Remember that feeling of taking your driver's test? Before you were so nervous and couldn't even calm yourself. You just kept hoping that you wouldn't get the "mean" instructor! And then you did it, you PASSED! You got your driver's license! Well new drivers won't be getting theirs any time soon. Turns out the DMV has few issues to deal with. First, a COVID backlog. During the shutdown in 2020, only 27,000 tests were completed. So now they are playing catchup. Next, if you've been on a waiting list to take the test, your time may have expired even though Governor Lamont extended driving permits. Jennifer Tyrrell's niece had to start over. “She was four days short and had to go through the system again,” said Tyrrell.
On top of that, Covid made a lot of people reassess their priorities and want to retire. Fewer agents will be around to give tests. AND school's staring up soon so it's a trying time. DMV is trying to streamline the process as much as possible but if you're looking to hit the road as a new driver, you may need to wait a bit.