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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 1979/ 06 |
The Effects of “No Action” Negligent Operator Hearings as an Alternative to Hearings Resulting in ProbationTo evaluate the effectiveness of negligent operator hearings in which probation is replaced by the imposition of "no action." |
III | |
| 57 | 1976/ 06 |
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 | |
| 22 | 1965/ 10 |
The Effectiveness of Short Individual Driver Improvement SessionsTo evaluate the effect of individual hearings on the subsequent driver records of negligent operators |
III | |
| 203 | 2003/ 04 |
The Effectiveness of Home-Study Driver Education Compared toClassroom Instruction: The Impact on Student Knowledge, Skills, andAttitudesHome-study driver education programs exist in several states, but none have been scientificallyevaluated to determine if such courses are as effective as classroom-based courses for teaching driver education. Almost 1,500 students were randomly assigned to receive classroom instruction, a CDROM home-study course, a workbook home-study course, or an internet/workbook home-studycourse. Few differences were found on exit exam knowledge and attitude scores, but tended to favor the CD and internet/workbook home-study courses over the workbook or classroom courses.Differences favoring classroom courses on department written test outcomes likely reflect bias in such courses towards teaching test-specific material. The findings present no compelling evidence that home-study courses are less effective than classroom courses for teaching driver education. Thefindings could result in more widespread use of home-study courses. The use of low-cost home-study courses as the first stage of a two-tiered driver education program could make such programs more feasible and acceptable to the public. |
I | |
| 60 | 1978/ 03 |
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 | |
| 71 | 1979/ 09 |
The Effectiveness of Accredited Traffic Violator Schools in Reducing Accidents and ViolationsTo evaluate the effects of accredited traffic violator schools (TVS) on traffic safety |
III | |
| 37 | 1971/ 06 |
The Effectiveness of a Uniform Traffic School Curriculum for Negligent DriversEvaluate the effectiveness of a uniform traffic school curriculum developed for the traffic violation repeater. |
III | |
| 101 | 1985/ 11 |
The Effect of Renewal by Mail for Drivers with Less than Four-Year-Clean Records (Interim Report)To evaluate the traffic safety impact of allowing drivers with a two-year-clean record, but less than a four-year-clean record, to renew their licenses by mail. |
II | |
| 118 | 1989/ 02 |
The Effect of Renewal by Mail for Drivers with less than Four-Year-Clean Records (Final Report)To evaluate the traffic safety impact of allowing drivers with a two-year-clean record, but less than a four-year-clean record, to renew their licenses by mail. |
II | |
| 3 | 1960/ 02 |
The Drunk Driver – An Inventory of 200 Representative CasesTo conduct an inventory of the prior records of 200 representative cases selected at random from the group of all cases suspended or revoked during the six month periodfrom July 1, 1959, through December 31, 1959. |
III |