Staff at driver license office pleasant, efficient

To The Daily: After driving on an international license for the last two years, I was informed I would need to obtain an Alabama driver license. This is not really a problem, except I am British and do not have a Social Security number, since I am not allowed to work.

I was told a thousand horror stories about what problems I would face, and how dreadful it was to try and get a driver license, with long waits, rude staff and sundry other problems.

Having made a stop at the local Social Security Office, which was great fun, as it was quiet, I obtained a letter to take to the driving license bureau. On my arrival at the courthouse, the office had only three or four people waiting, and when my number was called, I was treated with such friendliness that I thought I must be in the wrong place, as this surely was not what I had been warned about. After a chat, an eye test and a photo, I was told to go to the computer monitor, press the screen, and hey, presto. In less than five minutes, I was told I had passed the written examination. After a technical hitch on my part, I returned three days later at 7:45 a.m., was the first person in the office and the first out to take the road test.

Ten minutes later, I was the proud owner of an Alabama driver license. I had a great experience. The staff was incredibly friendly, helpful and extremely efficient.

The process in the United Kingdom is nowhere near as efficient. You have to book a test months in advance. If you then have to change your date and time for the test, it can take another two months before you get another date.

Give these people a break. They are doing a great job.

Vee Harness
Decatur