FMCSA Issues Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Registration Process for Student Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) updated the CDL Driver Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse registration process to clarify how student drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) should register.
The Clearinghouse is a secure online, searchable electronic database where all CDL driver drug and alcohol violations are now posted.
The Clearinghouse provides employers, CDL drivers, medical review officers (MRO), substance abuse professionals (SAP), state driver licensing agencies (SDLA) and enforcement authorities real-time information about CDL drivers drug and alcohol program violations.
The Clearinghouse contains records of violations of drug and alcohol prohibitions, including positive drug or alcohol test results, test refusals, completion of return-to-duty (RTD) process and follow-up testing plan.
CDL drivers, CLPs, employers, MROs, SAPs and SDLAs must all register to use the database.
What is The Registration Path for Student Drivers?
The registration path student drivers select depends on their employment status:
— Student drivers who are employed by a motor carrier must Register as a Driver
— Student drivers in training programs that are not affiliated with or operated by motor carriers must Register as a Student Driver
Student drivers who are enrolled in training programs that are not affiliated with or operated by motor carriers must designate a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) to fulfill their drug and alcohol testing requirements.
What is a C/TPA?
A C/TPA is a service agent that performs required actions to help keep an employer or, in this case, a student driver, compliant with the DOT/FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing rules and regulations.
Student drivers should contact a C/TPA before designating them in the Clearinghouse to act on their behalf. A driver training school may register in the Clearinghouse as a C/TPA to conduct queries and/or report violations on behalf of the student driver.
How Can a Student Driver Register?
Download step-by-step registration instructions below:
— How to Register as a Student Driver
Additional instructional guides and learning materials are available in the Clearinghouse Learning Center.
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