Failing a DOT drug or alcohol test can be overwhelming, especially if driving is your livelihood. You might wonder what happens next and how you can get back on the road. Fortunately, there is a clear process that helps CDL drivers who fail drug or alcohol tests return to work. It’s called the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) process, and it’s required by the DOT (Department of Transportation).
Let’s walk through what happens if you fail a DOT drug test and what you need to do to get back to driving.
Immediate Consequences of Failed DOT Drug Test
When you fail a DOT drug or alcohol test, there are immediate consequences that happen right away:
- Removed from Safety-Sensitive Duties: The DOT requires that you be taken off any safety-sensitive duties, including driving a commercial vehicle, immediately. This is to ensure that CDL drivers are not putting themselves or others in danger.
- Required to Begin the SAP Process: To get back to driving, you must go through the SAP process. This means working with a certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) to evaluate your situation and develop a plan to help you return to work.
What is the SAP Process?
The SAP process is a structured program that CDL drivers must complete to meet DOT regulations and return to duty. Here’s how it works:
- Schedule an Evaluation with a SAP: The first step is to schedule an appointment with a certified SAP. The SAP will conduct an assessment to understand your situation and why you failed the drug or alcohol test.
- Complete the SAP Evaluation: During the evaluation, the SAP will talk to you about your drug or alcohol use, your driving history, and any other factors that may have led to the failed test. Based on this evaluation, the SAP will create a personalized plan for you.
- Follow the SAP’s Plan: The SAP’s plan may include education, treatment, or counseling. You’ll need to complete this plan before moving on to the next step. It’s important to follow the SAP’s recommendations carefully, as this is a requirement for returning to work.
- Take a Follow-Up Test: Once you’ve completed the SAP’s plan, you will be required to take a follow-up drug or alcohol test. This test shows that you are complying with DOT regulations and are safe to return to work.
- Return to Duty: After you pass the follow-up test, the SAP will update your status in the DOT’s Clearinghouse, which lets your employer know that you’re eligible to return to work.
Consequences of Not Completing the SAP Process
If you don’t complete the SAP process, there can be serious consequences:
- Unable to Return to Work: You will not be allowed to return to your job as a CDL driver until you complete the SAP process and pass the follow-up test.
- Possible Job Loss: If you don’t comply with the SAP’s plan, you could lose your job. Employers are required by the DOT to ensure that CDL drivers follow through with the SAP process.
- Long-Term Suspension: Your CDL license will remain suspended until you complete all steps of the SAP process. This could prevent you from driving commercially for an extended period.
Why the SAP Process is Important
The SAP process is designed to help CDL drivers return to work safely. While it might seem difficult at first, the goal of the process is to ensure that you are fully ready to get back on the road without putting yourself or others in danger.
The SAP process also helps drivers learn more about the dangers of drug or alcohol use while driving and gives them tools to avoid similar situations in the future.
What Happens After the SAP Process?
Once you complete the SAP process and pass the follow-up test, your status will be updated in the DOT’s Clearinghouse. This lets your employer know that you’re ready to return to duty.
After returning to work, you may be required to complete additional follow-up testing over the next year. The SAP will determine how often these tests will be conducted, but the DOT requires at least six unannounced tests during the first 12 months after returning to duty.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
The longer you wait to start the SAP process, the longer you’ll be off the road and unable to work. It’s important to act quickly after failing a DOT drug test to start the process and return to work as soon as possible.
Failing a DOT drug test is serious, but by following the SAP process, you can return to work safely and in compliance with DOT regulations. Schedule your SAP evaluation, follow the plan, and pass the follow-up test, and you’ll be back to driving before you know it.