However, the experience was quite far from what I would have expected. Unlike the other states that I have lived, CA's DMV permits the scheduling of appointments, allowing one to avoid the massive lines and quickly get stuff taken care of. My first visit, I was in and out in under and hour, despite having to take two written knowledge tests (I applaud CA for requiring people to take a written test, even an abbreviated one, every few renewals). The process -- including time to drive there, fill out the paperwork, get everything processed, complete the tests, and drive home -- took a combined total of just two hours. Compare that against the often half-day ordeals that I have suffered through in other states and CA's DMV is actually starting to look like the model of efficiency.
It is not a totally perfect system, of course, as it is dependent upon a system that requires employees to mark the forms to indicate that an appointment was made (a reality I discovered when I went back a second time to title and register my motorcycle). However, on whole, the process is infinitely more efficient than what I have experienced elsewhere. And in all honesty, I am not sure why appointments are not required, since setting the appointments would allow the DMV to better allocate time and resources and help ensure that things are taken care of efficiently. But then again, that might break the common thread between all drivers, who with a knowing nod can acknowledge the pain that others have suffered through at the hands this nefarious government agency.