California Department of Motor Vehicles [CA DMV]

I tried to update the title to my car on 1/21/22 at the Pleasanton office. The title has both our married names (and not or). I came prepared with the proper form, the original title with my ex-spouse's signature on it releasing her interest in the care, and the marital settlement agreement showing the car belongs to me. Despite all of that, I was told I needed an additional signature (by the odometer readin) to do this. My spouse lives in another state and I have no contact with her. All I want is a new title, with just my (unmarried) name.

I am online trying to get my son an appointment for his permit - he is eligible after Jan 20 so I thought I was being proactive. Looking at Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, or Concord it is telling me the first available appointment is FOUR months away? April 1st. How can this be possible? If this is in fact accurate you don't really have an appointment system. Why have it as an option and advertise ?