MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Which is the appropriate procedure if you perceive a driver is underage?

1. Conduct a breathalyzer test immediately.

2. Request identification and assess their age.

3. Detain the driver until parents arrive.

The correct answer is: Request identification and assess their age.

The appropriate procedure if you perceive a driver is underage is to request identification and assess their age. This step is crucial because it allows law enforcement to verify the driver's age officially before taking any further action. Understanding the driver’s age can inform the officer about potential legal violations, such as operating a motor vehicle without a valid license if the individual is indeed underage. Once identification is requested, the officer can determine if the driver is of legal age to operate a vehicle. This process respects both the officer's duty to uphold the law and the rights of the individual being questioned. If the driver is confirmed to be underage, then appropriate measures can be taken based on laws and departmental policies concerning underage driving, such as citing the driver or notifying a guardian. Conducting a breathalyzer test independently of confirming age could be premature and legally questionable, as it may not be warranted without further evidence of impaired driving. Detaining a driver until parents arrive is also not standard procedure in such situations, as it can lead to unnecessary complications and potential legal challenges. Thus, assessing the driver's identification is the most logical and lawful first step.