Two guests leave a party in Zwolle at midnight. Both drank two glasses of wine; the last glass was two hours ago. Guest 1 has had a licence for twelve years, guest 2 got his a year ago at the age of twenty. Which of the two can drive without any chance of being above his limit?
- Guest 1, and guest 2 as well if he first drinks two cups of strong coffee
- Both, because after two hours they are both below 0.5 per mille
- ✓ Guest 1; guest 2 may still be above his lower limit of 0.2 per mille
Correct answer: Guest 1; guest 2 may still be above his lower limit of 0.2 per mille
Explanation
False — you apply the experienced driver's limit to guest 2. Anyone who got the licence at 18 or later is a novice driver for the first 5 years, with a limit of 0.2 per mille. Two glasses together give about 0.4 to 0.6 per mille, and after two hours up to 0.4 per mille can remain
Why learners get this wrong
- Wrong: you think coffee speeds up sobering. Only time helps: the body breaks down 0.1 to 0.2 per mille per hour, with or without coffee. So guest 2 may still be above his limit of 0.2 per mille
- Wrong: you apply the experienced driver's limit to guest 2. Anyone who got the licence at 18 or later is a novice driver for the first 5 years, with a limit of 0.2 per mille. Two glasses together give about 0.4 to 0.6 per mille, and after two hours up to 0.4 per mille can remain
Topic: Alcohol behind the wheel: the limit and the glass
Read the rule: Core: Alcohol behind the wheel: the limit and the glass
Sections
- Challenge: Alcohol behind the wheel: the limit and the glass
- The model: Alcohol behind the wheel: the limit and the glass
- Core: Alcohol behind the wheel: the limit and the glass
- Why it matters: Alcohol behind the wheel: the limit and the glass
- Active recall: Alcohol behind the wheel: the limit and the glass
- Teach back: Alcohol behind the wheel: the limit and the glass
- Memory hook: Alcohol behind the wheel: the limit and the glass