Changes in store for DMV

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Public safety groups also may object to the governor's plan to allow driver's licenses to be renewed on the Internet. A DMV spokesman was unable on Friday to say if that new provision would mean that motorists no longer have to take an eye test every five years.

To his credit, Sanford hopes to reduce lines and turn the DMV into a far more customer-friendly agency. He'll require the DMV to establish Saturday office hours this summer, a peak time, at six offices around the state — including one in Greenville. Excluding two Saturdays near holidays, the proposal would cost $150,000.

Sanford also will close all DMV offices on May 28 to bring all employees to Columbia for a day focused on improving customer service. That will cost at least $8,000.

The governor wants to use some current staff as "greeters" at the 39 busiest offices to help direct customers to the appropriate lines.

Sanford also wants all telephones on DMV office counters to be removed so clerks will not be interrupted while helping customers. The downside is that those who call the DMV may get only a recording and have to leave a message.

Beginning in June, Sanford wants to allow a wide array of services — including license renewal — to be conducted by way of the Internet. The DMV will install computers in the 39 busiest offices so that customers can access DMV Internet services.

By next year, Sanford hopes to save $2.5 million by using DMV staff to maintain its computers and by having prison inmates maintain buildings.

The DMV, with its long lines, is one of the most frustrating examples of a government agency that doesn't work. Gov. Sanford's DMV reforms should reduce lines and improve customer service, but any reforms must be accompanied by a careful analysis of how new initiatives will improve — or hurt — public safety.