More DMV Fun

That DMV is a tough nut to crack. Today I arrived on a co-workers motorcycle so I could pass the driving portion of the test to get my motorcycle endorsement. After 10 minutes of back and forth with the clerk, and a DMV supervisor, they decided not to let me take the test. I guess my co-worker is using dealer plates on his bike, and dealer plated bikes are not allowed to take the test even with proper proof of registration and insurance. I guess the plates are only for test riding, and they really aren't fully legal to use on a daily driver. I have until Aug. 28 to get it done before my temporary paper CA ID is expired. Oh joy, another trip back to the DMV. That place just makes me feel like I need a shower.

Naturally, I wanted to register my truck at the same time. Here's what I needed: Lien release, title, smog test papers, official weight of vehicle, truck insurance, old registration card from Minnesota and a two-page form filled out. That's a lot of work just to switch plates. It's probably easier to get a Green Card! Of course, I could only get a temporary license for my truck because they needed to physically inspect and validate that it was the same truck as the 30 papers I had to prove it was. So, I had to hop back on the bike and ride back to my co-workers house (I have a permit after taking the motorcycle written portion) and get my truck. Once I got back, I sat in the validation line behind an old 62 Bel-Air that needed a lot of validation. That car was just lucky to start.

Once the old red truck was validated I got to go back inside the DMV building and sit in line again. Then, I learned of the damages. $125 for a weight fee ... my truck weighs 5,112 pounds, which is not a good thing in the State of California. Add that ridiculous weight fee plus my plates and the total was $264. Hard to believe these crooks here in California approved those fees to double starting May 19. That means 2010 is going to cost me $528 to register a truck that is 10 years old. Can you believe that ... highway robbery quite literally. Add my $264 to the $10 weight certification fee, $50 smog fee (with coupon no less ... again trucks cost more even though it's the same emissions as cars) and $28 to get my ID. Good old $350 just to live here and drive. There goes that money I was saving for a flight home!