Substance Abuse Programs In Past

Topic 28466 | Page 1

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Bobby B.'s Comment
member avatar

Hey so I'm interested in getting my CDL and 4 years ago I was in a substance abuse program for a short time. I cant find any info regarding if this is a disqualifying factor, I see the DOT physical specifically asks about past dependence on illegal substances. Any information is appreciated!

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

Rob T.'s Comment
member avatar

First that's a great job getting clean. Many people say it's not easy. It's not a disqualifying offense to obtain your CDL. A SAP is required in trucking if a driver fails a test before they're allowed to drive again. However they will then have trouble finding a reputable company to take them on. With the new clearinghouse system all drug tests are reported to a national database. Did you fail a drug test or what caused you to enter a program? Be truthful to the DOT doctor and on any applications ESPECIALLY if theres a paper trail. Somebody is likely to take you. Your best bet is to Apply For Paid CDL Training so you don't waste money on private school and struggle to find somewhere to work. Going this route your schooling will be free in exchange for about 1 year working for them. By being accepted into their program you're also almost guaranteed employment with them provided your application was truthful and you successfully pass testing to obtain your Class A CDL. Just know that any illegal drug use whether you're home or on the road, and alcohol on the road will likely end your career almost instantly. Even some legal prescriptions and Over The Counter meds aren't allowed. Good luck. Please keep us updated on your search and progress.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

SAP:

Substance Abuse Professional

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

EPU:

Electric Auxiliary Power Units

Electric APUs have started gaining acceptance. These electric APUs use battery packs instead of the diesel engine on traditional APUs as a source of power. The APU's battery pack is charged when the truck is in motion. When the truck is idle, the stored energy in the battery pack is then used to power an air conditioner, heater, and other devices

Bobby B.'s Comment
member avatar

First that's a great job getting clean. Many people say it's not easy. It's not a disqualifying offense to obtain your CDL. A SAP is required in trucking if a driver fails a test before they're allowed to drive again. However they will then have trouble finding a reputable company to take them on. With the new clearinghouse system all drug tests are reported to a national database. Did you fail a drug test or what caused you to enter a program? Be truthful to the DOT doctor and on any applications ESPECIALLY if theres a paper trail. Somebody is likely to take you. Your best bet is to Apply For Paid CDL Training so you don't waste money on private school and struggle to find somewhere to work. Going this route your schooling will be free in exchange for about 1 year working for them. By being accepted into their program you're also almost guaranteed employment with them provided your application was truthful and you successfully pass testing to obtain your Class A CDL. Just know that any illegal drug use whether you're home or on the road, and alcohol on the road will likely end your career almost instantly. Even some legal prescriptions and Over The Counter meds aren't allowed. Good luck. Please keep us updated on your search and progress.

Thanks! And no I've actually never failed a drug test and everything was voluntary, so from what I've found out I think I'm going to try and contact some schools with tuition reimbursement like you suggested. Hoping for the best!! Thanks for the info

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

SAP:

Substance Abuse Professional

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

EPU:

Electric Auxiliary Power Units

Electric APUs have started gaining acceptance. These electric APUs use battery packs instead of the diesel engine on traditional APUs as a source of power. The APU's battery pack is charged when the truck is in motion. When the truck is idle, the stored energy in the battery pack is then used to power an air conditioner, heater, and other devices

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