This report presents findings of an evaluation of the validity of the Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) road test that was piloted in 30 California Department of Motor Vehicles field offices. The study represents the fourth stage in a four-stage project to develop an improved competency-based drive test for possible statewide implementation. The DPE was found to have construct validity as demonstrated by experienced good drivers having had significantly lower fail rates and mean point scores than did inexperienced drivers and drivers with physical or mental disabilities that affected their driving. The evaluation also found the DPE to be more difficult than the current drive test, with fail rates of 45.6% and 26.2% for the two tests, respectively. The DPE was also found to take 11 minutes longer to administer than did the current drive test. The impact on test validity of several modifications to shorten the DPE test time was also evaluated. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting