Depends. I have examples of both.
In FL the two counties I primarily have lived in the DMV was great. Whenever we have called for information we have spoken with helpful people who answered all of our questions. Both counties you can make an appointment so your wait time is very short. Both counties I have called about various building permits, in one I applied for a permit, and both everyone was very helpful and the permit process was smooth and efficient. I had a voter’s registration snafu in one and when I called they were again helpful and corrected the problem.
When I lived in TN the DMV was ridiculous. They tell you to get there before 9:am and line up and expect to be there for at least three hours. I want to point out in terms of population both the FL counties and the TN county had similar population density, it isn’t like one is out in the country and the other in an urban setting. I didn’t listen to the ridiculousness and showed up at 1:pm and only waited about 45 minutes. However, my local town government was very good in TN when a lightening bolt during a very bad storm hit a tree at the front of my property and the limbs that fell blocked my driveway and the road. We called and within 30 minutes someone came, cut the limb into pieces and cleared it all away. They even did what was on our property, which technically they didn’t have to.
I have called social security more than once to help my inlaws. My experience has been a positive one. I also have called INS/ICE more than once regarding my inlaws and they were always helpful, but sometimes it was a little frustrating if they were unable to answer certain questions. The one thing I will mention about the federal agencies is it can be difficult to figure out how to get through to speak to a person, which can be frustrating! I’ve learned to not touch any buttons and just wait, and the wait usually is a little long. Usually over ten minutes for sure. When my FIL has gone into social security for help they have always been very helpful.
I have called NIH for information and they were very helpful.