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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52.1 | 1976/ 04 |
An Abstract of An Evaluation of the California Driver Knowledge Test and the University of Michigan Item PoolTo evaluate both the written DMV driver licensing test and a large sample of driver knowledge test items selected from the University of Michigan's Highway Safety Research Institute (HSRI) item pool. |
II | |
| 57.1 | 1976/ 06 |
An Abstract of The Effectiveness of Traffic Safety Material in Influencing the Driving Performance of the General Driving PopulationTo develop new traffic safety materials, tailoring some to the age and sex of the recipient; to determine if mailing such materials to California drivers would reduce subsequent accidents and convictions. |
I | |
| 58.1 | 1977/ 01 |
An Abstract of The Effects of Range vs. Non-Range Driver Training on the Accident and Conviction Frequencies of Young DriversThe purpose of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of a driving range vs. non-range driver education program in increasing skill and reducing accidents and convictions among teenage drivers. |
I | |
| 59.1 | 1977/ 09 |
Executive Summary of The Effectiveness of License Suspension or Revocation for Drivers Convicted of Multiple Driving-Under-The-Influence Offenses (An Interim Report for the Evaluation of Senate Bill (SB) 330-Gregorio)To assess the efficacy of using mandated license actions for multiple DUI offenders as accident countermeasures. |
III | |
| 60.1 | 1978/ 03 |
An Abstract of The Effectiveness of an At-Home Drivers’ Licensing Law TestTo explore new approaches to testing which would cost less, be more convenient to the public, and reduce accidents and convictions. |
II | |
| 62.1 | 1978/ 08 |
An Evaluation of the California Drive Test in Theme and Variation. Volume I: Treatment Development and Preliminary EvaluationTo develop two modifications of the standard California drive test--the first to make the test more difficult, the second to make the test more comprehensive and more difficult. In addition, the relationships between scores on the standard and new, more comprehensive, test and biographical and driver record data were to be obtained. |
II | |
| 62.2 | 1978/ 12 |
An Evaluation of the California Drive Test in Theme and Variation. Volume II: Final ReportTo determine if a longer, more "comprehensive" drive test, or the standard drive test with parallel parking and a higher fail rate, would improve the subsequent driving records of previously unlicensed applicants. |
II | |
| 64.1 | 1978/ 11 |
An Abstract of The Effects of a Traffic Safety Film or a Drive Test with Counseling Session for Renewal Drivers Licensing Applicants with Poor Prior RecordsTo determine if an expanded "safe driving" written knowledge test and a drive test with counseling or traffic safety film would improve the records of renewal applicants with poor three-year prior records. |
II | |
| 66.1 | 1978/ 04 |
An Abstract of Educational Approaches to Driver Improvement: An Experimental Evaluation with Negligent DriversTo develop a group driver-improvement program that is more effective in reduction of accident/conviction rates and more cost-beneficial than the standard Group Educational Meeting (GEM). |
III | |
| 67.1 | 1978/ 09 |
Executive Summary of Medically Impaired Drivers: An Evaluation of California Policy (Senate Bill 2033 – Garcia)To evaluate the Department's licensing policies and practices relative to drivers with mental or physical conditions which might affect their ability to drive safely. |
VI |