FMCSA return-to-duty
FMCSA SAP evaluations and return-to-duty for CDL drivers.
Virtual DOT SAP evaluations for CDL and CLP holders throughout New York State, plus New Jersey, Georgia and Massachusetts. Appointments are often available within 24–48 hours after intake and payment.
Who FMCSA covers
FMCSA drug and alcohol rules cover CDL drivers.
FMCSA’s testing rules (49 CFR Part 382) apply to anyone who needs a commercial driver’s license to drive a commercial motor vehicle, interstate or intrastate. That includes vehicles that:
- Weigh 26,001 pounds or more (or tow a unit over 10,000 pounds)
- Are designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver
- Carry hazardous materials that require placards
That covers truck drivers, bus and motorcoach drivers, school bus drivers, owner-operators and CLP holders.
Step by step
The FMCSA return-to-duty process.
1. Designate your SAP
Log in to the FMCSA Clearinghouse and select your SAP. We can’t report your progress until you do.
2. Initial SAP evaluation
Meet with your SAP by secure video. We report the date of your assessment in the Clearinghouse.
3. Education or treatment
Complete the program your SAP recommends. Your SAP confirms your participation with the provider.
4. Follow-up evaluation
Your SAP confirms you complied and reports the date in the Clearinghouse.
5. Return-to-duty test
Your employer directs the test. Once a negative result is reported, your status changes to not prohibited.
6. Follow-up testing
At least six unannounced tests in your first 12 months back on duty, for up to five years.
Clearinghouse II
Your CDL can be downgraded while your status is prohibited.
Since November 18, 2024, states must downgrade the CDL or CLP of any driver with a prohibited Clearinghouse status, within 60 days of FMCSA’s notice. Those 60 days are not a grace period: you cannot drive commercially while prohibited.
Once you finish the return-to-duty steps and your status changes to not prohibited, your state must reinstate your CDL or CLP. Check with your state licensing agency for its process, timing and any fees.
Owner-operators
If you drive under your own authority, you need a consortium or third-party administrator (C/TPA) to direct and report your return-to-duty test. Designate your C/TPA in the Clearinghouse as well.
$500 for all professional SAP services.
The fee includes the initial evaluation, individualized recommendation, required initial report, follow-up evaluation, compliance report and follow-up testing plan. Outside education or treatment, laboratory or return-to-duty testing, and third-party fees are not included.
Several payment options are available. If your employer’s employee assistance program is through Revive (formerly BHS), you might be eligible to have your SAP services covered. Proactive Wellness is a contracted Revive provider: call Revive at 800-327-2251 and ask for Nikita Banks, LCSW, SAP by name, or ask us to help you check.
Other DOT agencies
Return-to-duty guidance for every DOT agency.
All DOT SAP services
Pricing, scheduling and the full return-to-duty process for every DOT agency.
FAA: aviation
Pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, dispatchers and air traffic controllers.
FRA: railroads
Engineers, conductors, dispatchers, signal and maintenance-of-way workers.
FTA: public transit
Bus, subway and light-rail operators, dispatch, maintenance and armed security.
PHMSA: pipelines
Covered pipeline and LNG operations, maintenance and emergency response.
USCG: maritime
Credentialed mariners and crew in safety-sensitive vessel positions.
CDL driver questions
FMCSA and Clearinghouse answers.
Can my CDL be downgraded after a DOT violation?
Yes. Under Clearinghouse II, your state must downgrade your CDL or CLP when your Clearinghouse status is prohibited. Once your status changes to not prohibited, the state must reinstate it.
How long do I have before my CDL is downgraded?
States must complete the downgrade within 60 days of FMCSA’s notice. This is not a grace period: you cannot drive commercially while prohibited.
What is the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?
A federal online database of drug and alcohol program violations by CDL and CLP holders. It also records each completed return-to-duty step.
What does a prohibited status mean?
You may not perform safety-sensitive driving duties until every return-to-duty step is completed and recorded. It also triggers a CDL or CLP downgrade.
Can starting the SAP process prevent a downgrade?
Not by itself. Your status changes only after you complete the return-to-duty requirements, including a negative return-to-duty test. Acting quickly avoids needless delays, but no SAP can guarantee a downgrade will be prevented.
My CDL was already downgraded. How do I get it back?
Complete the return-to-duty requirements so your status changes to not prohibited. Your state must then reinstate your CDL or CLP. Contact your state licensing agency for its process and fees.
Who updates my Clearinghouse record?
Your SAP reports your assessment and compliance dates. Your employer or C/TPA reports the negative return-to-duty test. You must designate your SAP first.
Can I do this without a trucking company?
You can complete your evaluation and recommended education or treatment while unemployed. You can also take the return-to-duty test without an employer: register in the Clearinghouse as an owner-operator, designate a C/TPA, and the C/TPA directs the test and reports the result.
Get back on the road the right way.
Your first inquiry is free. Appointments may be available within 24–48 hours after intake review and payment.