BUREAUCRACY WATCH : Congestion Reduction

The California Department of Motor Vehicles keeps trying harder. A new computer system that resembles an automated-teller machine will allow drivers to renew their licenses and take their written tests electronically. For the ATM-adept, the renewal process will be reduced to a few minutes.

Not too long ago, a trip to the DMV, with its long lines, belonged in the dentist’s-drill category. For hard-pressed parents, the ordeal required dropping the kids off with a baby-sitter, bringing a snack and/or enduring stomach-churning frustration. Back then, a trip to DMV would draw more sympathy than a two-week bout with the flu.

The waits began to get shorter five years ago. The DMV changed over to a computer system and set up appointments.

That initially led to even longer waits in line and on the phone for drivers who were trying to make an appointment. But corrections finally reduced the average stay to less than 30 minutes.

The waits will get even shorter if the machines, which resemble video games, catch on. Drivers, who often are required to renew in person, need a major credit card to pay the $10 renewal fee. They will use a terminal to take the written test and register updates in height, hair color or weight. It could be easy as getting money from an automated teller, if not as much fun.

California has nearly as many cars as people. The DMV processes an astounding 58 million personal transactions a year. It deserves credit for trying to make the process quicker and easier.