Comments By Edward G.

Back in the day you did not need a medical card to get a permit or to hold a CDL even. You only had to have one if you were actually driving a truck. But they changed that quite a few years ago and now you can't even have a permit or hold a CDL without having a valid medical card.

thanks Brett and Big Scott love this site has been so helpful

Do I have to have a medical card to take my permit test for cdl A?

Regardless of whether you opt to disclose or not - you are BEST SERVED by trying to get into a company that does in-house training. Depending on the school you went to - they may NOT HAVE REPORTED the failed screen. A COMPANY certainly would - they are actually required to - and they do so, to protect other companies from taking on someone who potentially has substance issues.

If this IS going to become an issue (the old, failed test), going to a non-company school may get you a CDL (with cash out of pocket), that you might not be able to use due to the failed test. At least, if you get into a company program - you stand a better chance of clear sailing - and you will come out of training with a CDL AND A JOB. A non-company CDL school really doesn't guarantee you a job - they just get you a CDL. Many schools will take folks they KNOW will never get a job (due to horrible driving/criminal records, etc.), because they are solely about getting you a CDL and taking your money.

To reiterate - truck driving schools that operate their vehicles ON PUBLIC STREETS - are considered a "safety sensitive position", which makes the drug screen a DOT DRUG SCREEN.

The school I went to (a County Vo-Tech), did typical "chain of evidence type" testing. Seals on containers, seals on the bags they went into. We lost 2 out of the 12 in my class - to failed tests. And the tests took a couple of days to come back (sent out to a lab). And the director of the school I went to, would review a students MVR and ask about criminal records, and would actually advise students whose odds of getting a job were very small - to NOT TAKE the course and save their $$ & time.

A failed DOT Drug Screen, requires a specific procedure to be completed, to allow for a drivers return to duty. From the few cases we've heard of here - even completing that procedure (for a new applicant) still made it difficult (to nearly impossible) to get back into the industry. Even drivers with years of experience, have a hard time getting back on if they fail a test when switching companies, or a random while they are employed.

And you are subject to randoms at all times also. You'll get GPS'd to see your location - you'll get a call telling you to pull off and report to that location, and get dropped on the spot. And if you drop hot on a random while you are out - you are required to be PUT OOS.

Rick

called hirerite and the lady ran checks on my records and nothing showed up on me but some trucking company's that checked my records 10 years ago

$100 dollars per day. 5 days per week, except week 3 if you test for your cdl on Saturday. You receive your first direct deposit on the third Thursday after you start. I told my fleet manager that I would be ready to go out as of today, 5/10/17, so I've been waiting about 1 day. I expect it to be challenging for them to coordinate a trainer in my area, their nearest terminal is Gary Indiana. My class of three people was mostly handled by three instructors, and I drove three different trucks while there. Two had empty trailers, the third was loaded @32,000lbs. You'll get plenty of time behind the wheel.

that's where I'm thinking of going to how much did they pay in training and how long before you got check and how long you been waiting for otr trainer

I just finished their GYCDL training program in Conley, GA. I'm home in RI now waiting on an OTR trainer. I'm new to the trucking industry. I think their training program and accommodations were great so far.

Would like to have feed back good or bad to help me make a decision.

please keep me posted best of luck and GOD BLESS YOU

thanks so would it affect me know from getting into school

This is where it might get sticky - depending on whether or not it was REPORTED.

No one here, would tell you to LIE on an application or DOT Medical Form.

Pretty much every application ASKS if you have ever failed a Drug Test - and they don't give "time windows" (ex: have you ever failed a drug test in the last 5 years?).

If you LIE and it shows up on a background check somewhere - instant termination. If you answer honestly - most companies would likely not even follow up on the application. There are plenty of folks that haven't answered YES to the question, for them to bother with a "potential problem child" so early in the process.

You could pull a copy of your DAC - and see if it shows up there. How do I get a copy of my DAC Report?

There is a specific "return to duty protocol" for failed drug tests - but usually, most new applicants that follow this, still find themselves pretty much screwed for the immediate future - and I really haven't heard the results of someone "waiting a few years and trying again".

You can try and "blind call" a recruiter at a company you have NO INTENTION OF WORKING FOR, and ask them.

"Hey - I failed a drug screen at a private trucking school 6 years ago, should I even bother applying?"

Pull a DAC and see if it shows up. If it does - you are pretty much screwed. If it doesn't - you could try and "roll the dice" and not disclose.

Best of luck - keep us posted.

Rick

checked dac report and they three are four checks and nothing has been reported have not even got any thing on dac has got where a few companies checked records in 2010 so I think everything is good so I'm going to keep studying wish me luck and GOD BLESS YOU ALL

I failed dot drug test for driving school about six years ago and I have been clean for awhile now will failed dot drug test still show up on me I already had permit before they fired me and should I put it on my applications that I have failed a drug test looking to get cdl training by company sponsored.

Brett Aquila would you please touch base on this subject you seem really informative on this subject thanks to everyone and GOD BLESS YOU ALL

thanks so would it affect me know from getting into school

Did you fail the test to get in school? If it was a drug test for the school then more than likely it's not on a DOT record.

Actually - since schools operate CMV's on public streets - this ACTUALLY IS A DOT DRUG SCREEN.

Whether or not it was reported to DAC is debatable. It was quite likely reported to FMCSA.

Rick

yes it was first day drug test for school

This is the way it will go down. Have you ever failed a drug test in order for employment or pre employment. That's the question they will ask. Your best bet is to apply to as many company's as you can and be honest with the question.

The investigation is thorough and not telling them is just not an option Good Luck.

thanks for you guys replies was helpful parrothead66 and Brian M.

This is the way it will go down. Have you ever failed a drug test in order for employment or pre employment. That's the question they will ask. Your best bet is to apply to as many company's as you can and be honest with the question.

The investigation is thorough and not telling them is just not an option Good Luck.

I failed dot drug test for driving school about six years ago and I have been clean for awhile now will failed dot drug test still show up on me I already had permit before they fired me and should I put it on my applications that I have failed a drug test looking to get cdl training by company sponsored.