What counts as one standard drink?
Quick Answer
One standard drink contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This equals: 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol), 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol), or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol). Many cocktails and craft beers contain more than one standard drink per serving.
Explanation
One standard drink contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This equals: 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol), 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol), or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol). Many cocktails and craft beers contain more than one standard drink per serving. Understanding this concept is essential for safe driving and will help you answer similar questions on the DMV written test.
Why This Matters on the DMV Test
Questions about Alcohol & Substances are among the most common on the permit test. Knowing the correct answer helps you pass your exam and stay safe on the road. Most states require a score of 70–83% to pass.
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