Why your wait at the DMV is about to get a lot shorter

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One of the hallmarks of a trip to the DMV -- long wait times -- could go the way of the Dodo in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced a new statewide driver's license system in a release Thursday that will "increase efficiency at state driver's license centers." It's the first major upgrade to the state's driver service system in 30 years.

The new system, called "A-List," was launched Feb. 17. It consists of a single Web-based screen meant to increase the speed license examiners can evaluate applications.

"The new features will help us improve service and reduce wait times at driver services centers," Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons said in the release.

The new system also increases online services. With a visit to www.tn.gov/safety, citizens can now pay reinstatement fees and obtain reissued driver's licenses, schedule road skills tests, add emergency contact information, set up electronic communication with service centers, and start license applications before heading to a service center.

The release also said the A-List system is more secure and reduces the potential for customer and employee fraud, because the system determines what types of licenses and classifications a customer qualifies for and will only allow those types of transactions. A-List is also said to prevent duplicate Social Security numbers from being entered into the system.