This application is an electronic version of the Driver Orientation Screen for Cognitive Impairment (DOSCI.) The DOSCI is a tool for use by law enforcement when encountering drivers who are confused or slow to answer questions. It asks nine simple questions will assess an individual's orientation to person, place and time. Results of the screen can provide objective information when completing re-examination forms for the DMV.

When you first download the application, you will see a screen that indicates the DOSCI is intended for use by Law Enforcement Officers only.

You will be asked to enter an Access Code to complete the download of the tool on the second screen. You are only required to enter the code one time.

If you have not been issued a code by your department, you may request one by emailing treds@ucsd.edu. Please include your name and agency affiliation.

After you have completed the download, you will see a screen that says "CLICK HERE TO BEGIN." This is the first screen that will appear each time you open the application.

The program will guide you through the nine DOSCI questions and you will indicate if the answer is 'correct' or 'incorrect.' Tapping on the button will advance you to the next screen.

For statistical purposes, after question one you are asked to select the driver's age in one of three age ranges.

You will advance to the next question after making a selection.

Upon completing question nine, you will see the total number of incorrect responses as well as recommendations for actions.

Next, you will view a summary of missed questions. This information can be documented on the re-exam paperwork in the "Other Observations" section.

The next screen will ask you to submit a summary of the actions you have taken. Indicate if the driver was referred for a Priority or Regular re-exam, or if no referral was made. You will also note if a citation was issued.

Tapping "SUBMIT" will send statistical information about the evaluation to the TREDS program. The information is anonymous and will not be saved on your phone or tracked to an individual officer.

The final screen of the application offers referral numbers for the California DMV Senior Ombudsman program, a service which provides assistance to people navigating the re-examination process. Consider including the appropriate phone number on the re-exam form you provide to the driver.

If you need further assistance, there are referral numbers to Adult Protective Services and the Alzheimer's Association who can provide valuable information 24 hours a day.

For further information, contact the Training, Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) program at the University of California, San Diego. They can be reached at treds@ucsd.edu or 858-534-9330.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is this application password-protected?

The tool was created for use by Law Enforcement when assessing drivers for disorientation during traffic stops. It is not intended for the general public. If you have not been issued a password by your department, you may request one by emailing treds@ucsd.edu. Please include your name and agency affiliation.

What if I don't know their exact age?

You are asked to select within three age ranges: 16-64, 65-84, or 85 and older. If you cannot determine their actual age from documents, an estimated age range is acceptable.

What is required to correctly answer the "full home address" question?

The address provided should match documents and include the street name and number, city and state.

What is required to correctly answer the "city/town" question?

Accept any answer that is within reasonable proximity

What happens if I tap "CANCEL?"

You will be asked to verify your intent to cancel, if you respond "YES," all information entered will be deleted and you will have to start again from the beginning.

What "statistical information" is being collected when I tap "SUBMIT?"

TREDS collects statistical data for use in program development and evaluation. All information is anonymous and cannot be tracked to an individual officer or saved to your phone. TREDS will receive the following data when you submit the DOSCI screen:

I'm still not sure they are safe to drive. Are there more questions I can ask?

If disorientation is still undetermined, we have provided three additional questions to further assess the status of the driver.

If you are given incorrect or implausible answers to these questions, this could indicate probable disorientation and may indicate a need for DMV referral. Other issues that could contribute to an officer's decision based on "totality of circumstances" might include the driver wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or the vehicle having an unusual amount of damage.

What is the California DMV Senior Driver Ombudsman Program?

The primary function of the Ombudsman Program is to represent the interest of public safety for all Californians with a special interest in addressing the concerns of senior drivers. If a re-exam referral is issued, the ombudsmen can serve as a liaison to ensure that senior drivers are treated fairly, consistent with laws and regulations, and with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Consider including the appropriate phone number on the re-exam form you provide to the driver. The numbers are listed on the last screen of the DOSCI.

Why do you show a summary of the questions that are missed?

This information is helpful if you decide to issue a 'Referral for Re-examination.' It can be documented on the re-exam paperwork in the "Other Observations" section and is valuable to the DMV as they determine driving privilege.

If they are no longer safe to drive, what do I do with them and their car?

Refer to your departmental procedures.

Options for alternative transportation include: