Register in Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to change jobs, ensure accuracy

The CDL drug and alcohol clearinghouse takes effect January 2020. What is that you say? Every driver as part of the hiring process will have to have their record checked through this database.

The database contains information on failed and refused drug tests. If you are going to be changing jobs from January 2020 forward, you will need to be registered in this database so the company you are applying to can check your drug test record. Only positive tests and drug test refusals will be recorded.

As part of the hiring process you will need to give your consent for the company to check your record on this database. To do that you must already be registered. You can register beginning in October of 2019 at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/. As it is worded, after January 2020 if a company cannot search you on this database, they cannot hire you to drive interstate.

The Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will give employers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs), and State law enforcement personnel real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations.

The Clearinghouse will contain records of violations of drug and alcohol prohibitions in 49 CFR Part 382, Subpart B, including positive drug or alcohol test results and test refusals. When a driver completes the return-to-duty (RTD) process and follow-up testing plan, this information will also be recorded in the Clearinghouse.

Are CDL drivers required to register for the Clearinghouse?

Drivers are not required to register for the Clearinghouse. However, a driver will need to be registered to provide electronic consent in the Clearinghouse if a prospective or current employer needs to conduct a full query of the driver’s record—this will include all pre-employment queries beginning on January 6, 2020.

A driver must also be registered to electronically view the information in his or her own Clearinghouse record.

Drivers who register before January 6, 2020, will have their Clearinghouse accounts and contact preferences set up, allowing them to quickly respond to query requests from employers on or after January 6, 2020.

Here is an easy to follow registration guide.