Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: What Drivers Need to Know

This course is designed to educate drivers, who are subject to FMCSA DOT drug and alcohol testing, on Clearinghouse requirements.

Course Overview

Effective January 6, 2020, the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse will change the way motor carriers with drug and alcohol testing programs find out about a CDL driver, DOT testing history. Section 382.601(b)(12) of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) requires motor carriers to provide drivers with educational materials to explain the Clearinghouse requirements and the employer, policies and procedures to meet the requirements. This includes the types of personal information collected and maintained within the Clearinghouse database.

This course is designed to educate drivers, who are subject to FMCSA DOT drug and alcohol testing, on Clearinghouse requirements. Drivers will learn what information is provided to the Clearinghouse, the process to challenge inaccurate information in the system, and their responsibilities for granting consent to the employer for Clearinghouse queries.

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

  • Explain what types of information are submitted to the Clearinghouse
  • Identify when a driver needs a Clearinghouse account to provide consent for a query
  • Explain the consequences of not granting consent for Clearinghouse queries
  • Identify when to notify current employers of violations
  • Recognize how to challenge inaccurate information reported on a Clearinghouse record

Course Topics

  • What is the Clearinghouse and Who Handles the Information?
  • Why was it Created?
  • Which Drivers are Affected?
  • Data & Data Providers
  • How to safely operate aerial lifts
  • Queries & Consent
  • Reasons to Challenge Clearinghouse Data
  • Electronic Contact from the Clearinghouse
  • Give Consent to Employer for a Full Query