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A CDL Professional's Guide to Understanding Drug Tests

  • Writer: Gavin
    Gavin
  • Aug 30, 2022
  • 7 min read

Updated: Apr 1

As a commercial driver, you play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and safe flow of goods and services across the country. However, with this responsibility comes the obligation to comply with various federal regulations, including those related to drug and alcohol testing. These tests are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure that drivers are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a commercial vehicle, thus maintaining public safety on the road.

Drug and alcohol testing is not only necessary to meet FMCSA requirements but also to ensure that the transportation industry remains safe, efficient, and free from impaired drivers. Understanding the various types of drug tests and how they apply to you as a CDL driver is crucial to maintaining both safety and compliance.


In this article, we’ll break down the key drug and alcohol tests that CDL drivers encounter, explain the different test types and their significance, and provide guidance on staying compliant with FMCSA regulations.


A set of drug tests being processed for analyzation.
It's important while acting as a CDL professional you stay away from drugs because they can impair your abilities.

The Importance of Drug and Alcohol Testing for CDL Drivers

Drug and alcohol testing for CDL drivers is a fundamental safety measure that ensures drivers are fit for duty and do not pose a risk to themselves, their passengers, or other road users. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-related crashes result in over 13,000 deaths each year, while drug use among drivers significantly contributes to accidents (NHTSA, 2021). These numbers highlight the importance of maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free workforce in the commercial driving sector.


The FMCSA has set strict guidelines for drug and alcohol testing to ensure compliance and safety. These regulations apply to all commercial drivers who hold a CDL and are involved in safety-sensitive transportation duties. The most common types of drug and alcohol tests that professional drivers must undergo include:


  • Pre-Employment Testing

  • Post-Accident Testing

  • Random Testing

  • Reasonable Suspicion Testing

  • Return-to-Duty Testing


Below, we’ll explore each of these testing categories and explain how they impact your role as a CDL driver.



A CDL professional driver booking a drug test with DOT Express Medical Clinic & Physical Exams.

It's important to make sure all your documentation is up to date so you're FMCA compliant.


Types of Drug Tests and Alcohol Tests for CDL Drivers:

DOT Drug Screens

The DOT drug screen is a federally regulated test that is required for all CDL holders. It is part of a broader set of regulations designed to keep commercial drivers safe and prevent accidents caused by substance use. The primary test for CDL drivers is the 5-panel urine drug test, which screens for the following substances:


  1. Marijuana (THC)

  2. Cocaine

  3. Amphetamines

  4. Opiates (such as heroin, morphine, codeine)

  5. Phencyclidine (PCP)


These substances are chosen because they are commonly abused and have a significant potential for impairing a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.


When are DOT drug tests required?

  • Pre-Employment Testing: This test is required before you start a new driving job. Employers must ensure you are drug-free before you are hired to drive a commercial vehicle.

  • Post-Accident Testing: After being involved in an accident, DOT regulations require that you undergo a drug test if certain conditions are met, such as if there was a fatality or if any parties involved needed medical attention.

  • Random Testing: To ensure ongoing compliance, the FMCSA mandates random drug testing. This is done without advance notice and helps deter drug use while ensuring that drivers remain drug-free throughout their careers.

  • Reasonable Suspicion Testing: If your supervisor or employer observes behaviors or signs that suggest you may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a reasonable suspicion test will be conducted.

  • Return-to-Duty Testing: If you have previously tested positive for drugs or alcohol or violated any company policies, you must pass a return-to-duty drug test before resuming your driving duties.


Breath Alcohol Tests (BAT)

Breath alcohol testing (BAT) is used to determine whether a CDL driver has consumed alcohol and to measure their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This test is most commonly used as part of random testing or post-accident testing, especially when there is reason to believe alcohol might have contributed to the incident.


How does the BAT work?

  • A trained Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT) will administer the test using an Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) device. The test is done by blowing into the device, which measures your BAC.

  • The results are provided immediately. If your BAC is found to be 0.04% or higher, you will be prohibited from driving. The BAC limit for commercial drivers is lower than the legal limit for the general public (0.08%).


It is important to note that FMCSA regulations require alcohol testing to be done within two hours of an accident, but no later than eight hours after the incident. This quick turnaround ensures that alcohol impairment can be identified as soon as possible following an accident.


Non-DOT Drug Screens

While the FMCSA has specific regulations for DOT drug testing, employers may also require non-DOT drug tests for general workplace testing or internal company policies. These tests are not regulated by the FMCSA but may be used by employers to maintain a drug-free workplace.


