Field Sobriety Test: The Walk And Turn Test
Police officers use a battery of tests called field sobriety tests (FSTs) to determine whether the driver of a vehicle is impaired and to develop probable cause to arrest the driver for drunk driving. FSTs fall into two categories: (1) Standardized FSTs under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); and (2) Non-standardized FSTs. The Walk and Turn test is a standardized field sobriety test under NHTSA.
What is the Walk and Turn Test?
In the Walk and Turn test, the subject is directed to take nine steps, heel-to-toe, in a straight line and then turn on one foot and return, again taking nine steps, heel-to-toe, in a straight line. It is considered a “divided attention” test, designed to test – among other things – cognitive skills, balance and coordination.










