Probably the most consistent complaint State Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D-Des Moines) hears about government is the long wait times at some Department of Licensing (DOL) offices.

The driver licensing office is one of the most visible "faces" of state government. Everyone has to go there and almost everyone has a horror story, according to Upthegrove. The service at the licensing office often shapes the public's perception of state government in general.

Upthegrove noted he has seen lines and backups form at DOL offices before they've even opened for business.

He said his brother once waited three and a half hours to get his license. He actually had to leave to pick up his daughter from school, and came back and still hadn't lost his place in line.

"We have endured long lines, crowding and wasted time for years but it doesn't have to be that way," Upthegrove declared.

He has introduced a bill (HB 1635) that, according to Department of Licensing officials, would instantly eliminate those long lines once and for all.

The bill contracts out drivers exams to certified traffic safety instructors in public and private driving schools with provisions for appropriate oversight.

"Conducting the drivers exam is, by far, the most time consuming and staff intensive activity at DOL offices, Upthegrove said. "Eliminating this function from DOL offices automatically frees up staff to assist with other services, such as helping customers at the counter. There are currently only 30 DOL offices across the state that offer the driver exam. But there are 160 private driving schools. This means consumers would immediately have 5 times as many choices."

The bill also changes drivers license renewals from every 5 years to every 6 years, reduces the renewal fee by $5 if renewed by mail or online and improves and promotes online and mail-in services.

The response to this bill has been overwhelmingly positive so far, Upthegrove reported.

Newspapers have editorialized in favor of it and it been featured on TV and radio news reports and talk shows.

"This proposal is an example of re-evaluating government's role during tough times and figuring out how to deliver better customer service to the public," Upthegrove concluded. "Something clearly has to change. I'm hoping this bill will be the catalyst."