Typically, a big-time headache with the DMV. Here, in Costa Rica, multiply that by a bit more.
When we got our initial driver's license, two years ago, we had to go down to San Jose, stand in line for a couple of hours, get a physical, stand in line again for another couple of hours, and then we grinned for the camera and got our license.
This time, for just a simple renewal, we were able to do it in Ciudad Quesada, about 40 minutes away. (If we had let the original license lapse, we would have had to take the written and driving exams--all in Spanish--so we made sure to get the licenses renewed in plenty of time).
This time, it was just a matter of finding a bank (waiting in line for about 45 minutes); finding a doctor (first one was too busy, so after 20 minutes we moved along) and getting a physical. It consisted of an eye test, standing on one foot and touching noses, then on both feet touching toes, then touching elbows to knees while standing, then doing something out of the Richard Simmons' Jazzercis (TM) video from the '80s. Then just a quick blood-pressure exam, hop onto the scales for weight and popping us in the knees to test our reflexes.
Afterward, it was off to the local DMV office, where there was a line of 10 folks. However, we had our paperwork already done, so we were able to hop the line and after that it was just 10 to 15 minutes waiting in the office, moving into another office where we had to show our residency cards, get finger printed and sign all kinds of waivers.
Finally, we were able to pose for our pictures. The Art Department was fairly grumpy by this time and the picture reflects that. The Editorial Department gave a nice, big smile and the lady behind the camera actually stood up and said "No, no!" as she didn't like the picture (and after conferring with the Art Department--to the objection of the Editorial Department--another picture was taken. Much less flattering).
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