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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 | 1997/ 11 |
ASSESSING THE OLDER DRIVER: PILOT STUDIESThe principal objective of this project was to evaluate a selection of tests for their utility in identifying age-impaired drivers in a licensing agency setting and predicting the adequacy of their driving performance on a road test. As part of the project an extensive literature review (Janke, 1994) had already been published. Tests chosen on the basis of that review were piloted in two California sites. At one site, drivers referred for reexamination to the DMV were contrasted, in terms of performance on nondriving tests and two road tests, with volunteers. At the other site all subjects volunteered for the study, and predictions of their road test performance were made on the basis of their performance on nondriving tests. In addition, survey data from licensing authorities and older drivers themselves were collected. Based on study findings, tests or procedures are recommended for a first (brief functional screening), second (more intensive testing) and third (on-road testing) tier of assessment. Implications of the results for further research and policy issues, including graded licensing, are discussed. |
VI | |
| 38.1 | 1971/ 09 |
An Abstract of The Young Driver Follow-up Study: An Evaluation of the Role of Human Factors in the First Four Years of DrivingTo collect biographical and driving-record data in order to provide evidence for evaluating three approaches to reducing the high accident rate among teenagers: (1) raising the licensing age to 18; (2) identifying the "accident prone" driver; and (3) improving driving via formal driving education and training. |
VI | |
| 67 | 1978/ 09 |
Medically Impaired Drivers: An Evaluation of California Policy (Senate Bill 2033 – Garcia)To evaluate the Department's licensing policies and practices relative to drivers with mental or physical conditions which might affect their ability to drive safely. |
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 | |
| 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 | |
| NRN081 | 1990/ 05 |
Uninsured Motorist (SB 850) Study: Estimate of the Rate and Analysis of the Effects of Economic Covariate Factors and the Intervention of SB 850 on the Rate of Uninsured Motorists in California from 1978 to 1988, #2To estimate the rate of uninsured motorists in California (first report) and to determine if the rate of uninsured motorists covaried with economic factors from 1978 to 1988 and if the intervention of SB 850 had an effect on the rate (second report). |
VI | |
| NRN084 | 1994/ 01 |
Psychometric and Biographical Correlates of Drunk Driving Recidivism & Treatment Program ComplianceTo identify variables which differentiate DUI offenders who recidivate from those who do not and to also identify correlates of treatment program compliance. |
VI | |
| NRN085 | 1994/ 07 |
Diabetes Mellitus and DrivingTo review the literature on insulin-treated diabetes and driving for members of a Medical Advisory Board subcommittee formulating guidelines for DMV Driver Safety in cases of diabetes mellitus. |
VI | |
| NRN087 | 1996/ 04 |
Older Drivers with Medical Impairments: Identification and EvaluationTo give an overview of DMV's reexamination process for drivers with medical conditions, as well as other aspects of DMV's P&M (physical or mental impairment) program. To describe a federally funded pilot study to develop a battery of tests for identifying and evaluating the impaired older driver. |
VI | |
| NRN088 | 1997/ 01 |
Estimating the Exposure and Fatal Crash Rates of Suspended/Revoked and Unlicensed Drivers in CaliforniaTo derive estimates of the exposure (amount of driving) and crash rates of suspended/revoked and unlicensed drivers, using fatal crash data obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's fatal accident reporting system (FARS) database, and utilizing induced exposure methodology |
VI |