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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| NRN002 | 1974/ 01 |
Defensive Driving as a Prerequisite for Licensing (Assembly Concurrent Resolution 94, Deddeh)To comply with a legislative resolution requesting DMV to conduct a study relating to the desirability of making completion of a course in defensive driving a requirement for persons seeking to obtain a California driver's license. |
I | |
| NRN003 | 1978/ 07 |
IIHS Study on Driver Education: Fact or Fiction?To point out some critical limitations of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's study on driver training. |
I | |
| NRN004 | 1996/ 01 |
Effectiveness of Novice Driver EducationTo review and critique the results of the NHTSA-funded driver training experimental evaluation known as the "Dekalb" study. |
I | |
| NRN005 | 1974/ 01 |
Audio-Visual Traffic Safety Materials (House Resolution 81, McAllister)To conduct a feasibility study concerning use of audio-visual testing. |
II | |
| NRN006 | 1976/ 06 |
Oral Testing of Driver’s License ApplicantsTo gather information about several potential test modes which could be used with illiterate applicants and which would serve an instructional purpose without putting a premium on verbal ability. |
II | |
| NRN007 | 1983/ 06 |
Pilot Test of the Written Words and Phrases TestTo evaluate the written Words and Phrases Test (DL-140) and provide test and item statistics. |
II | |
| NRN008 | 1983/ 07 |
Evaluation of Ambulance Driver Knowledge TestTo evaluate the Ambulance Driver Examination (DL-5J) and to provide test and item statistics. |
II | |
| NRN009 | 1985/ 06 |
The Role of Youth in Traffic Accidents: A Review of Past and Current California DataTo clarify the role of youth in traffic accident causation. |
II | |
| NRN010 | 1986/ 12 |
Evaluation of Driver License Knowledge TestsTo pilot-test four of the Department's written knowledge examinations for driver licensure and provide test and item statistics. |
II |