Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Exam Practice
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)
evaluation?
A. To administer medical treatment
B. To determine impairment and categorize drug use
C. To arrest individuals for drug possession
D. To counsel on drug rehabilitation
Rationale: The DRE’s role is to systematically evaluate suspected drug-
impaired drivers to determine if they are under the influence and
classify the type of drug involved, not to provide medical treatment or
counseling.
2. Which of the following is considered a CNS stimulant commonly
evaluated by DREs?
A. Alcohol
B. Cocaine
, C. Cannabis
D. Barbiturates
Rationale: Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant, while alcohol
is a depressant, cannabis is a hallucinogen, and barbiturates are
depressants.
3. Horizontal gaze nystagmus is most commonly associated with
which category of drugs?
A. CNS depressants
B. Alcohol
C. Dissociative anesthetics
D. Inhalants
Rationale: HGN (Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus) is a reliable
physiological indicator of alcohol impairment during roadside testing.
4. Which symptom is NOT typical of CNS depressant intoxication?
A. Slowed reflexes
B. Slurred speech
C. Increased alertness
D. Droopy eyelids
Rationale: CNS depressants slow down the central nervous system,
producing drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and slurred speech, not
increased alertness.
, 5. What is the first step in the DRE evaluation process?
A. Administration of the psychophysical tests
B. Vehicle in motion observation
C. Collection of blood or urine samples
D. Oral questioning about drug use
Rationale: DRE evaluations begin with an observation of the subject in
the vehicle to note driving behavior indicative of impairment.
6. Dilated pupils are a physiological sign commonly associated with
which category?
A. CNS depressants
B. CNS stimulants
C. Cannabis
D. Volatile solvents
Rationale: Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines commonly
cause mydriasis (pupil dilation). Depressants often constrict pupils.
7. The Romberg balance test evaluates which function?
A. Memory
B. Blood pressure
C. Balance and equilibrium
D. Visual acuity
, Rationale: The Romberg test assesses a person’s balance and ability to
maintain posture, often revealing impairment from CNS depressants
or other drugs.
8. Which of the following is a common symptom of cannabis
intoxication?
A. Slowed reaction time
B. Bloodshot eyes
C. Increased appetite
D. All of the above
Rationale: Cannabis can cause multiple effects including slowed
reactions, red eyes, and increased appetite, making “all of the above”
correct.
9. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for
drivers in most U.S. states?
A. 0.02%
B. 0.05%
C. 0.08%
D. 0.10%
Rationale: The standard legal BAC limit for adult drivers in the U.S. is
0.08%, though lower thresholds exist for commercial drivers or minors.
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)
evaluation?
A. To administer medical treatment
B. To determine impairment and categorize drug use
C. To arrest individuals for drug possession
D. To counsel on drug rehabilitation
Rationale: The DRE’s role is to systematically evaluate suspected drug-
impaired drivers to determine if they are under the influence and
classify the type of drug involved, not to provide medical treatment or
counseling.
2. Which of the following is considered a CNS stimulant commonly
evaluated by DREs?
A. Alcohol
B. Cocaine
, C. Cannabis
D. Barbiturates
Rationale: Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant, while alcohol
is a depressant, cannabis is a hallucinogen, and barbiturates are
depressants.
3. Horizontal gaze nystagmus is most commonly associated with
which category of drugs?
A. CNS depressants
B. Alcohol
C. Dissociative anesthetics
D. Inhalants
Rationale: HGN (Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus) is a reliable
physiological indicator of alcohol impairment during roadside testing.
4. Which symptom is NOT typical of CNS depressant intoxication?
A. Slowed reflexes
B. Slurred speech
C. Increased alertness
D. Droopy eyelids
Rationale: CNS depressants slow down the central nervous system,
producing drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and slurred speech, not
increased alertness.
, 5. What is the first step in the DRE evaluation process?
A. Administration of the psychophysical tests
B. Vehicle in motion observation
C. Collection of blood or urine samples
D. Oral questioning about drug use
Rationale: DRE evaluations begin with an observation of the subject in
the vehicle to note driving behavior indicative of impairment.
6. Dilated pupils are a physiological sign commonly associated with
which category?
A. CNS depressants
B. CNS stimulants
C. Cannabis
D. Volatile solvents
Rationale: Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines commonly
cause mydriasis (pupil dilation). Depressants often constrict pupils.
7. The Romberg balance test evaluates which function?
A. Memory
B. Blood pressure
C. Balance and equilibrium
D. Visual acuity
, Rationale: The Romberg test assesses a person’s balance and ability to
maintain posture, often revealing impairment from CNS depressants
or other drugs.
8. Which of the following is a common symptom of cannabis
intoxication?
A. Slowed reaction time
B. Bloodshot eyes
C. Increased appetite
D. All of the above
Rationale: Cannabis can cause multiple effects including slowed
reactions, red eyes, and increased appetite, making “all of the above”
correct.
9. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for
drivers in most U.S. states?
A. 0.02%
B. 0.05%
C. 0.08%
D. 0.10%
Rationale: The standard legal BAC limit for adult drivers in the U.S. is
0.08%, though lower thresholds exist for commercial drivers or minors.
