Yesterday, Clark and I took on the task of registering our vehicles and getting Texas licenses. Let me tell you —- it’s a big deal down here. Maybe it’s because I’ve only ever lived in 1 state and maybe most states now require all of this to get licensed in their state, but geez lousise!
*first you have to pass a state emmisions test to even get your vehicle registered
(mine passed–Clark’s did not b/c of a parking brake he has NEVER used, therefore he cannot register his vehicle until the problem is fixed—oh yeah it’s not a cheap fix either)
*then you have to take the certificate that states your vehicle passed to the tax building to register it
This was going well until we discovered we had to have ouir insurance declaration page faxed to the tax office to prove we carried enough coverage for Texas standards. Fortunately we were able to get ahold of customer service and they immediately faxed it over and yes we had plenty of coverage. So, $200 and 40 minutes later my vehicle is officially registerd in Texas and now will bear Texas plates. And we’re off———–to the next stop.
*next you have to go to DPS to wait in that line and get your driver’s license
So there we stand for an hour or so with our applications, old driver’s licenses, birth certificates and social security cards. Oh, yeah the kids are being really good, but definitely getting antsy. So anyway, it’s my turn—I give her all of my stuff, pass the eye exam, get finger printed, sign a piece of paper and my license will be on the way. However, the same was not true for Clark. We didn’t have his birth certificate in posession, but we had a hospital certificate—-no, nada, didn’t work. So, hopefully we can figure out where his birth certificate is (hopefully his mom has it) if not we’ll be ordering a new one so we can be Texans together.
Anyway, between the driving, paperwork, and waiting this whole process took 3 hours yesterday! Daddy did a little bribing and told the kids if they were good he would treat them. He stood true to his word—he treated us to Chinese for lunch! Sure beats PB & J!!!
The part that really aggrivated me was that I took my written test and road test at the same office 22 years ago! And to top it all off, the two people in front of us in line needed a translator to fill out the forms and answer all the questions because they didn’t speak ENGLISH!!!!!!!!!!!!! So therefore I have come to the conclusion the Texas Department of Public Safety is still mad at me for leaving Texas and making it difficult for me to come back. When I get my birth certificate and go back I’m gonna wear my Michigan Wolverines shirt and loudly hum “Hail to the Victors” while standing in line. That’ll teach them!
And yes, the two spanish speaking “Texans” walked out with their drivers license’s and I did not.
Yeah, in California you can take the test in about 20 different languages. Gah! The road signs are in ENGLISH – so should the tests be!
At least you guys have one solid legitimate Texan in the household, and one car properly registered to the state!
Yum…chinese. It was almost worth it right?
I’ve heard that Michigan is ridiculous on how easy it is to get your license and I guess that’s true after reading this. I think I’ll stay put here for awhile.