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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Sobriety Test Questions Quiz: Ready to Take the Challenge?

Ready to Ace Your Sobriety Test Online? Dive In!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz free sobriety test questions with field sobriety test icons dui detection on sky blue background

This quiz helps you practice sobriety test questions and DUI detection, so you know how field sobriety tests work. Get instant feedback, spot gaps fast, and strengthen what you need for training or safe driving. When you finish, try the driving safety quiz to apply what you learned in real-world scenarios.

What does the abbreviation HGN stand for in field sobriety testing?
Horizontal Growth Nystagmus
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
Habitual Gaze Nystagmus
Horizontal Glancing Nystagmus
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) refers to involuntary jerking of the eyes as they gaze to the side. It is one of three validated standardized field sobriety tests approved by the NHTSA. Officers observe HGN to assess impairment because alcohol affects the brain's control of eye movements.
Which of the following is NOT a standardized field sobriety test?
One Leg Stand
Walk and Turn
Breathalyzer
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
Standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) include the Walk and Turn, One Leg Stand, and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. A breathalyzer is a chemical test, not an SFST. SFSTs are performance-based physical tests used to establish probable cause.
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers over 21 in most U.S. states?
0.05%
0.10%
0.08%
0.15%
Most states set the legal BAC limit for drivers over 21 at 0.08%. Exceeding this limit is considered driving under the influence. This threshold is based on studies linking BAC levels to impairment.
In the One Leg Stand test, how long must the subject stand on one leg?
45 seconds
10 seconds
30 seconds
60 seconds
During the One Leg Stand, the subject must stand on one leg for 30 seconds while counting aloud. Officers look for clues such as swaying, hopping, using arms for balance, or putting the foot down. This test is validated for indicating BAC impairment.
Which test involves the subject walking heel-to-toe in a straight line?
One Leg Stand
Walk and Turn
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
Romberg Balance Test
The Walk and Turn test requires the subject to take nine heel-to-toe steps along a straight line, turn on one foot, and return in the same manner. It is one of three NHTSA-validated field sobriety tests. Officers observe balance, coordination, and following instructions.
Which eye condition is evaluated in the HGN test?
Nystagmus
Convergence
Pupil dilation
Accommodation
HGN testing specifically looks for nystagmus, which is involuntary jerking of the eyes as they gaze horizontally. Alcohol impairs the central nervous system, causing exaggerated nystagmus. Other eye responses like accommodation are not used in SFSTs.
What is the primary purpose of administering field sobriety tests during a DUI stop?
To convict the driver in court
To determine the exact BAC
To measure reaction time to stimuli
To establish probable cause for arrest
Field sobriety tests are used to establish probable cause for arrest by assessing physical signs of impairment. They are not designed to determine exact BAC or guarantee conviction. Chemical tests are required for BAC measurements.
At what approximate distance should the stimulus be held from the subject's eyes in the HGN test?
8-10 inches
4-6 inches
12-15 inches
18-20 inches
NHTSA guidelines recommend holding the stimulus 12 - 15 inches from the subject's eyes during HGN testing. This distance ensures optimal observation of eye movement. Holding it too close or too far can impact test validity.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three validated standardized field sobriety tests?
One Leg Stand
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
Walk and Turn
Finger-to-Nose
The three validated standardized field sobriety tests recommended by NHTSA are Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand. Finger-to-nose is a commonly used but non-standardized test. Only the SFST battery has undergone rigorous validation.
How many possible clues of impairment are there in the Walk and Turn test?
8
7
6
9
The Walk and Turn test has eight validated clues of impairment, including stepping off line, using arms for balance, incorrect number of steps, and improper turn. Two or more clues indicate probable impairment.
How many clues of impairment are evaluated in the One Leg Stand test?
5
2
3
4
The One Leg Stand includes four validated clues: swaying while balancing, using arms to balance, hopping to maintain balance, and putting the foot down. Two or more clues suggest impairment.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three validated clues in the HGN test?
Distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation
Onset of nystagmus prior to 45°
Delay in pupillary reaction
Lack of smooth pursuit
The three validated HGN clues are lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. Pupillary reaction timing is not part of the HGN assessment.
When administering the Walk and Turn test, what environmental condition can invalidate the results?
Low ambient temperature
Wearing dark clothing
Bright overhead lighting
Uneven or slippery surface
The Walk and Turn test requires a hard, level, non-slippery surface to ensure valid results. An uneven or slippery surface can cause false clues of impairment. Officers should check conditions before administering the test.
