The Six Types of DOT Drug and Alcohol Tests

The six types of DOT required tests are Preemployment, Random, Post Accident, Return-to-Duty, Reasonable Suspicion, and Follow Up. It is important for employers to understand the difference between the test designations so that they order the correct one. The type of test that is ordered affects the company or consortium statistics and can also have an important effect on the donor.

Preemployment Testing is performed for new drivers that do not yet work for the company that is ordering the test. The DOT requires that drivers complete a negative drug test before they begin driving for a new company. A Preemployment test should also be completed for any driver has not worked for the company where they are employed as a driver for more than thirty days. For example, if a driver is laid off and removed from a company's driver pool for 30 days or more, they must be preemployment tested again before they can return to work in a safety-sensitive position.

Random Testing is performed on all drivers in the random testing pool. Random testing should be unpredictable and unannounced and drivers can be randomly tested on any day and at any time, as long as they could drive on that day. A driver who has the day off can not be randomly tested on that day.

Post Accident Testing is done only after an accident that requires a test per DOT regulations. In all cases, post accident testing requires both a drug and alcohol test. Return-to-Duty Testing is performed usually only once for a driver; after that driver who has had a positive drug or alcohol test. The driver must have successfully completed a Substance Abuse Professional's evaluation and participated in any assistance program prescribed. Any driver that has had a positive drug and/or alcohol test, cannot drive until they have passed a Return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test.

Reasonable Suspicion Testing is performed when a supervisor has come to believe that a driver may be using drugs or alcohol. The employer's reasonable suspicion must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning the appearance, behavior, speech or body odors of the driver.

Follow-up Tests are only performed as part of a rehabilitation program for a particular driver. The driver has failed a drug or alcohol test and been evaluated by a (Substance Abuse Professional) SAP. The driver has completed a negative Return-to-duty Test and is back to work. Follow-up Tests are performed on a random basis based on a schedule set forth by the SAP. The DOT requires that no less than six follow-up tests take place in the twelve month period following a positive drug test. Follow-up testing may be done for up to 60 months.