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New Driver's License To Fight Identity Theft

Online Service To Help Cut Long Lines For Road Tests

POSTED: 11:44 am HST March 22, 2005

The city is trying to combat identity theft and counterfeiting by unveiling a new look for driver's licenses.

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The licenses now use a color pink in the heading and there's a state flag in the right corner. The signature will appear in green over the photo. The under-21 permit and license will be vertical.

The city also started a new service where people can sign up for road tests and avoid long waiting lines. Many people head to the licensing centers early in the morning to sign up to take the driver's license road test.

Nathan Sardenia and his mom, Cora, left the Dillingham licensing division disappointed after waiting since 3:30 a.m. to sign up for the road test. Nathan said he listened to his iPod to pass the time.

The Dillingham driver's license station is the busiest on Oahu especially during spring break, summer vacation and Christmas vacation. Some people showed up at 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. just to sign up to take the road test.

DMV lineThat's why the city started a new system where people can sign up for a road test online at the City's Web site. You still have to wait several weeks for an appointment, but at least not here. City Road Test Web Site

"This gives you an opportunity to once again avoid having to stand in line and the frustration that obviously many people feel," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said.

Hannemann's administration also hopes to add six more road testers in the budget to alleviate the backlog.

For Mark Clemente, all of that frustration and waiting ended by midday. He passed the road test and will now take the driver's seat.

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