1. Pre-Employment Drug And Alcohol Tests
Before you start you career in a safety-sensitive position, you’ll be required to complete a pre-employment drug test. While alcohol tests are not required by the DOT, many employers will also request an alcohol test. It might seem excessive to complete the tests before you start your career, but remember, it’s important for your employer to ensure their business is compliant with the DOT and the roads remain safe.
Once you receive negative results on your pre-employment tests, you’ll be able to begin your career in a safety-sensitive position.

2. Reasonable Suspicion/Cause Drug And Alcohol Tests
If your employer suspects you’re using drugs or alcohol while on the job, you might be required to complete a reasonable suspicion/cause drug or alcohol test. It’s important to remember that these types of tests cannot be forced upon you. They can only be required when a trained supervisor has reasonable suspicion that you’re under the influence while on the job.
If your supervisor notices abnormal behavior like slurred speech, erratic behavior, or the smell of alcohol on your breath, you may be required to undergo a reasonable suspicion/cause test.

3. Random Drug And Alcohol Tests
The DOT also requires random drug and alcohol tests, ensuring that workers don’t try to “beat the system” by using drugs or alcohol when they believe they won’t have tests.
Prior to your test, you’ll be notified you have been selected for a random test and will be provided ample time to stop performing your job to report to a testing location. Failure to arrive for your test could be considered a refusal to complete the test, jeopardizing your job.

4. Return-To-Duty Drug And Alcohol Tests
If you’re found in violation of the DOT’s drug or alcohol use regulations, you’ll be required to take a return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test before returning to your job. After passing your required return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol tests, you’ll be subject to follow-up testing for a period of time.

5. Follow-Up Drug And Alcohol Tests
Follow-up drug and alcohol tests are required after passing a return-to-duty test. You’ll be required to undergo at least six tests in the first 12 months following your return to the job, with the specific number of tests determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
The SAP will determine how many follow-up tests you’re require to take, and what they will test for. However, your employer is required to ensure the tests are completed following DOT standards. The follow-up testing plan can last up to five years.

6. Post-Accident Drug And Alcohol Tests
If you have been involved in an accident at the workplace, like a car crash, you will be required to undergo post-accident drug and alcohol tests. These tests ensure that your accident was not caused by your own drug and/or alcohol use.