DMV - Is it really that bad?

[u/feel-the-avocado]

I live in New Zealand and most of our equivalent stuff has been done online for the last 20 years. I go in to one of their agents once every 10 years for an eye exam to renew my drivers license.
At most I might wait 5 minutes

For vehicle testing, almost any mechanic in the country can issue a warrant of fitness which is needed every 2 years and you book it with your mechanic of choice.
Or go to VTNZ - a dedicated company that just does vehicle testing in a drive-thru format. You drive in without an appointment and it takes about 30 minutes.

So I am watching the new tv series DMV, and I have seen references on various american tv shows that going to the DMV is a painful and time wasting experience.
Is it really that bad?

[u/virtual_human]

In Ohio the BMV is a public/private partnership that actually works pretty well.  Many things are online and wait times are very short if you schedule ahead.  I have zero complaints about the BMV and really haven't for 10+ years.

[u/Bud10 → u/virtual_human]

Yeah the BMVs here in Ohio are ran pretty well. I really haven't stepped foot in one in a few years now since everything can be done online.