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. 

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
NRN046 1972/ 05

The Development and Evaluation of Accident Countermeasures in Driver Licensing Agencies

By: Ronald S. Coppin & Raymond C. Peck

To add to the fund of knowledge concerning accident countermeasures.

IV
NRN047 1972/ 11

Measuring Attitudinal Response to Several Types of Driver Improvement Techniques

By: Ronald R. Payne

To develop a quantified evaluation system for measuring subject-oriented psychological differences in response to treatment techniques.

IV
NRN068 1972/ 12

An Optimum System for Traffic Enforcement/Driver Control-Volume IV: The Evaluation of the Recommendations Made by the Consulting Firm

By: California Department of Motor Vehicles

To provide background information regarding the Sylvania study (preceding page), and to identify areas of concern to management and resultant actions taken; to present a matrix of the major study recommendations with the involved departments' stands and status on each. (Departments: OTS - Office of Traffic Safety, DMV - Department of Motor Vehicles, AOC - Administrative Office of the Courts, Judicial Council, and CHP California Highway Patrol.)

V
40 1973/ 03

An Evaluation of California’s Oral Licensing Examination

By: David M. Harrington

To analyze the cost and effect of orally examining illiterate applicants.

II
39 1973/ 03

The Prediction of Accident Liability through Biographical Data and Psychometric Tests

By: Richard M. Harano, Robin S. McBride, & Raymond C. Peck

To evaluate the role of human factors in traffic accidents.

IV
39.1 1973/ 03

An Abstract of The Prediction of Accident Liability through Biographical Data and Psychometric Tests

By: Richard M. Harano, Robin S. McBride, & Raymond C. Peck

To evaluate the role of human factors in traffic accidents.

IV
42 1973/ 05

Physically Handicapped Drivers: A Comparative Study of Driver Records

By: Dell R. Dreyer

This study was conducted at the request of California State Assemblyman John P. Quimby, who was interested in the driving record of handicapped persons with loss of, or limited control of, one or more of their limbs. This study was expected to be useful in evaluating California's driver licensing policy and in providing some guidance to insurance companies in establishing premiums for handicapped drivers. California's policy has been to license physically handicapped persons who meet the same standards on the written and on-road examinations as non-handicapped persons. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not handicapped drivers have accident records different from those of non-handicapped drivers, and consequently, whether there is any basis for differential licensing standards or insurance premiums.

VI
43 1973/ 05

Questionnaire Techniques in Traffic Safety Research: A Digest of California Department of Motor Vehicles’ Experience

By: William V. Epperson

To compile experiences concerning phases of studies dealing with questionnaires.

IV
NRN018 1973/ 11

Modifying Negligent Driving Behavior: Evaluation of Selected Driver Improvement Techniques, A Second Year Follow-up

By: William C. Marsh

To determine long-term effects of previously investigated treatments and provide decision information requested by the Legislative Analyst's Office.

III
44 1973/ 12

An Evaluation of the Drive Test as an Examination Requirement for Drivers Previously Licensed in Another State

By: David M. Harrington

To determine if waiving the drive test for original applicants previously licensed in another state would be detrimental to their driving records.

II