Identify FMCSA and DOT regulations on drug and alcohol testing
Identify specific procedures for drug and alcohol testing
Describe how, what, when, and who of drug and alcohol testing
Understand the consequences of failing or refusing a test
Understand the employer’s responsibilities in testing
A commercial driver's license, or CDL, allows a worker to drive a commercial vehicle over 26,001 pounds or carrying 16 or more passengers. This can be a great way to earn a living but it must be done safely. One aspect of this safety is ensuring the driver is sober and clear to drive. In this training, you will learn the procedures involved in drug and alcohol testing for CDL drivers, the consequences of refusing or failing a test, and everyone's responsibility in keeping our roads safe.
The Department of Transportation identifies the regulations and procedures involved in CDL drug and alcohol testing. The DOT requires a urine sample to test for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP. A DOT-approved breathalyzer can be used to test for alcohol. Testing must be done before employment begins, after an accident, with reasonable suspicion, or during random selection. If a test is failed or refused, the DOT requires the employee to meet with a Substance Abuse Professional and complete the return-to-duty process.
Employers also have responsibilities related to drug and alcohol testing. First, they are responsible for ensuring training for all employees and for following the testing regulations. DOT permits employers to test for additional drugs using their own testing program, in addition to following the DOT program. If this is done, employees must be informed in writing of what drugs will be tested, the concentration cut-offs, and the consequences of failing a test. Employers must also keep testing records for inspection and auditing by DOT agencies.
This course will help you understand the procedures of drug and alcohol testing for employees holding a CDL. Knowing the how, when, who, and what of DOT-required testing helps drivers and employers keep everyone safe!
This program is available with Spanish and French closed captions.
View this course in a classroom
environment, or assign it to your
team individually with testing
and recordkeeping capabilities.
Each title includes an embed
feature that allows users to add
videos to their existing training
platform or LMS.
View this course in a classroom
environment, or assign it to your
team individually with testing
and recordkeeping capabilities.
SAPs work with employees who have violated drug and alcohol rules under DOT regulations. They recommend education, treatment, and follow-up. SAPs act as gatekeepers of the return-to-duty process by determining when CDL employees can return to work.
A supervisor will immediately remove the employee from work. The worker must meet with an SAP, test negative, and follow return-to-duty procedures before returning to the job.
Results less than .02 don’t require any further action. FMCSA requires that drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of between .02 and .039 wait 24 hours to test again and return to work. A result of over .04 is considered a failed test and must follow the outlined procedures.
The Omnibus Transportation Employees Testing Act of 1991 requires DOT agencies to test safety-sensitive workers. This includes workers with a Commercial Drivers License as defined by FMCSA.
Marijuana, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, and opioids.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is subject to change and is for promotional and informational purposes only. Prior to acting on the information contained on this page, verify all information against the latest OSHA and applicable standards, regulations, and guidelines. Please also contact us with any questions you have related to this information. Under no circumstances will Atlantic Training, LLC be held responsible for direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental injuries or damages, or any damages or injuries whatsoever, whether resulting from contract, negligence, or other torts, related to the utilization of this information or the contents of this page. Atlantic Training retains the right to incorporate, remove, or adjust the contents on this page without prior notice.