What should an officer observe during the administration of the one leg stand test?

The one leg stand test is designed to assess a subject's ability to balance and their coordination, which can be significantly affected by impairment from alcohol or drugs. Observing whether the subject can sway while balancing is crucial because swaying indicates a lack of stability and control, which can suggest that the individual may be under the influence.

Specifically, officers look for signs of difficulty in maintaining balance, as this underscores the test's effectiveness in measuring the impact of potential intoxication on motor skills. Swaying, along with other factors such as hop or using arms for balance, provides valuable evidence of the subject's level of impairment.

While talking, closing eyes, or maintaining silence may reflect different aspects of cognitive function or discipline, these behaviors are not the primary focus of the one leg stand test. The main objective is to observe physical balance and coordination, making the correct choice highly relevant to the test's effectiveness in assessing sobriety.