Coming Back from a Failed Pre-employment DOT Drug Test

Jobs in transportation modes such as aviation, roadways, maritime, pipelines, railroads, and transit are attractive due to their pay, benefits, and security. Of course, many applicants must pass a pre-employment DOT drug and/or alcohol test. A failed pre-employment DOT drug test in any of the various modes does not necessarily halt your candidacy, but you need to undergo the return to duty process with a qualified DOT Substance Abuse Professional.

DOT Testing Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 explains which safety-sensitive employees undergo drug and/or alcohol testing. For example, certain commercial motor vehicle drivers, locomotive engineers, railroad utility employees, flight attendants, and aviation screeners fall under the regulation.

Failed Pre-employment DOT Drug Test: What Happens Next

If you fail pre-employment drug and/or alcohol testing, you cannot begin your new position as planned. What happens next depends on your participation in the return-to-duty process. The process begins with meeting with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) in your area for evaluation and a treatment recommendation.

After the SAP has re-evaluated and has determined your compliance, and you passed a return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test with a prospective employer, you may resume performing safety-sensitive work. You may be able to start the job you originally were supposed to, just a bit later than planned.

The Return to Duty Process and Finding SAPs

Connecting with SAPs quickly is a critical part of the return to duty process. Fortunately, it is easy and efficient to find SAPs with the service agent, SRS. Get in touch with us, and we connect you to qualified SAPs in your area quickly.

One major advantage of SRS is that our providers meet DOT requirements. You always want to be sure that your SAPs qualifications are current but when you work with SRS you can rest easy knowing that we ensure they are. If you complete the return to duty process with a SAP that has outdated qualifications you might have to repeat the process again.

Contact SRS After a Failed DOT Drug and/or Alcohol Test

A failed pre-employment DOT drug test does not mean you must abandon your quest for good, reliable employment. Call SRS today and get in touch to find a Substance Abuse Professional. The sooner you act, the sooner you should be able to start work.