I still have not even had my application processed due to an error
. I had missing gaps in my work history because of a break I took from work when starting school (only one semester). So all I had to do was fill in that I was a non-working student during that time. Okay, I'll take the blame; I should have known... 
When I sent off my application I was warned about the horror stories and the CHL processing back-log so I decided not to even worry about checking the status until I was notified of a problem or I received my plastic
. DON'T MAKE THIS MISTAKE!!! 
I never received a letter from DPS about the missing work history. My pin number was sent to me, but the post office returned it to DPS, thus I never received the pin. If they get a return to sender, they forget about it and do not try contacting you further. 
FINALLY!!! I received my first contact from DPS in the first week of October
. There was an error with my finger prints, which from what I have read is quite common. I did the FAST prints and sent them in. For all I knew, this was my only error, and only attempt at contact. Again, I decided not to worry about checking the status because I knew there was a back log. It wasn't until I found this forum and started reading that I realized something had to be wrong. 
About a week ago I decided to hunt down my pin and call anyone I could to get an up-to-date status check. 12/16 is when I found out about the incomplete application due to work history. The first person I talked to last week failed to tell me this; it took a second phone call to get to the bottom of it.
Current status: In jeopardy of having my application terminated because I failed to respond within 90 days of the first letter that I never received. Nevermind that I responded to the second letter (appearantly it's a separate issue). As of now, it has not been terminated. Last night I emailed my state representative, state senator, and Governor Perry. Maybe that will help. Did I mention I'm also in Harris County? I'm guessing maybe Feb. until I get my plastic...
I know now that I should have been on these guys from the start, so maybe I'm to blame...Anyone else have similar stories?
Completed CHL Course: 07/12
DPS Received App.: 07/18
DPS Sent Pin No.: 08/05
DPS Sent Incomplete App. Notice: 08/13
Pin No. Returned to DPS by Post Office: 09/09
DPS Sent Finger Prints Back: 09/29
Took FAST Prints: 11/07
DPS Received FAST Prints: 11/20
Finally Received Pin No. From DPS: 12/10
Found out Incomplete Application Status Info.: 12/16
Faxed Missing Application Info. to DPS: 12/16
Emailed State Representatives: 12/16