Drug and Alcohol Testing for CDL Drivers – [Video Training Kit]

If your business has commercial drivers, you and your employees need to understand the ins and outs of Drug and Alcohol Testing for CDL Drivers. This training video will teach your drivers the rules about drugs and alcohol when they are behind the wheel, the DOT Standards around this subject, as well as the FMCSA rules and regulations

What This DOT Drug and Alcohol Training Covers:

• What do the FMCSA and DOT say about Commercial Drivers License holders who use drugs or alcohol? (Drivers must not use or possess drugs or alcohol while they are driving or if they are “on call”)
• When can a CDL driver be prevented from reporting to work when it comes to using drugs or drinking alcohol? (either when they are currently under the influence or they have used one of the substances within the last four hours before reporting to work)
• In some instances, a driver might also be unable to drive while on certain prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Under what circumstances do the above rules apply? (if the CDL driver operates a commercial motor vehicle that has a GVWR of greater than 26,000 pounds, will be transporting more than 16 passengers, or carrying hazardous materials)
• What is a “safety-sensitive” employee, and what must the employer be required to do? (they are required to set up a drug and alcohol testing program)
• What is reasonable suspicion, and what does it mean for a driver suspected of being under the influence?

Additional Topics Discussed in the CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing Training:

• Does the FMCSA keep a database of drug or alcohol violations? (Yes, the database is available to all employers so they can determine if a driver has ever had a history of drug or alcohol-related violations)
• What forms of drug or alcohol testing are there? (either breath or saliva testing for alcohol, or urinalysis for drug detection)
• What does the Department of Transportation say about spit testing? (Oral fluid testing)
• Above what level of blood alcohol concentration or BAC would be considered a violation? (above .04 the driver would not be allowed to drive, or in certain jurisdictions, a BAC between .02 and .039 could result in the driver being removed from their shift temporarily)
• What are the six specific situations that FMCSA states a CDL license holder must submit for drug or alcohol testing?
  1. The driver was involved in an accident that resulted in a fatality, or they received a traffic citation when there was a wreck that disabled a vehicle or injured a person.
  2. Newly hired employees before they are allowed to start driving a commercial vehicle
  3. An employee who previously had a positive test for drugs or alcohol, and they are wanting to return to duty (they must test negative and pass a return-to-duty test)
  4. Random unannounced testing of drivers
  5. If the driver shows any signs of being under the influence using “reasonable suspicion.”
  6. A driver who previously tested positive but returns to work after a return to duty test, must submit to 6 random tests within the 12 months following their return

Additional Topics Discussed in the Drug and Alcohol Testing Training for CDL Drivers:

• What does the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA say about a driver who refuses to take a drug or alcohol test? (Drivers need to understand that under the rules of FMCSA, a refusal is equivalent to a positive test and all of the consequences that come with that)
• What circumstances could also be classified as a refusal to test? (If the employee shows up for the test late, or not at all, or leaving the testing site before the test is complete)
• How long is a driver allowed to take to produce a urine sample at the testing facility? (They have up to 3 hours to provide the urine. If they are unable, they will be evaluated by an MRO or Medical Review Officer to determine why the specimen couldn’t be provided. If the MRO cannot provide a medical explanation, it will be treated as if the employee refused to take the test)
• What items does a Five Panel urinalysis test for?

1. Amphetamines or methamphetamines
2. Phencyclidine also known as PCP
3. Marijuana
4. Opioids and opiates
5. Cocaine

• What is an EBT or Evidential Breath Testing Device, and when is it used in alcohol testing?
• When should an employee who has tested positive for drugs or alcohol, be provided with a list of Substance Abuse Professionals or SAP?
• and much more….

If you employ Commercial Drivers, then teaching them about the role of drug and alcohol testing is important. This Drug and Alcohol Testing Training for CDL Drivers will do just that.  Available as an English or Spanish-speaking DVD or USB stick, this complete training program will help keep your driver safe and your business on the right track.

DOT Drug and Alcohol Training For Truck Drivers Video – Full Length Preview: