How many phases does the walk and turn test have?

The walk and turn test consists of two distinct phases, which are essential for assessing an individual's balance and coordination as part of standardized field sobriety testing.

In the first phase, the individual is required to listen to and follow instructions, typically involving walking a straight line heel-to-toe for a specified number of steps. This part tests their ability to understand and comply with directions while maintaining balance.

The second phase involves the individual turning around and walking back in the same manner. This phase evaluates their coordination and balance during a dynamic movement. Both phases are crucial because they together provide a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's motor skills, which can be affected by alcohol or other substances.

Understanding these two phases is vital for proper administration and interpretation of the test results in the context of impaired driving assessments.