The objective of this research is to evaluate and measure the effectiveness of the current on-road driver skills tests and test scoring methods and develop guidance that include methods for on-road driver skills test administration and scoring that predicts high safety risk.
Status: Completed (published as Research Report 16 in October 2025)
This project evaluates how well current on‑road driver skills tests identify high‑risk drivers and provides guidance to improve test administration and scoring. Published as BTSCRP Research Report 16, the study reviews existing testing practices and examines whether the errors emphasized in scoring align with behaviors linked to crash risk.
The research finds that many scoring systems give equal weight to basic vehicle control and to errors that signal elevated safety risk. It highlights the need for methods that place greater emphasis on high‑risk behaviors and provide clearer, more consistent criteria for examiners.
The report offers guidance for states on improving test design, administration and scoring so that licensing processes better identify drivers who may pose a safety risk. Supplemental materials include technical memoranda with detailed methods and recommendations for future research.
This work supports state licensing agencies, examiners and safety professionals responsible for developing and maintaining effective driver testing systems.
