In response to a legislative resolution, a study was made to evaluate methods of waiving parts of the renewal screening process for certain drivers. Two interrelated experiments were conducted, the 'reward model' and the 'blanket waiver model.' The reward experiment was conducted with drivers with good prior driving records only, with assignment made to either a no contact control group, a group that received a letter acknowledging their good driving record, or a group that received an acknowledgment letter plus a waiver of the written law test for their next renewal application. Results indicated that an acknowledgment letter did not increase the probability that a good driver will maintain an accident-free or conviction-free driving record. An acknowledgment letter plus a test waiver increased the probability that a good driver will maintain a conviction-free driving record, but had no significant effect on accidents. The blanket waiver experiment was conducted with renewal applicants without regard to driving records. Results indicated the experience of taking or not taking the written law test did not significantly effect subsequent driving records. Very few renewees were screened out by the test process. Since the non-tested drivers did not know in advance that the test was being waived, the possibility that the non-test group profited from the educational effect of the test preparation cannot be discounted. This qualification prevents a conclusion that the written test has no traffic safety value.


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    Title :

    Report to the California State Legislature in Accord with Assembly Concurrent Resolution 67, 1969 Legislative Session


    Publication date :

    1971


    Size :

    16 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English