Updating the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ): A new Spanish adaptation and validation

Introduction The Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) is a widely adopted instrument for assessing aberrant driving behaviour across multiple countries and cultural contexts. Despite its widespread use, it has been rarely applied in Spanish-speaking populations. This study aimed to develop and validate an updated Spanish version of the DBQ through a large, gender- and age-balanced community sample. The instrument was revised, and new items addressing contemporary driving behaviours related to mobile phone use while driving were added. Method The sample consisted of 2292 Spanish drivers (53.2% men; mean age = 35.55 years; age range: 18-79 years). Results Confirmatory factor analysis of the updated DBQ, including the items on phone use behaviour, continued to support the adequacy of the original four-factor model. The four factors demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and temporal stability. The questionnaire also showed good convergent validity, as evidenced by its associations with the Dula Dangerous Driving Index and the Driving Anger Expression Inventory. Differences in DBQ factors were observed according to gender, age, and cultural background. Conclusions and practical applications This updated Spanish version of the DBQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing aberrant driving behaviour within the Spanish population, serving as a useful resource for analysing driving patterns and guiding the development of effective road safety policies and interventions.