If you have to go in, whether for a new license or because it's time to take a fresh photo, it's a gigantic pain in the ass. Scheduling an appointment can take months. Months. Renewing typically takes place online, and yes it's very easy - but that's not what was being discussed.
I know this first hand from just this past fall. I never renewed my motorcycle license after leaving the state and moving back, but I wanted to start riding again, so I had to go in person to get the endorsement added, which is essentially the same process as getting a new license (even the same form). It's fucking insane. No appointments are available for months, no matter how far into rural Texas you are willing to drive. Not only is the process, including the document deliverable requirements, completely stupid, but the DMV is so short-staffed they can barely take care of anyone. Even with an appointment, you'll be there for a few hours, and once you finally sit your happy ass down with someone, you're getting about the same IQ of ~70 that we've always dealt with from DMV employees, only now they're also overworked and surly. All of this was for someone who already has a Texas driver's license and just needed to add the letter "M" to it so I can ride a bike. I can't imagine how much more difficult it is if you move from out of state or need a TX license for the first time. My wife had an easier time getting a TX driver's license as an immigrant, but that was over twenty years ago.
The state government is blaming the pandemic for the shortfall in staff, which is about as laughable as it gets. The pandemic that was overblown by blue states? The pandemic that has been over for at least a couple of years at this point? That pandemic? You have to be pretty dense not to recognize what they're doing and why.