At what distance should the stimulus be held from the eyes during an HGN test?
18-20 inches
8-10 inches
4-6 inches
12-15 inches
NHTSA guidelines recommend holding the stimulus 12 - 15 inches from the subject's eyes to properly observe nystagmus. Too close or too far can affect the officer's ability to detect eye movement cues.
In the One Leg Stand test, how far must the raised foot be held off the ground?
6 inches
15 inches
12 inches
2 inches
The subject must raise one foot approximately 6 inches off the ground while keeping the other foot planted flat. This position is held for 30 seconds. Incorrect foot height can invalidate the test.
During the Walk and Turn test, how many steps must the subject take before making the turn?
11
7
5
9
The standard Walk and Turn test requires the subject to take nine heel-to-toe steps along a straight line, turn on one foot, and take nine steps back. The number of steps is critical to maintaining test consistency.
What is the approximate sensitivity of the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test in detecting BAC of 0.08 or higher?
92%
55%
77%
85%
NHTSA validation studies show that HGN has about 77% sensitivity for detecting BAC levels of 0.08% or higher. Sensitivity measures how well the test identifies impaired individuals. This makes HGN the most sensitive of the three SFSTs.
What is the approximate specificity of the One Leg Stand test for detecting BAC above 0.08?
65%
93%
78%
83%
Specificity refers to a test's ability to correctly identify sober individuals. The One Leg Stand test has approximately 83% specificity for BAC above 0.08%, according to NHTSA data. This means it has a low false-positive rate.
When combined, what is the predictive accuracy of the three SFSTs for determining BAC over 0.08?
95%
91%
80%
71%
NHTSA studies indicate that when the three SFSTs are used together, they yield approximately 91% predictive accuracy in identifying subjects with BAC over 0.08%. This combined protocol enhances reliability.
Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for the lateral eye movements assessed in the HGN test?
Trochlear (IV)
Oculomotor (III)
Optic (II)
Abducens (VI)
The Abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI) controls the lateral rectus muscle, which abducts the eye. Impairment from alcohol can produce nystagmus when the eye looks horizontally. Oculomotor and trochlear nerves serve different eye muscles.
What is the primary physiological mechanism by which alcohol induces horizontal gaze nystagmus?
Depresses cerebellar function
Enhances smooth pursuit control
Stimulates the vestibular system
Contracts ocular muscles
Alcohol depresses cerebellar function, impairing the smooth pursuit system and causing exaggerated involuntary eye jerking known as nystagmus. The cerebellum plays a key role in coordinating eye movements.
Which of the following is NOT a clue in the Walk and Turn test?
Hopping to regain balance
Incorrect number of steps
Improper turn
Stepping off the line
Hopping is a clue in the One Leg Stand test, not the Walk and Turn. The Walk and Turn clues include stepping off line, using arms for balance, incorrect steps, and improper turn. Each test has distinct validated clues.
What is the distance between the subject's feet in the starting position of the Walk and Turn test?
12 inches
2 inches
6 inches
0 inches (heel-to-toe)
The Walk and Turn starts with the subject placing their heel of the front foot against the toe of the back foot, creating a zero-inch gap. This heel-to-toe stance ensures a straight line of travel. Proper foot placement is essential for test validity.
How many cues must a subject display in the Walk and Turn test to indicate probable BAC over 0.08?
3
2
4
1
The presence of two or more validated clues in the Walk and Turn test indicates probable BAC over 0.08%. A single clue may not be sufficient to establish impairment. Officers look for a minimum of two clues.
The original NHTSA field validation study for standardized field sobriety tests was conducted in which city?
Miami
Dallas
San Diego
New Orleans
NHTSA conducted its original field validation study for the SFST battery in San Diego in 1998. This study established the protocols and statistical performance of the tests. The city's varied population helped ensure robust data.
Why is vertical gaze nystagmus not included in the standardized field sobriety tests?
It's too difficult for officers to observe
It's painful for subjects
It's not reliably induced by alcohol at legal BAC levels
It requires special equipment
Vertical gaze nystagmus does occur at very high BACs but is not reliably induced at or near the 0.08% legal limit. Therefore, NHTSA excluded vertical gaze tests from the standardized battery in favor of horizontal assessments.
Which field sobriety test is most frequently challenged in court due to officer subjectivity?
Walk and Turn
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
Romberg Balance Test
One Leg Stand
The One Leg Stand is often challenged for subjectivity because cues like swaying and hopping can be influenced by non-alcohol factors. Defense attorneys argue that these observations are less discrete than HGN. Courts generally uphold SFST protocols when properly administered.
Which of the following is an example of a non-standardized sobriety test?
Walk and Turn
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
One Leg Stand
Alphabet recitation test
Reciting the alphabet or counting backwards are non-standardized tests that lack NHTSA validation. They vary in administration and scoring, making their results less reliable for probable cause. Only the SFST battery is officially recognized.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Standardized Field Sobriety Tests -

