What skill is primarily tested during the Walk and Turn test?

The Walk and Turn test primarily assesses divided attention. This is because the test requires the individual to complete a physical task—walking in a straight line and turning around—while simultaneously following specific verbal instructions provided by the officer. Participants must focus on balancing their body and coordinating their steps, all while mentally processing and remembering the directions given. This dual-task requirement simulates real-life situations where a person must juggle multiple cognitive and physical demands, helping law enforcement evaluate whether an individual may be impaired. It is critical to understand that the test is designed to measure how well a person can divide their attention between different tasks, which is a vital component of driving safely.