My Biggest Problem since Graduating College & Moving to Houston... (license, renewal)

[Glossa]

Mike, I have a son around your age and I guess I'm a little more sympathetic to your story. Before we're out in the "real" world, it's easy to just believe that everything runs smoothly and properly, and it's a real eye opener to find out how things really work.

You have learned some things -- the most important being that it's a whole lot easier to take care of situations ahead of time (DL renewal, car registration stickers, etc.) rather than after they have turned messy. I hope you have received your new driver's license by now, and best of luck to you.

[LostInHouston]

You seem like a nice guy (not trying to pump your tires, as you are pretty good at doing that yourself) but you screwed up, so it's hard to feel too sorry for you.

The system isn't broken.... driving is privilege, not a right. If you have a valid/clear out of state license, it is very easy to get a Texas DL. If you don't, then you need to jump through the standard hoops of getting one. Driving is dangerous, and it would be even more dangerous if unlicensed drivers could obtain a license quickly with minimal testing/screening.

[mikegrowingintohouston]

Originally Posted by funeral979

Im not trying to sound rude or anything, but...

This was an extremely long post to tread through...and yet im still not exactly sure what your complaint was/is?

Why would you feel you might be arrested if you filed a complaint? What were the causes of the delays? I don't think you made it clear if you finally did get your license?

You left alot of details about your complaint out....but we DO know that you had an invasive surgery, are fortunate enough to donate to charities, have a college degree, are a great human being, etc etc

My complaint was highlighted in bold and all I was trying to say is that there's no reason a hard-working adult should have to wait 6 months to get a license for making an honest mistake.

Edit: I wasn't trying to pump myself up, I was just trying to be clear that I am, outside the world of the Texas DPS, I am a reasonably successful person who has been able to otherwise get things done in life.


Double Edit:

Originally Posted by Chicago3rd

Now go drive those big freeways! They are fun in the middle of the night.

I guess I should be clear I was driving to and from work 25+ miles each way every weekday that I did not have a license. I have never had even a fender bender in my life, but would have been ruined if it happened then (although I purchased insurance, registered my car, had it inspected, had all my DPS papers and passport with me while driving).

[mikegrowingintohouston]

Originally Posted by chris_ut

So lets summarize:

2. Don't ask anyone advice - your fault

I clearly stated in my post that I had asked the DPS clerk many times for advice. I had also called, emailed, and submitted other inquiries to the central DPS many, many times.

[TVC15]

Poor fellow...that is a ridiculous story. But dealing with the DPS is a nightmare on most accounts. Even having to deal with the CA DMV with a Texas driver's license and a motorcycle license was a horrible experience. Not to mention having a motorcycle and a new car Registered in Texas...it was a weird experience to say the least. It is best to go to the DPS website and weigh your options. That is what I did. I am sure it would have been a heck of a lot worse for me if I had not! Here you can make an appointment but still you will wait but not as long as those who do not make the appointment. Does Texas DMV website give that option? I got my Texas license before internet was invented so I am not sure about the Texas DMV website.

I hope you finally got your license...now you can build your diving skills in the 4th largest city in the US! Take advantage of that since it will come in handy no matter where you live on this planet

BTW here is their website for any newbies coming to Texas. TxDPS - Texas Department of Public Safety

[TVC15]

Currently Licensed in Another State or Country
A new resident moving into Texas, who is at least 16 years or older and has a valid driver license from another state, has 90 days after entry into the state to secure a Texas Driver License. You must:

1. Apply in person at a Texas Driver License office.
2. Complete the requirements for an original applicant (see Requirements above).
3. Surrender your VALID out-of-state learner or driver license, or a VALID out-of-country learner or driver license from France, Canada, Germany, or Korea, at the driver license office. The written and driving examinations will be waived, but you must still pass a vision exam.
   OR
   Surrender your EXPIRED driver license at the driver license office. You will be required to pass the written, driving and vision exams.
4. If you are under age 18, you must pass the mandatory driving test. NOTE: For customer convenience, some locations are pre-scheduling the driving exam. Contact your local Driver License office to see if appointments are offered.

[MobileDave]

This reminds me of the first time I bought a car when I was 17 and got behind the wheel without knowing the brights were on. Sure enough I was pulled over and given a ticket. I went to court and told the judge that I had just gotten the car the day before and didn't know that the brights were on and ask if he would give me a break. The judge told me "You should never get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle without knowing how to operate it." He was right. I paid the ticket.

You move to a new state (or city) without knowing how to legally operate your vehicle and everything required to register it and laws to obey you will pay whatever consequences necessary. Every states DMV has it spelled out for you exactly what you should do if you are relocating. That being said, it is hard to feel sorry for you.

[TVC15]

Awww come on that is a bit harsh. I feel sorry for him...hey he came from a college uneducated family and had to do things all by himself...I came from the same background and believe me I made a lot of silly mistakes out there on my own.

I bet he'll learn a lot from this experience

[MobileDave]

Originally Posted by TVC15

Awww come on that is a bit harsh. I feel sorry for him...hey he came from a college uneducated family and had to do things all by himself...I came from the same background and believe me I made a lot of silly mistakes out there on my own.

I bet he'll learn a lot from this experience

Lol. I didn't mean to come off harsh but I guess that's how it sounded. My bad.

I come from the same background myself so I felt the need to lay it down like it was done to me so next time it will be harder to forget. After my visit with the judge I found myself paying more attention to detail.

[mikegrowingintohouston]

All I'm saying is that it's hard to believe that a reasonable person should have to wait 6 months for a driver's license for making a careless mistake.... I'm not asking for sympathy