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 | |
| 83.1 | 1982/ 09 |
An Abstract of An Evaluation of the Alcohol Reexamination Program for Drivers with Two Major Traffic ConvictionsTo evaluate the traffic safety impact of a reexamination designed to detect and treat drunk driving among drivers with two "major violations" who have escaped license sanctions and other countermeasures. Major violations comprise the more serious traffic violations including reckless driving, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). |
III | |
| 45.1 | 1974/ 01 |
An Abstract of An Evaluation of Some Additional Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Warning LettersTo determine the effectiveness of two types of warning letters and an informational pamphlet in reducing the subsequent collision and conviction records of pre-negligent drivers. An additional study objective was to determine the effectiveness of a fo llow-up reinforcement letter se nt to collision- and conviction-free drivers. These hypotheses were suggested by an earlier warning letter study (McBride & Peck, Report #30). This study was designed to attempt replication of the previous results. |
III | |
| 70.1 | 1979/ 07 |
An Abstract of An Evaluation of Probation-by-Mail as an Alternative to Mandatory Hearing Attendance for Negligent OperatorsTo evaluate the feasibility and traffic safety implications of placing negligent operators on probation by letter without the subjects being scheduled for a hearing. |
III | |
| 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 | |
| 156 | 1994/ 07 |
AGE-RELATED DISABILITIES THAT MAY IMPAIR DRIVING AND THEIR ASSESSMENTThis review, covering literature on age-related disabilities, their assessment, and their effects on driving, represents the initial step in developing an assessment system for identifying and evaluating the driving competency of older drivers with dementia or age-related frailty. Since frailty can be defined as a result of the combined effect of various pathologies superimposed upon the normal physiological changes of aging, emphasis is given to medical conditions which are more characteristic of elderly people. The relationships of these conditions to driving performance and safety are discussed, and nondriving and driving tests relevant to identifying and licensing frail or dementing elderly are described. There is a brief discussion of licensing and post-licensing control programs for elderly drivers in several jurisdictions, including graded licensing. A preliminary assessment protocol for identifying medically impaired elderly drivers and evaluating their driving ability is suggested. |
VI | |
| 175 | 1998/ 07 |
Administrative Per Se (APS) Set Aside Process AnalysisEach year, something less than three quarters of drivers arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California are actually convicted of the offense, and often only after long delays following their arrest. |
V | |
| NRN070 | 1976/ 04 |
Administrative Adjudication of Traffic Offenses in California: A Feasibility StudyTo comply with Senate Concurrent Resolution 40 (1975 Resolution Chapter 86), which mandated a feasibility study of administrative adjudication of traffic infractions. |
V | |
| NRN104 | 1991/ 01 |
Accidents, Mileage, and the Exaggeration of RiskTo correct a common misinterpretation of the accidents-per-mile measure. The assumption that accidents should be proportional to miles driven is shown to be invalid and to exaggerate the accident risk of lowmileage groups. |
VII | |
| NRN031 | 1986/ 06 |
Accident Rates, Financial Responsibility, and Restriction Compliance of SB-38 ParticipantsTo collect data regarding the accident rates, financial responsibility, and restriction compliance of SB-38 alcohol treatment program participants, in response to a legislative proposal requiring proof of financial responsibility for SB-38 program participants. |
III |