Obviously, I understand where folks are coming from when they are incurring a delay in getting the permit from Austin...dws1117 wrote:stevie_d_64, As usual great post.
Obviously DPS can't hold your hand while they are processing the application, but sheesh, they could at least throw you a bone to knaw at while your waiting.
My application took 101 days from mail box to mailbox. I did include weekends and holidays. Heck if I have to work them then they should too, dangit!Now, mine took a long time because of an incomplete application and had to be sent back. Considering that the time wasn't so bad. When I e-mailed to ask the status I received a very nice, professional reply from them. Heck, I even think that whoever respondede included thier name, but I'd have to check on that as I don't recall.
Wayne
I wish there was a simple fix to this as well to give folks like us a mechanism to really clear up, and have a more active feedback to and from DPS on these issues...
I think it comes down to what I have done in the past...Although I am fast on the forms, and getting the package together and off to Austin, I am extremely thorough (anal
) in filling out and attaching the required information they need to process the package...I know all of you do the same...
The instructor I go to for my renewals doesn't seem to be doing it anymore...So within the next year, I will be shopping for a new instructor...
The old guy that did my last renewal had an all inclusive setup, albeit it was a very campy setup...Almost comical to a point...But I had fun going through his course...
His wife handled the paperwork, notorizing, taking the pictures, and doing the sorting of the package, while we were going through the class...
And before we left, he made sure the packages went though about 3 passes with 3 different (non-bias) sets of eyes to make sure it was all in order...
Now of course, some classes/instructors may not go to all that trouble, and its hard to tell, or even ask if they do...You just have to take your chances I suppose...
I think thats the key to reducing the mistakes and or ommisions in these packages we send to Austin...And I also understand that these deficiencies are totally unintentional...
Until the Austin CHL office is compelled to create and maintain an active online "feedback" system that allows CHL'ers and investigators to "real-time" troubleshoot any problems that occur...We'll just have to be doubly sure we do our part to make sure they get the best, most complete packages to them as we can...
If I ever decide to become a CHL instructor, I certainly will include a time in the class for "package" assembly and completion for my students, and make sure its all correct to my standards, so they don't have any problems...I'll even mail it off for them...Its the least I could do for them...