How many steps should a subject take while returning in the Walk and Turn test?

In the Walk and Turn test, the subject is instructed to take nine steps in a straight line, turning on the ninth step, and then returning in the same manner. This specific instruction is designed to assess the individual's ability to divide their attention and maintain balance while performing a physical task. The requirement to take nine steps is integral to the standardized nature of the test, allowing officers to uniformly evaluate suspected impairments due to alcohol or drugs.

The other options either undercount or overcount the required number of steps, deviating from the standardized protocol. This precise structure of steps is crucial because it provides a baseline for the evaluation and ensures consistency across different tests and officers. The nine steps and the accompanying actions, such as turning and returning, are specifically designed to elicit observable signs of impairment.