California DMV Goes Web 2.0

Driving under the speed limit can cause you to fail your drivers test. From the Top 10 Reasons for Failing the Driving Test

In October, the California DMV took a step out of the 1970s and into the current generation. Okay, so they have had online reservations for awhile now so you can avoid waiting in line. And now you can avoid some reading by watching the 55 videos they uploaded on YouTube.

The department’s foray into the video sharing arena, supplemented by its page on MySpace.com, is meant to pull in drivers of all ages with its driving tips, traffic trivia and, perhaps inadvertently, life advice, dispensed as the Tao of intersections. “You have to accept right of way when it is yours,” says Anita from the Visalia D.M.V. office.

The most popular videos are those that explore the top 10 reasons people fail driving tests, but there is plenty of instruction available on the meaning of dotted white lines in the road, parallel parking and blind spots, much of it set to music apparently performed by an ’80s glam rock cover band. Actors simulate parking gone wrong, and other driving misadventures. [New York Times]

Their MySpace page only has 39 friends (and 2 comments, one from the Department Spokeswoman), but hosts some useful information (we never knew you could change your address online. Once we did it via snail mail and that turned into a year-long nightmare that eventually our elected state assemblyman was able to clear up). The 55 YouTube videos have been viewed 8,213 times, but we're sure that number will grow as soon as teens realize some quality time with YouTube can earn them a drivers license.

After the jump, use your freaking turn signal! And please read our very own few simple traffic suggestions.