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How do you fail a drunk driving test?

What makes you fail a sobriety test? I’m trying to write a report about drunk driving and I can’t find this information anywhere. I know about breathalyzer tests already, but I’m having trouble learning about the other types of tests.

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Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s great that you’re learning more about
drunk driving
since it’s incredibly dangerous! There are a few ways to fail a drunk driving test, depending on which test it is.
Here’s a rundown of types of sobriety tests and what qualifies as a failure:
  • Horizontal gaze nystagmus test: For this test, you’ll have to follow a moving object with your eyes. If the officer notices that your eye jerks excessively when it’s at the far edge of your vision or if you have trouble tracking the object, you’ll fail the test.
  • Walk and turn test: For this test, you’ll be asked to walk nine steps heel to toe, turn on one foot, and walk nine steps back. You can fail this test in a number of ways, including using your arms for balance, losing your balance while walking or turning, taking the wrong number of steps, not touching your heel to your toe, or showing a lack of attention or swaying while the instructions are administered.
  • One-leg test: For this test, you’ll be asked to hold one leg in the air while counting to 30. If you sway, use your arms to balance, hop up and down, or put your foot down, you won’t necessarily fail—the officer will generally administer a breathalyzer test instead.
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