Collaborative Sciences Center for Road Safety (CSCRS)

Timeframe

2016-2023

HSRC Team

Laura Sandt
Jennifer Palcher-Silliman
Nancy Lefler
Krista Nordback

Browse recent work by these HSRC researchers on their individual bio page.

Summary

From 2016 to 2023 CSCRS applied public health principles and systems science to equip transportation professionals and stakeholders with effective tools to solve complex safety challenges. This multidisciplinary work advanced Safe Systems concepts through research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer. Our myriad accomplishments and impacts on the field of practice were documented extensively in progress reports,

Research Impact, Results, and Findings

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Background

In December 2016 it was announced that HSRC was selected to manage a National University Transportation Center funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

The structure of the current GDL system (November 2025) necessitates multiple visits to the NCDMV over the course of approximately 1.5 years and includes resource-heavy processes such as in-office knowledge (Level 1) and on-road (Level 2) testing. For teens who do not pass these tests on the first attempt, additional NCDMV visits are required. Compounding the licensing requirements, NCDMV office closures during COVID and Real ID requirements resulted in backlogs at the NCDMV that have been difficult to clear leading to long walk-in lines, and few, if any, available appointments. Often, individuals must travel long distances from their local office for available appointments in other regions of the state.

To address concerns and voiced frustrations of voters, the NC Legislature changed the requirements of GDL in 2025, including shortening the length of the permit phase (Level 1). Unfortunately, the rush to respond to concerns quickly resulted in changes being made to the GDL system without sufficient time to thoroughly investigate potential impacts on safety for teens and all road users. This project is designed to do just that.

Research questions that are being investigated through this project include:

1. North Carolina GDL implementation requires that families make multiple visits to NCDMV offices. How can NC reduce (1) the burden on teen drivers and their families and (2) the stresses on the NCDMV system without negatively impacting safety?
2. What are the potential safety and process impacts of moving from on-site (NCDMV) testing to remote testing for the knowledge test (Level 1)?
3. What are the potential safety and process impacts of having driver’s education instructors conduct the on-road driving test (Level 2)?

Scope

National

Deliverables

Major deliverables for this project include:

• Literature and policy review – Examining the Driver Licensing System and Practices for Teen Drivers in NC
• Policy brief – Safety Impacts of Graduated Driver Licensing Process Changes

These materials are intended to be used by policy makers at the state level, including legislators and NCDMV staff.

Related Work