What does an individual need to do during the instructions of a walk and turn test?

During the instructions of a walk and turn test, it is essential for an individual to clearly follow all verbal directions given by the officer administering the test. This test is designed to assess a person's ability to perform divided attention tasks, which involves walking in a straight line while also listening to and following instructions. The clarity in following these instructions is crucial as it ensures the test is conducted properly and that the individual understands what is expected of them.

Effective adherence to the verbal directions helps the officer assess the subject's balance, coordination, and overall level of impairment, which are key indicators of their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Engaging in conversation or focusing on other aspects, such as looking at the ground, would detract from the individual's ability to concentrate on the task at hand, ultimately skewing the test results. Concentrating on balancing is important, but it must be in conjunction with following the instructions given for the test to be valid.