Filling Out Applications For Company Sponsored Training.... Have I Done Drugs???

Long story short I have been researching this career change for the better part of 6 months. I want to thank everyone for their contributions whether it has been through stories, advice, or even raised eye brows to questionable comments or questions. You have all been a big help in easing my mind into the attainability of what I am sure will be a fantastically-exciting beneficial career and lifestyle change.

One of the biggest topics I originally researched when I began looking across this site where drug related. I was finishing up my degree and at the time was an avid smoker. I have since stopped in preparation for my entry in the "real world". While I do have my own personal opinions on the matter, as I am sure each and every one of you do, I am not here to debate or be reminded what more than-likely we all feel should be common sense knowledge. I am drug-free, and I will remain drug-free for the next 35 years if that's what it takes to retire comfortably in a hammock by the beach.

Semi-Full disclosure: I have failed a pre-hire drug screen in the past. It was performed at Lab Corp for a retail position over a year ago. I understand that as far as companies such as Prime go, I will be unable for employment for at the very least 4 years from the date of that failed DT. However for companies that are not as strict as they are, how looked-down-upon will it be if I or even someone else were to put down that they had smoked anywhere between 1 and 6 months prior to filling out the application. While it has been longer than that I am sure someone is an even bigger procrastinator than I am and would wait until the last possible minute to squeeze their happy butts in the door. I understand that everyone is different, and 30 days is an average cleaning out your system. Ive met people who could pass a drug test after 2 weeks of use and those who have not smoke in over 3 months who still cannot pass. With that being said, all I am looking for here is advice on how to handle the applications for company sponsored training.

When they ask "have you ever done any illegal drugs and if so when" how accurate does this have to be? Obviously you'll get turned around if you fail the DT they give you, but lets say someone KNOWS 100% that they will pass. In my situation should I put that the last time I smoked was around the time of the retail DT that I failed? Or would it matter if I said the last time was within 6 months ago? Like most people who have asked questions similar to this one, and will continue to ask questions similar to this one, I simply don't want myself or anyone else to get turned down early-on for something they never intend to do again.

Though I am by no means an expert on the situation, I can offer some guidance on the subject as I have read a few topics on TT from members asking the same question.

Be Honest about everything!!

The biggest mistake that I have read is that potential drivers seeking employment and/or training tend to be here as a "last resort" per say. Some are here for a life change, getting away from a dead end job or just fed up with the industry they chose (my case after 16 years automotive). DO not lie or manipulate the application in any way. Be honest and straight forward about any and all information you provide on your applications.

Is it going to disqualify you from some companies? Yes. Is it going to lesson your chance of getting that "Dream Job"? Yes

BUT! If you lie or try to hide something from these companies, and they find out... There is a good chance that you are done for good. Even trucking companies understand and know that people are going to do things, some stupid, some crazy and some that just don't make any sense at all. But we are all human and humans make mistakes, that is how we learn and grow as a species.

Just provide correct and accurate information the BEST you can and apply to as many companies as you can.

You can only really fail if you never really try.

Dustin.

Thanks Dustin! You know, once I got done typing all that out, I realized most of it stemmed from my own worry that it was all about to be over with before it even began. I really appreciate your response!

I guess the question I really should have asked was,

"When applying for Company Sponsored CDL Training, is there anyone out there who has:

1) failed a non-DOT pre-hire drug test and reported it accurately to their company in the past

OR

2) simply confessed on their Company Sponsored CDL Training Application that they had smoked in a not-so-long-ago time frame

and still received acceptance into their training program???

When a trucking company asks about a FAILED DRUG TEST - they mean a DOT MANDATED TEST. And I haven't seen an application for a trucking company (the 1/2 dozen or so that I've filled out) that ask if you've EVER USED ILLEGAL DRUGS.

A failed drug test for a past retail position ( a "non-DOT-safety-sensitive-position"), would not be recorded anywhere, such as you CDL licensing authority, or DOT/FMSCA.

Many companies are using HAIR TESTING NOW - so you have a window of 6 months or better until you can pass one of these.

I just had to "drop in a baggie" for my son, so he could get a retail job.

Despite the sentiment of most of most of the country, that weed should be legal - this will likely NEVER BE PERMITTED for a CMV driver.

Most folks that ask about "passing a drug test" - are usually concerned that they WON'T.

Rick

Most folks that ask about "passing a drug test" - are usually concerned that they WON'T.

Rick

Thanks for the input Rick! Just to reiterate, Im not concerned about passing a drug test in anyway, I am only concerned about the failed drug test from over a year ago.

Most folks that ask about "passing a drug test" - are usually concerned that they WON'T.

Rick

Thanks for the input Rick! Just to reiterate, Im not concerned about passing a drug test in anyway, I am only concerned about the failed drug test from over a year ago.

Again - if it was NOT A DOT REPORTABLE TEST - don't worry about it.

The ONLY FAILED TESTS a trucking company can find - are DOT REPORTABLE ONES.

Rick

Again - if it was NOT A DOT REPORTABLE TEST - don't worry about it.

The ONLY FAILED TESTS a trucking company can find - are DOT REPORTABLE ONES.

Rick

PavementPete,

I had a friend who used to be part of the "final" panel that screen CHP applicants . . . she used to tell me that when they asked about past drug use she always felt bad for the ones who would "come clean" and admit their past indiscretions . . . she knew that tests were in place that would detect future violations and most of the applicants had no intention of ever indulging again, but it was (and most likely still is) policy to turn down anyone owning up to their past behaviors . . . my advice is similar . . . if you have FAILED a DOT test due to drugs, admit it and suffer the consequences . . . if it was a non-even such as a drug screen for a retail position, "don't ask - don't tell" . . . well the ask prt is out of your control but the tell part is not . . . there are safeguards in place to keep the use of such things pretty well under control . . . let the system work out the details . . . if you are reformed and plan to remain so, do not ruin your chances up front . . . there are plenty of other reasons you might be winnowed out ultimately, don't add to them unnecessarily . . .

Jopa