    Gain clear knowledge of the common roadside sobriety test questions and procedures used in DUI detection.

  2. Identify Signs of Impairment -

    Recognize critical physical and behavioral indicators during a sobriety test online to spot potential intoxication.

  3. Analyze Realistic DUI Scenarios -

    Work through field sobriety test quiz situations to sharpen decision-making skills in varied roadside contexts.

  4. Apply Accurate Scoring Methods -

    Learn how to score and interpret results consistently using standardized guidelines for sobriety test questions.

  5. Evaluate Observational Techniques -

    Assess your performance and observational skills to improve accuracy in the DUI challenge quiz.

  6. Reinforce Legal and Safety Criteria -

    Understand the legal standards and safety considerations for conducting roadside sobriety tests effectively.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) -

    These three core tests - Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg-Stand - are backed by NHTSA research for detecting impairment. Remember the easy mnemonic "H, W, O" to recall the sequence. Regularly practicing with a free sobriety test quiz online builds confidence in recognizing test cues under real-world conditions.

  2. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Clues -

    The HGN test detects involuntary jerking of the eyes and is 77% accurate at identifying BAC ≥0.08% when all three clues are present (lack of smooth pursuit, distinct nystagmus at max deviation, onset before 45°). According to NHTSA's field study, three out of three clues strongly correlate with impairment. Practicing HGN scenarios in a sobriety test online setting sharpens observational skills.

  3. Walk-and-Turn Test Mechanics -

    This divided-attention test requires nine heel-to-toe steps, a pivot, then nine back, detecting eight validated "clues" like stepping off line. Federal studies show just two or more clues predict impairment with over 68% accuracy. Use the "Nine-Pivot-Nine" phrase to lock in the test pattern before taking any field sobriety test quiz.

  4. One-Leg-Stand Test Guidelines -

    Officers time you at 30 seconds while you stand on one leg about six inches off the ground, looking straight ahead - swaying, hopping, or using arms count as clues. NHTSA data show two or more clues mean a 65% chance of BAC ≥0.08%. Practice this in a safe space through a DUI challenge quiz to master balance under stress.

  5. Estimating BAC with the Widmark Formula -

    Use BAC = (A ÷ (r × W)) - (β × T), where A is alcohol grams consumed, r is the distribution ratio (0.68 for men, 0.55 for women), W is body weight in grams, and β is elimination rate (≈0.015% per hour). This formula gives a ballpark BAC and highlights why time and body mass matter. Try calculating sample scenarios as part of your roadside sobriety test prep for instant, practical feedback.

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