In the Walk and Turn test, how many heel to toe steps should the subject take in a straight line?

In the Walk and Turn test, the individual is instructed to take a specific number of heel-to-toe steps along a straight line, which is standardized for consistency and accuracy during sobriety evaluations. The correct number of steps the subject should take is nine. This specific step count allows for an adequate assessment of the individual's balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions.

Taking nine steps provides enough data to evaluate any potential impairment that might affect the person's ability to perform the task correctly. The observed strategies used by practitioners, such as observing the start and finish of the steps as well as the individual's balance and demeanor throughout the process, can be crucial indicators of sobriety levels. The variation in the number of steps in the different choices reflects a common misconception or confusion that can arise when studying standardized testing procedures. Therefore, understanding the precise nature of this and adhering to the established number of steps is vital for accurate field sobriety testing.