DMV Makes Innovative Strides with Social Media

January 19, 2010

Grabbing the attention of teens today can be quite a challenge, especially since they want easy-to-find information quick and in most cases – online.  The DMV wants to keep young drivers informed and safe on the roads, so it’s encouraging teens to obtain educational information through mediums they are regularly visiting anyway – popular  social networking Web sites like YouTube, My Space, Facebook and Twitter. By creating a presence on Web sites that teens are familiar with and routinely use, the DMV is ensuring that they are getting all the information they need to be successful and skilled drivers.  

 On the DMV MySpace page, teens can connect to the department’s Web site directly and take sample written driving tests, learn about important new safety laws aimed at teens (like the no-cell phone law), set up appointments for written and behind the wheel driving tests, order personalized plates and more. 

The widely-popular “Ask The DMV” Column, located in the blog section of the department’s MySpace page, is widely popular. Here, teens can get their questions answered without having to call the DMV or even take the time to search the Web site for much needed information.  Teens and their parents can use the DMV’s convenient online services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for free –either by accessing www.dmv.ca.gov or by obtaining information directly from the MySpace page.

If your teen needs a more visual medium, the DMV YouTube Channel is also a powerful educational resource. The site contains more than 50 instructional video clips, allowing young adults to hone their driving skills right from their desktops.  Not just for teens, these videos bring the California Driver Handbook to life and serve as a refresher course for drivers of all levels. Topics include the Top 10 reasons people fail their behind the wheel test and other common misconceptions about the rules of the road. The DMV YouTube channel can be accessed on the DMV Web site at  or by going directly to YouTube.

Facebook, currently the most popular social networking Web site, is another great way for teens to find out more information about the DMV. By becoming a fan, teens and their parents will have access to DMV news updates, links to online services, and driving safety videos—you can even interact with the DMV by posting comments on the fan page. To become a fan of the DMV on Facebook, just simply go online to the DMV website or you can go directly to Facebook. 

Teens and their parents can now receive more instant updates by following the DMV on Twitter. Using only 140 characters or less, DMV will “tweet” updates with new information on related DMV services and important driving safety information. If you have questions for the DMV, Twitter is a great way to get your questions answered instantly. You can follow the DMV on Twitter by logging on the DMV website or go directly to Twitter.

Connecting with teenagers in a way that is comfortable for them is vital to the DMV’s goal to prepare young drivers to be responsible and knowledgeable of the rules of the road before they get behind the wheel.  Encourage your teen to log-on! The visual and interactive online content can make learning to drive fun and easy.

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