Colorado POST Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The field sobriety test measures both physical and cognitive abilities to determine if a driver is impaired. These tests are designed to assess a person's balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions, which are critical indicators of motor function and mental acuity affected by alcohol or drugs.

When officers conduct these tests, they observe how well the driver can perform tasks that require both physical coordination, such as standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe, and cognitive skills, such as following verbal directions or maintaining focus. This dual assessment allows law enforcement to evaluate the overall impairment of the driver, rather than solely focusing on one aspect of their capabilities.

Other options, while they touch on relevant points, do not fully encompass the scope of what field sobriety tests are intended to evaluate. For instance, assessing motor skills and reaction times alone doesn't consider cognitive aspects that are equally important in determining impairment. Additionally, breath alcohol concentration is measured through a breathalyzer, which is different from the physical and cognitive evaluations performed during field sobriety tests.