DRE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DRE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A urine immunoassay screening test that returns a positive result must then undergo which step before being admissible in court? → GC-MS confirmatory testing
2. Why are vital signs recorded during the DRE evaluation? → To identify physiological signs of drug use
3. What does professional liability insurance protect a DRE practitioner against? → Financial loss from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in professional services
4. Which of the following best describes the proper documentation of the One-Leg Stand test in a DRE report? → Document the number and type of clues observed and the leg the subject used
5. In a DRE report, the evaluator's conclusion regarding drug influence should be stated as: → An opinion based on the totality of observations and test results
6. In the DRE 12-step protocol, the 'dark room examination' is conducted primarily to assess what? → Pupil size and reaction to light
7. Why is oral fluid (saliva) testing increasingly used at roadside DRE checkpoints? → It is non-invasive and reflects recent drug use
8. During the DRE 12-step protocol, vital signs are measured including pulse rate. What is the normal resting adult pulse range? → 60–100 bpm
9. In DRE practice, what is a corrective action plan? → A documented strategy to address identified compliance deficiencies and prevent recurrence
10. In DRE practice, what is the purpose of regulatory compliance? → To ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and standards that govern professional practice
11. Which of the following must be documented on the DRE face sheet? → The date, time, and location of the evaluation
12. Which category of drugs commonly causes dilated pupils and increased heart rate? → Stimulants
13. What should a DRE professional do when they discover an ethical violation by a colleague? → Report through appropriate organizational channels while documenting the observed behavior
14. Which type of drug interaction occurs when two substances together produce a greater-than-additive effect? → Synergism
15. In DRE practice, what is a conflict of interest? → A situation where personal interests could compromise professional judgment or objectivity
16. Which three standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) are validated by NHTSA for detecting alcohol impairment? → HGN, Walk-and-Turn, One-Leg Stand
17. Why is documentation critical in the DRE process? → To support legal and courtroom proceedings
18. What is the correct procedure for documenting a subject's refusal to submit to a DRE evaluation? → Document the refusal and any observable indicators noted prior to refusal
19. In DRE practice, what is the purpose of a standard operating procedure (SOP)? → To document step-by-step instructions for routine tasks to ensure consistency and quality
20. What does professional liability insurance protect a DRE practitioner against? → Financial loss from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in professional services
21. What pupil size range (in millimeters) is generally considered normal under room light conditions for a DRE evaluation? → 3–6.5 mm
22. Dissociative anesthetics like PCP can produce which unique toxicological finding relevant to a DRE evaluation? → Horizontal gaze nystagmus without alcohol
23. In DRE practice, what is a needs assessment? → A systematic process to identify gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes
24. A DRE who observes both depressant indicators and stimulant indicators simultaneously should consider which drug category? → Combined drug intoxication (polydrug use)
25. A DRE notes muscle rigidity (hypertonia) during the muscle tone assessment. This finding is most consistent with which drug category? → CNS stimulants
26. When is it appropriate to conduct a DRE evaluation without consent? → Only if consent is given or legally mandated
27. Which type of drug is likely to cause slurred speech and poor coordination? → Depressants
28. Which term describes the time from drug ingestion to when peak blood concentration is reached? → Time to peak (Tmax)
29. A DRE suspect's blood draw should ideally be collected within how many hours of driving to capture peak drug levels? → 4 hours
30. What does professional liability insurance protect a DRE practitioner against? → Financial loss from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in professional services