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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRN075 | 1983/ 04 |
Appendix H of “Administrative Review, Analysis, and Recommendations for California Heavy Vehicle Operator Licensing Program”In conjunction with a project intended to develop enhanced licensing procedures for heavy-vehicle operators, data on all original and 65,000 renewal drivers licensed to drive heavy commercial vehicles (class 1 and 2 drivers) were analyzed. |
VI | |
| NRN074 | 1980/ 06 |
Improved Motorcyclist Licensing and Testing Project(1) To determine whether two improved motorcycle licensing programs were more effective in reducing accidents and convictions of novice motorcyclists than the standard program, (2) to determine whether applicant characteristics influenced the accident-reducing effectiveness of the licensing program, (3) to determine the predictive validity of the standard and improved knowledge and drive tests, and (4) to determine the effectiveness of remedial skills training. |
VI | |
| NRN073 | 1975/ 06 |
A Customized Approach to the Drinking Driver (Senate Concurrent Resolution 44 – Harmer)(1) to explore the validity and effectiveness of drinking-driver classification systems, (2) to evaluate the use of medical advisory boards to classify drinking drivers, and (3) to evaluate various drinking-driver programs. |
VI | |
| NRN072 | 1966/ 06 |
A Profile Study of the Financially Irresponsible Driver in CaliforniaTo develop a profile of "financially irresponsible" drivers in California; that is, drivers suspended as a result of not having insurance at the time of an accident. |
VI | |
| NRN071 | 1989/ 01 |
Elderly Driver InterventionsRaymond C. Peck |
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 | |
| NRN069 | 1976/ 01 |
Comprehensive Long Range PlanTo summarize the department's plans for improving its effectiveness and service to the public, using a management-by-objectives (MBO) approach and moving beyond the two-year budget cycle in planning. |
V | |
| NRN068 | 1972/ 12 |
An Optimum System for Traffic Enforcement/Driver Control-Volume IV: The Evaluation of the Recommendations Made by the Consulting FirmTo 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 | |
| NRN067 | 1971/ 10 |
An Optimum System for Traffic Enforcement/Driver Control-Volumes I through IIIThis study was conducted in response to a 1968 Senate Resolution (SR 160) which directed the California Department of Motor Vehicles to make an in-depth study of functions performed by state traffic enforcement/ driver control agencies. |
V | |
| NRN066 | 1969/ 12 |
Conviction Rate for a Sample of Citations Issued by the California Highway PatrolTo gain information on the composition and disposition of citations issued by the California Highway Patrol for violations of California's road laws. |
V |