course, the proof of residency, which is always fun, wasn't covered because this months checking statement, which hadn't even arrived yet, wasn't in the pile. Then, there was the required SMOG check which I found out wasn't even required due to the county I lived in. Fun.
This time, I pushed off going to the DMV because I did not have the time to run around like the last time. Eventually, I got a fix it ticket when I was pulled over for going 77 in a 65 zone. This required getting a California driver's license and registering my vehicle in California. Noooo, or so I thought.
I got SMOG checks since I knew California required them. I fixed my insurance so that my vehicles were covered in California and printed temporary insurance cards. I don't have any proof of residency, since I don't have phone or utility bills coming to the house and my checking account statements aren't yet mailed to my house. I also could not find my birth certificate, marriage certificate or car titles. I did have my social security card, passport and car registration.
So this morning, I went to the DMV, bringing my temporary insurance cards, social security card, passport and car registration. I was late for my appointment, forgot my SMOG check forms and of course didn't even have my car title. The person at the information desk told me I would need the title, but allowed me to see someone anyway. Score! That person set me up for $148 to get new plates. I ran out to the car and had to use the plug of a charger to unscrew the old plates off the car. Things looked smooth, got the new plates/stickers, took a photo and then went to take the written test. Uh oh!
Alright, I can do this, I thought. 18 questions since I was renewing the license and I was allowed to miss 3. I passed only missing 3 questions and 2 people signed off on the ticket regarding the 2 violations.
Regarding the test, I was worried about the BAC questions which is .08 in California. I also was mad about the parking on an uphill question, since it was vague. The question was if parking on an uphill road, when parking should you turn your wheels: A) Parallel to the curb, B) Away from the curb or C) Toward the curb. The question should be, if parking on an uphill road, if your wheels are parallel to the curb, should you: A) Leave the wheels as they are, B) Turn your steering wheel counter clockwise, turning the wheels away from the curb or C) Turn your steering wheel clockwise, turning the wheels toward the curb.
Of course, I was thinking turn your steering wheel counter clockwise, turning the wheels toward the curb, since I imaging the car rolling backwards and want to make sure the wheels are toward the curb, so the car stops.
All in all the trip took 1:45 which I was completely happy with, since I got everything taken car of!
