IMPROVED MOTORCYCLIST LICENSING AND TESTING PROJECT

The effectiveness and administrative feasibility of an improved motorcyclist licensing and testing system were evaluated by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This improved system comprised a knowledge test and a Motorcycle Operator Skill Test (MOST), which included a remedial training program for those failing the first skill test. Motorcycle ranges were established in Sacramento and San Diego, and motorcycle license applicants were randomly assigned to one of three licensing systems: standard California knowledge and skill tests (Group A); improved licensing system, including remedial training (Group B); and improved system only (Group C). Certain operational demands were encountered by the DMV in the areas of site selection and preparation, inter- and intra-departmental coordination, public cooperation, and equipment and facility maintenance and failure. Groups B and C experienced a reduction in motorcycle accidents compared to Group A (20.3% and 13.1%, respectively). Despite the more difficult requirements, the completion rate for Groups B and C was 75% of Group A. The remedial training was administered to 1890 out of a potential 2750 applicants (68%). A cost-benefit analysis has not been completed. It required 15 minutes to administer the MOST compared to 8 minutes for the regular test. A smaller version of MOST (known as MOST II), developed and pilot tested in San Diego, presented no major administrative problems. Further research is underway on the effect of MOST II as a licensing test in the field office setting, with seven additional MOST II test sites being installed throughout the state.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Conference held in Washington, D.C., 18-23 May 1980. Also published in HS-029 660, International Motorcycle Safety Conference Proceedings. Volume 1, p 315-39.
• Corporate Authors:

  Motorcycle Safety Foundation

  780 Elkridge Landing Road
  Linthicum, MD  United States  21090
• Authors:
  • FORD, J L
  • Stewart, L M
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 25 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Driver licensing; Driver training; Drivers; Driving tests; Knowledge; Motor skills; Motorcyclists
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00389642
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-029 675
• Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-5-01196
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 30 1984 12:00AM