OK DPS Changes Aim To Speed Up Process

Starting Nov. 1, driving schools will be giving the driving tests to its students, meaning no more waiting for appointments at the exam sites.

"Driving schools will no longer make appointments. They'll have instructors at those schools that are qualified. They will administer the test through the driving school," said OHP Capt. Chris West.

"We know we've been getting beat up pretty bad here lately, so we're trying to do right and do something for our citizens. We want to do a better job."

8/23/12 Related Story: Changes To DPS Policy Could Cost Jobs

If you've been to an exam site, you expect to wait, West says changes between driving schools and DPS will mean lines won't be as long because examiners won't be the only ones doing driving tests.

"We hope we're going to be better able to accommodate our citizens and they're going to be happier with what we're doing," West said.

Schools with licensed examiners will now be allowed to pass or fail students who want to drive. DPS says there will be safeguards in place to make sure they're not just taking money and giving out licenses.

The DPS examining division will have auditors go out to these different exam sights and make sure they're in compliance.

8/23/12 Related Story: DPS TO Launch Redesigned Driver License

"If it doesn't work, we can back up, punt, and try to come up with something else. But we're confident this is going to be a good thing," West said.

Beginning Sept. 13, DPS exam sites will be open to the general public in the morning and scheduled appointments for students in the afternoon.