Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

How long does it take for the liver to process 1/3 of an ounce of alcohol?

1. 15 minutes

2. 30 minutes

3. 1 hour

4. 2 hours

The correct answer is: 1 hour

The liver processes alcohol at a generally accepted rate of about one standard drink per hour. A standard drink typically contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, which translates to approximately 1/3 of an ounce of alcohol processing in about 30 minutes or slightly less. However, in terms of how long it takes the liver to fully process 1/3 of an ounce, it is reasonable to round this time to one hour as a more conservative estimate, accounting for variations in individual metabolism, body weight, and drinking habits. It's important to recognize that the liver's processing time can vary somewhat between individuals; however, using an average of one hour is a standard guideline that helps in understanding alcohol metabolism. This understanding emphasizes that while the body can start to process alcohol relatively quickly, complete metabolism and clearance from the system may take closer to one hour, particularly in the context of safe driving and legal limits related to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).