In the UK the extremely user hostile government services are those for the marginalized; benefits and immigration. But the universal ones have pressure to work effectively.
I'm really curious how this works.
They don't take a picture of you in person for your driver's license? Even the first one? What about the driving tests? Eyesight tests?
What if you want to buy a used car from a stranger, do you hand over the cash and then wait weeks for the registration to change hands by post? How do they prevent title theft if they can't check ID in person?
One of the step to get full license is to take theory test in person at test centre. They check your address and verify ID again at this stage.
We have small driving test centres in most areas. You prebook the slot and turn up. They’re fairly punctual.
You go to your doctor and get a proof of health. Costs around $100.
Typically the tests are arranged with your driving instructor as part of the course. Each attempt is also around $100.
When selling a used car, you just give the person the registration certificate when you've received payment. Then you reregister the car on the tax authority Web site.
Driving tests are done in person with an appointment, so no queueing. There's no eyesight or medical tests, but at the start of the driving test the examiner will ask you to read a numberplate from a specific distance (20 meters?)
The registration transfer system used to be done on the basis of a "log book", which then became a piece of paper with an authentication hologram, but now it is of course online: https://www.gov.uk/checks-when-buying-a-used-car / https://motorway.co.uk/guides/v5c-the-ultimate-guide-to-the-...
> How do they prevent title theft if they can't check ID in person?
I'm not really sure what this means or how to translate it to the UK system? You might be at risk if someone managed to forge a V5 for a car they had stolen?