DMV Dread

The letters D, M, and V, are sure to send shivers up anyone’s spine—even small children’s. Let’s face it, a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles is like having your auto mechanic give you a root canal with a tire iron. But even in the take-a-number hell that is the White Plains Mall DMV, it’s still important to practice patience and manners.

The Necessities: Remember to download and print your forms at home, and please don’t forget to bring a pen.

The Line: Counterintuitive as it may seem, making small talk in line can really help you pass the time. You don’t even need to contribute. Just be sure to maintain minimal eye contact, smile, and nod.

The Pint Alternative: Need to escape the testy DMV drones? The Sports Page opens in the mall this May. Cheers to that!

Melissa Leonard is an etiquette coach and mother of two extremely well-behaved children in Harrison; visit her website at www.establishyourselfNY.com.