Frequently Asked Question
Why Does the DOT Require Drug And Alcohol Testing?
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires drug and alcohol testing for employees in safety-sensitive positions to help ensure the safety and security of transportation systems. Drug and alcohol use can impair an employee's ability to perform critical job functions, particularly in safety-sensitive positions such as commercial drivers, pilots, and railroad workers.
Drug and alcohol testing is designed to deter drug and alcohol use, identify employees who may have a substance abuse problem, and assist those employees in getting the help they need. DOT drug and alcohol testing also helps to identify and remove from safety-sensitive positions those employees who test positive for drugs or alcohol.
The specific drug and alcohol testing requirements for DOT-regulated employers are outlined in the DOT's regulations, which specify which substances must be tested for, the types of tests that must be used, the procedures for sample collection and testing, and the consequences of a positive test result.
Overall, the DOT requires drug and alcohol testing to promote safety in transportation industries by deterring substance abuse, identifying and assisting employees who may have a substance abuse problem, and removing from safety-sensitive positions those employees who test positive for drugs or alcohol.
Popular Courses
Continue your compliance training
DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors
DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors 2-hour online course. Covers drug and alcohol testing observations per 49 CFR Part 40. Training is valid in the US, Canada, and DOT-compliant countries. Also available in Spanish. Certificate issued upon completion.
2 hours of training
$60.00/credit
Non-DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors
Non-DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training is a 2-hour online course for supervisors in non-regulated workplaces. Focuses on identifying signs of drug/alcohol abuse, understanding the impact, and procedural responsibilities, and covers state-specific issues. Certificate issued upon completion.
2 hours of training
$55.00/credit
Drug-Free Workplace Training for Employees
Attorney developed Drug-Free Workplace Training for Federal and Non-Federal Employees. 1-hour online course meeting DOT, FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG, PHMSA, and non-DOT employer awareness training requirements. Valid in all 50 states.
1 hour of training
$35.00/credit
Non-DOT Urine Specimen Collector Training
Non-DOT Urine Specimen Collector Training takes 4 hours, including mock collections. Covers "collect-only" and "QuickScreens" for non-regulated testing. Includes initial training supplies, state law updates, and multimedia learning. Certificate issued upon completion.
5 hours of training
$650.00/credit
DOT Urine Specimen Collector Training
DOT Urine Specimen Collector Training 10-hour course for collectors, employers, and healthcare. Complies with 49 CFR Part 40.33, includes initial training supplies and 5 mock collections. Certificate issued upon completion. Recertification every 5 years.
10 hours of training
$850.00/credit
FAA Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors
FAA Reasonable Suspicion Training is a 2-hour online course for aviation supervisors, complying with 14 C.F.R. Part 120. Covers drug and alcohol misuse indicators. Certificate issued upon completion.
2 hours of training
$60.00/credit