Which tests are used to assess a driver's physical and cognitive abilities?

Field Sobriety Tests are specifically designed to evaluate a driver's physical and cognitive abilities. These tests assess crucial skills such as balance, coordination, attention, and the ability to follow instructions, which can be impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Typically administered by law enforcement officers during a traffic stop when suspected impairment is detected, field sobriety tests often include tasks such as the walk-and-turn test, the one-leg stand, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. Each of these tests provides valuable information about the driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.

In contrast, chemical tests focus on measuring the alcohol or drug concentration in a person's body through breath, blood, or urine samples and do not assess physical or cognitive abilities. Roadside interviews involve questioning the driver to gather information but do not entail physical assessments. Intoxication evaluations are generally more comprehensive assessments performed after initial tests and can include various methods beyond physical capabilities. Thus, field sobriety tests are the essential tools specifically aimed at determining a driver's physical and cognitive fitness for driving.