Non-DOT drug tests are more flexible and may include a broader range of substances than the 5-panel test required by the FMCSA. These tests can be tailored to the employer's needs and may detect substances that are not included in the DOT’s 5-panel screening.



A medical professional analyzing a urine sample for a drug test.
Drug test collections should always be carried out by a certified professional so you results are voided.

Types of Non-DOT Drug Tests Include:


  • 10-Panel Urine Tests: These tests screen for a wider array of substances, including additional drugs such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and methadone. While the DOT test covers five substances, the 10-panel test includes additional screenings.

  • Hair Follicle Tests: Hair follicle testing is used to detect drug use over a longer period, often up to 90 days. This test is beneficial because it can capture a longer history of substance use than urine tests, which typically only detect recent drug use.

  • Instant Urine Tests: Instant tests provide rapid results at the testing location. These tests are often used for initial screenings but may require confirmation from a laboratory in the case of a positive result.

  • Saliva Tests: Saliva tests are less invasive and provide quick results but are limited in terms of the substances they can detect. These tests are more commonly used for detecting recent drug use, typically within the past 24-48 hours.

  • Blood Tests: Blood tests are generally more expensive and are not commonly used in routine workplace drug testing. They are typically reserved for special cases where a more detailed analysis is required.


How Drug and Alcohol Testing Works: Step-by-Step Process

Regardless of the type of drug test, the process follows strict protocols to ensure accuracy and fairness. The general steps for urine-based DOT drug tests and breath alcohol tests include:


  1. Sample Collection:

    • Urine Drug Test: A certified DOT Urine Specimen Collector is responsible for overseeing the sample collection. The collector ensures that the sample is collected according to FMCSA guidelines and that it is not tampered with during the process.

    • Breath Alcohol Test: A trained Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT) will conduct the test using a certified Evidential Breath Testing device (EBT) to measure the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

  2. Chain of Custody: All samples, whether urine or breath, must follow a chain of custody to ensure the results are accurate and that no tampering has occurred. This involves documenting each step of the sample's handling, from collection to laboratory analysis.

  3. Testing:

    • Urine Test: The sample is sent to a certified laboratory, where it is analyzed for the presence of specific drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP.

    • Breath Test: The breath sample is immediately tested using the EBT device, which provides an immediate result for the BAC level.

  4. Medical Review Officer (MRO): For DOT urine drug tests, the results are sent to a Medical Review Officer (MRO), who is responsible for reviewing the results and confirming the findings. The MRO may contact the driver to discuss any potential issues, such as prescriptions or other factors that could influence the test results.

  5. Reporting: Once testing is complete, the results are sent to the Designated Employer Representative (DER), who will review them and take any necessary action based on the results.



    A CDL professional showing he is compliant with FMCSA regulations.
    We make it easy to stay CDL compliant. If you have questions contact our team of medical professionals.

How CDL Drivers Can Stay Compliant

Staying compliant with drug and alcohol testing requirements is essential for CDL drivers to maintain their jobs and ensure they pass their DOT physical exams. Here are some steps CDL drivers can take to remain in compliance with drug testing regulations:


  1. Stay Informed: Understand the specific drug testing requirements for your employer and the FMCSA. Familiarize yourself with the different types of drug tests, including random, post-accident, and pre-employment tests.

  2. Follow the Rules: Always comply with testing requirements. If you are selected for a random test, ensure you complete it promptly and follow the proper procedures for specimen collection.

  3. Maintain a Drug-Free Lifestyle: Avoid substances that could lead to a positive test result. Understand the medications you are prescribed and how they may interact with drug tests.

  4. Seek Support: If you are struggling with substance use, consider seeking support or treatment. There are programs available to help individuals manage drug or alcohol dependency and ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations.


Drug and alcohol testing for CDL drivers is an essential part of maintaining safety on the road and ensuring that drivers meet the necessary requirements for their job. By adhering to the testing procedures outlined by the FMCSA, drivers can ensure they remain compliant, safe, and free from substances that could impair their ability to operate a vehicle.

It is important to stay informed about the different types of drug and alcohol tests required and follow the necessary protocols to ensure that testing is done accurately and fairly. By understanding the process and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle, CDL drivers can help create safer roads for everyone and continue to perform their vital roles in the transportation industry.


For more information on drug testing and compliance, visit the FMCSA’s official website for updates on regulations and best practices.


You can find more information about the drug testing services DOT Express Medical Clinic & Physical Exams offers by visiting our Drug Testing page.


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