SFST Test Administration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During Walk-and-Turn instruction phase, what specific clue is recorded if the subject cannot maintain the heel-to-toe stance while listening to directions?
- Loses balance during instructions (Correct answer)
- Starts too soon
- Incorrect number of steps
- Misses heel-to-toe
Correct answer: Loses balance during instructions
Loses balance during instructions is a distinct WAT clue counted when the subject breaks the instruction-phase stance before the test begins.
Question 2: NHTSA research indicates that the HGN test alone correctly classifies what approximate percentage of subjects at or above 0.08 BAC?
- 55%
- 68%
- 77% (Correct answer)
- 88%
Correct answer: 77%
NHTSA research shows HGN alone has approximately 77% accuracy in identifying subjects at or above the 0.08 BAC threshold.
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT a standardized clue for the Walk-and-Turn test?
- Steps off the line
- Raises arms more than 6 inches
- Counts steps aloud incorrectly (Correct answer)
- Stops while walking
Correct answer: Counts steps aloud incorrectly
Counting steps aloud incorrectly is not one of the eight standardized WAT clues; incorrect number of steps (taking wrong count) is the clue, not verbal counting errors.
Question 4: When administering HGN, the stimulus should be held how far from the subject's nose and slightly above eye level?
- 6–8 inches
- 10–12 inches (Correct answer)
- 15–18 inches
- 20–24 inches
Correct answer: 10–12 inches
NHTSA protocol specifies the stimulus should be 10–12 inches from the subject's nose and slightly above eye level to produce optimal nystagmus.
Question 5: A subject performing the One-Leg Stand raises their arms to maintain balance. At what height above the sides does this become a scored clue?
- 2 inches
- 4 inches
- 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 8 inches
Correct answer: 6 inches
Raising arms more than 6 inches from the sides of the body is the threshold for recording the 'uses arms for balance' clue in the OLS.
Question 6: When observing a subject walk the line during the WAT, a clue is recorded if they raise their arms how far from their sides?
- More than 2 inches
- More than 4 inches
- More than 6 inches (Correct answer)
- More than 8 inches
Correct answer: More than 6 inches
Raising arms more than 6 inches from the sides while walking constitutes the 'raises arms' clue in the Walk-and-Turn test.
Question 7: Which medical condition, if disclosed by the subject, should prompt the officer to reconsider or document concerns before administering the Walk-and-Turn?
- Controlled high blood pressure
- A back or leg injury affecting balance (Correct answer)
- Corrected vision with eyeglasses
- Mild seasonal allergies
Correct answer: A back or leg injury affecting balance
Back or leg injuries can physically impair a subject's ability to perform the WAT regardless of impairment, undermining the test's validity.
SFST Test Administration 3
During Walk-and-Turn instruction phase, what specific clue is recorded if the subject cannot maintain the heel-to-toe stance while listening to directions?