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.

393 Results

Report ID Date Published Title Section Links
68.1 1978/ 12

Executive Summary of An Evaluation of Alcohol Abuse Treatment as an Alternative to Drivers License Suspension or Revocation (Final Report to the Legislature in Accord with Senate Bill (SB) 38-Gregorio)

 III PDF
70.1 1979/ 07

An Abstract of An Evaluation of Probation-by-Mail as an Alternative to Mandatory Hearing Attendance for Negligent Operators

By: Beverly R. Sherman & Michael Ratz

To evaluate the feasibility and traffic safety implications of placing negligent operators on probation by letter without the subjects being scheduled for a hearing.

III PDF
73.1 1980/ 02

Executive Summary of Development of a Provisional Licensing Program for New California Drivers

By: David W. Carpenter, Bart F. Furtado, Keith H. Lindholm, & Lowell Gates

To examine the feasibility of provisional licensing procedures for new California drivers and to analyze potential program components.

II PDF
74.1 1980/ 02

An Abstract of Application of Audio-Visual Presentation and Various Feedback Methods to Drivers License Testing: An Evaluation of Learning Effects

By: Shara Lynn Kelsey, Beverly Sherman, & Michael Ratz

To develop and demonstrate the effectiveness of an audio-visual driver's license testing program.

II PDF
75.1 1980/ 07

An Abstract of Suspension and Revocation Effects on the DUI Offender

By: Roger E. Hagen, Edward J. McConnell, & Rickey L. Williams

(1) To assess the ability of first, second, and third DUI offenders to avoid future DUI convictions or traffic accidents; (2) to survey drivers being reinstated following a DUI suspension or revocation in order to gather information concerning admission of driving during the action, transportation alternatives used while under the licensing action, and reactions of the driver to both the action and the changes in life style which resulted thereby; and (3) to assess the incidence of driving while under licensing action as reported by drivers themselves, and by the presence of any driver record update.

III PDF
76.1 1981/ 12

An Abstract of Design and Evaluation of a Crash Prediction Strategy

By: Edward J. McConnell & Roger E. Hagen Administration

To define and validate a method of identifying groups of high-risk drivers which yields a more effective crash prediction model than the Department's negligent-operator (neg-op) point system.

IV PDF
77.1 1981/ 12

An Abstract of An Evaluation of Three Alternative Formats for Probation Violation Hearings

By: Rickey L. Williams & Roger E. Hagen

To develop and evaluate new formats hearings which incorporate behavior caseload-scheduling approach. for negligent operator probation violator modificatiol1 principles and a client

III PDF
79.1 1981/ 12

An Abstract of Factors Associated with Fatal Accident Involvement Among California Drivers – ABSTRACT 1 / 2

By: Marilee E. Garretson & Raymond C. Peck

To identify possible factors of fatal accident causation and to isolate common patterns or characteristics for use in developing accident countermeasures.

IV PDF
81.1 1986/ 01

Teen Driver Facts – Report 81.1

By: Ray E. Huston

To provide a quick reference on the characteristics of teenage drivers.

VI PDF
82.1 1986/ 01

Senior Driver Facts – Report 82.1

By: Ray E. Huston & Mary K. Janke

To provide a quick reference on the characteristics of senior drivers.

VI PDF