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ARTICLE OPTIONSE-mail this article  |  print this article

Posted on February 11, 2003
House subcommittee approves DMV reform bill


The Associated Press
A House subcommittee approved a bill Tuesday that would make major changes to the troubled Division of Motor Vehicles agency.

The House Motor Vehicles Subcommittee approved the bill that would remove DMV from the Public Safety Department and make it a stand-alone Cabinet agency with the director appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.

Under the bill, the agency would enter into contracts with public and private entities to administer driving tests.

Jean Osteen, who works at the Greenville-based Budget Driving School, said allowing driving schools to administer tests would give "convenience to our customers and perhaps help DMV."

Driving schools can give tests at times when the DMV is not open, such as after 5 p.m., on Saturdays and some holidays, Osteen said.

The bill calls for driver's license expiration dates to be extended from five to 10 years for most people and allows drivers to get tag renewal stickers and registration from DMV offices, county treasurers' offices or private entities.

The bill now moves to the full Education and Public Works Committee for debate.

DMV came under fire from legislators last summer when a new computer system was installed and technical glitches kept customers waiting for hours in long lines across the state.

"The public needs to be served in a better manner than how it is being served," said Rep. Jo Anne Gilham, R-Hilton Head Island and subcommittee chairwoman.



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