Qualified SAP Program for CDL Drivers

Working as a CDL driver is a huge responsibility. You must always safely navigate your vehicle on the roadways. Some may make the mistake of assuming that once they have their CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) they don’t have to worry about losing it. That isn’t the case. Several times throughout your career you will submit to drug and alcohol tests. This includes tests that occur pre-employment, post-accident and randomly throughout each calendar year. Additionally, you’ll be tested if there is reasonable suspicion that you have been using drugs or alcohol on the job. If you are tested, you must pass to maintain your job and your CDL. If you fail or refuse the test, you’ll need to find a SAP required program for CDL drivers so you can complete the DOT return-to-duty process and get back to work.

What is a SAP Program for CDL Drivers?

The DOT developed drug and alcohol regulations and require the return-to-duty process to ensure that CDL drivers know how important it is to operate their vehicles only while alcohol and drug free. Unfortunately, if a driver has a drug or alcohol problem and it interferes with their work, that prevents them from driving safely.

If a DOT mandated safety-sensitive driver has tested positive for a controlled or prohibited substance they are immediately removed from their duties. Next, they begin the return-to-duty process guided by a SAP (Substance Abuse Professional).

What Happens During the SAP Process?

First, this DOT qualified SAP evaluates the CDL driver. This clinical evaluation determines the severity of your substance abuse issues. Next, the SAP recommends individualized treatment and/or educational requirements that must be complied to. Additionally, follow-up testing and/or aftercare may also be prescribed.

When you finish the SAP’s requirements, testing takes place again. Passing the return-to-duty test, as well as recommendations from your SAP, determine if you are granted the possibility to return to work. However, you must comply with random follow-up testing for at least 12 months. Some may even be tested as long as 60 months after they return to safety-sensitive work. The follow-up testing follows you even if you switch to different companies or change safety-sensitive positions within the company where you currently work.

Driving while intoxicated or under the influence is a danger not only to yourself, but also anyone else who is on the road. Employers want to be sure that their drivers travel as safely as possible at all times. If you or someone who drives for you recently failed or refused a drug and/or alcohol screening, click here to learn more about FastTrack Enrollment offered by SAP Referral Services. Our current list of DOT qualified SAPs in over 3,000 locations nationwide means we make it convenient no matter where you live.

SAP Referral Services (SRS) is the leading facilitator for mandated substance abuse evaluations. SRS maintains an extensive network of qualified providers in more than 3,000 locations nationwide for testing violations that originate from any of the DOT’s modes including FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG and PHMSA, or a company’s internal drug and alcohol testing policy.