Research Studies & Reports
DMV’s Research & Development Branch has been conducting research and producing studies and reports since the 1950s. Research & Development reports help DMV to measure the impact of new laws on making drivers safer. We also identify areas where we can improve our processes, explore new approaches to solving existing problems, and branch out into new opportunities to serve you better.
Studies & Reports Sections
Studies and reports are assigned to a Section that best describes the type of report. Click on a section title below to see a short description.
I. Driver Education & Training Studies
II. Driver Licensing Screening Studies
III. Studies on Improvement and Control of Deviant Drivers
IV. Basic Research & Methodological Studies: Driver Performance, Accident Etiology, Prediction Models, and Actuarial Applications
V. Driver Licensing / Control Systems & Safety Management Studies
VI. Studies on Special Driver Populations
VII. Miscellaneous Studies & Reports
Request printed copies of studies and reports by mail at:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Research and Development Branch
2415 1st Ave. Mail Station: F-126
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 914-8125
Please include the report number, the number of copies requested, and your name, address, and phone number.
| Report ID | Date Published | Title | Section | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46.1 | 1974/ 01 |
An abstract of An Evaluation of California’s “Good Driver” Incentive ProgramTo study the effects of rewards and/ or incentives in the form of one-year license extensions (no testing or visit to field office required) for drivers with one-year-clean prior records. |
II | |
| NRN005 | 1974/ 01 |
Audio-Visual Traffic Safety Materials (House Resolution 81, McAllister)To conduct a feasibility study concerning use of audio-visual testing. |
II | |
| NRN001 | 1973/ 12 |
California Driver Training Evaluation Study (Assembly Bill 1486, Veysey)The California Driver Training Evaluation Study was established by Assembly Bill (AB) 1486 (1969 General Session, Veysey) for the purpose of comparing benefits and costs of behind-the-wheel driver training, as given in California high schools by certified high school teachers, with that given by licensed commercial driving school instructors. Additionally, the bill specified a comparison of the standard six-hour training, or its legal simulator-assisted substitute (short training program) with an enriched program providing four extra hours behind-the-wheel (long training program). |
I | |
| 44 | 1973/ 12 |
An Evaluation of the Drive Test as an Examination Requirement for Drivers Previously Licensed in Another StateTo determine if waiving the drive test for original applicants previously licensed in another state would be detrimental to their driving records. |
II | |
| NRN018 | 1973/ 11 |
Modifying Negligent Driving Behavior: Evaluation of Selected Driver Improvement Techniques, A Second Year Follow-upTo determine long-term effects of previously investigated treatments and provide decision information requested by the Legislative Analyst's Office. |
III | |
| 43 | 1973/ 05 |
Questionnaire Techniques in Traffic Safety Research: A Digest of California Department of Motor Vehicles’ ExperienceTo compile experiences concerning phases of studies dealing with questionnaires. |
IV | |
| 42 | 1973/ 05 |
Physically Handicapped Drivers: A Comparative Study of Driver RecordsThis study was conducted at the request of California State Assemblyman John P. Quimby, who was interested in the driving record of handicapped persons with loss of, or limited control of, one or more of their limbs. This study was expected to be useful in evaluating California's driver licensing policy and in providing some guidance to insurance companies in establishing premiums for handicapped drivers. California's policy has been to license physically handicapped persons who meet the same standards on the written and on-road examinations as non-handicapped persons. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not handicapped drivers have accident records different from those of non-handicapped drivers, and consequently, whether there is any basis for differential licensing standards or insurance premiums. |
VI | |
| 39.1 | 1973/ 03 |
An Abstract of The Prediction of Accident Liability through Biographical Data and Psychometric TestsTo evaluate the role of human factors in traffic accidents. |
IV | |
| 39 | 1973/ 03 |
The Prediction of Accident Liability through Biographical Data and Psychometric TestsTo evaluate the role of human factors in traffic accidents. |
IV | |
| 40 | 1973/ 03 |
An Evaluation of California’s Oral Licensing ExaminationTo analyze the cost and effect of orally examining illiterate applicants. |
II |