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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRN083 | 1993/ 01 |
California DMV’s Driving Under the Influence R&D Program: Some Recent Findings and ActivitiesTo convey information on findings from recent California DMV studies of DUI offenders. |
VI | |
| NRN084 | 1994/ 01 |
Psychometric and Biographical Correlates of Drunk Driving Recidivism & Treatment Program ComplianceTo identify variables which differentiate DUI offenders who recidivate from those who do not and to also identify correlates of treatment program compliance. |
VI | |
| NRN085 | 1994/ 07 |
Diabetes Mellitus and DrivingTo review the literature on insulin-treated diabetes and driving for members of a Medical Advisory Board subcommittee formulating guidelines for DMV Driver Safety in cases of diabetes mellitus. |
VI | |
| NRN086 | 1996/ 01 |
The Relationship Between Age-Related Functional Disability and Road SafetyTo define the relationship between aging and safe driving for use by General Motors and NHTSA in establishing research funding priorities. |
VI | |
| NRN087 | 1996/ 04 |
Older Drivers with Medical Impairments: Identification and EvaluationTo give an overview of DMV's reexamination process for drivers with medical conditions, as well as other aspects of DMV's P&M (physical or mental impairment) program. To describe a federally funded pilot study to develop a battery of tests for identifying and evaluating the impaired older driver. |
VI | |
| NRN088 | 1997/ 01 |
Estimating the Exposure and Fatal Crash Rates of Suspended/Revoked and Unlicensed Drivers in CaliforniaTo derive estimates of the exposure (amount of driving) and crash rates of suspended/revoked and unlicensed drivers, using fatal crash data obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's fatal accident reporting system (FARS) database, and utilizing induced exposure methodology |
VI | |
| NRN090 | 1978/ 08 |
Error Rate Study, Division of Drivers’ LicensesTo identify errors in information contained in the drivers' license file; to describe their nature, number and sources. |
VII | |
| NRN091 | 1984/ 07 |
A Study of Alternative Strategies for Assessing Fees on Commercially Registered VehiclesThis study was initiated by the Division of Registration and Investigative Services. The scope of the study was subsequently broadened to meet the requirements of Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 11 of the 1983 legislative session. The final report for this study was submitted in July 1984. The objectives of this study were to: 1. develop a schedule for assessing weight fees on commercially registered power vehicles (6,500 or more pounds unladen) and trailers, based on declared laden or gross weight (GVW) of individual power vehicles and trailers (this schedule would replace the current unladen weight fee table; registration and vehicle license fees would continue to be collected); 2. develop a fee-assessment system for commercially registered power vehicles (6,500 or more pounds unladen) and trailers, based on the declared combined gross weight (CGW) of power vehicles (CGW would be declared for only power units and would include the total weight of the power unit, all trailing vehicles, if any, and all loads) and charging only a standard fee on each trailer (the CGW fee assessed on power vehicles and the trailer fee would replace the registration, vehicle license, and unladen weight fees currently collected on power vehicles and trailers); and 3. estimate the total 1985 revenue loss under a CGW fee schedule that would allow fees remaining on deleted interstate power vehicles to be credited toward fees due on their power vehicle replacements, and produce an adjusted CGW fee schedule that would recoup this revenue loss. |
VII | |
| NRN092 | 1986/ 03 |
Effective- Time ChartsTo graphically present trends in effective-time management in each DMV field office, each field office grade level, and statewide, in order to assess effectiveness of departmental operations in serving the motoring public. |
VII | |
| NRN093 | 1986/ 03 |
Survey of Customer’s Time in DMV Field OfficesTo monitor customers' time as a part of improving services in DMV field offices. |
VII |