The 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 re-examination to the DMV were contrasted, in terms of performance on non-driving tests and two road tests, with volunteers. At the other sites all subjects volunteered for the study, and predictions of their road test performance were made on the basis of their performance on non-driving 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. (A)
Abstract