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
Note Please include the report number, the number of copies requested, and your name, address, and phone number.
| Report ID | Date Published | Title | Section | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59.1 | 1977/ 09 |
Executive Summary of The Effectiveness of License Suspension or Revocation for Drivers Convicted of Multiple Driving-Under-The-Influence Offenses (An Interim Report for the Evaluation of Senate Bill (SB) 330-Gregorio)To assess the efficacy of using mandated license actions for multiple DUI offenders as accident countermeasures. |
III | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 83 | 1982/ 09 |
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 | |
| 258 | 2021/ 08 |
AB 2499: A Traffic Safety Evaluation of California’s Traffic Violator School Masked Conviction ProgramThe negative traffic safety impact of California’s prior traffic violator school (TVS) citation dismissal policy is well documented in past departmental TVS evaluations. Using advanced inferential statistical techniques, the current study evaluated the substantive changes to California’s Traffic Violator School program as required by California Assembly Bill 2499 (Chapter 599, Statutes of 2010). The program changes implemented by AB 2499 appear to be associated with a specific deterrent effect as evidenced by a reliable and statistically significant reduction in subsequent traffic crashes and convictions of those receiving a masked TVS conviction as opposed to a countable conviction. Although the results suggest that this relationship exists primarily among TVS drivers with less elevated prior records, the change in status from a TVS citation dismissal to a TVS masked conviction has reduced the negative traffic safety impact of the TVS citation dismissal policy in effect prior to the implementation of AB 2499. Several recommendations are offered to enhance the positive traffic safety impact of the TVS program by further combining its educational elements with the Department’s post-license control program by way of the Negligent Operator Treatment System. |
III | |
| NRN018 | 1973/ 11 |
Modifying Negligent Driving Behavior: Evaluation of Selected Driver Improvement Techniques, A Second Year Follow-upTo determine long-term effects of previously investigated treatments and provide decision information requested by the Legislative Analyst's Office. |
III | |
| NRN019 | 1977/ 02 |
A Study on the Feasibility of Placing Selected Negligent Operators on Probation by MailTo estimate the potential cost savings if negligent operators had the option of waiving the hearing process and accepting probationary status by mail. |
III | |
| NRN032 | 1986/ 12 |
Pilot Test of Four Written Driver License Knowledge TestsTo provide technical assistance to the Division of Headquarters Operations in pilot testing four of the Department's written driver license examinations and to provide test and item statistics. |
III | |
| NRN038 | 1995/ 02 |
Driver License Strategies for Controlling the Persistent DUI OffenderTo develop improved methods of identifying and controlling "hard core" Dill offenders through driver licensing. |
III | |
| 116 | 1988/ 12 |
An Evaluation of the Traffic Safety Impact of Provisional LicensingTo evaluate the traffic safety impact of California's Provisional Driver License Program. The primary goal of the program is to reduce the rate of traffic accidents and traffic violations involving 15- through 17-year-olds in California. |
II |