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FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Information

Understanding The Drug and Alcohol Clearninghouse Requirements

The FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse (DAC) is a secure online database that gives interested parties real-time valuable information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol violations. This record keeps track of all testing violations recorded by US DOT since January 2020. The Clearinghouse allows employers to identify those drivers who have committed a drug and alcohol program violation while employed and have failed to inform additional employers; required by the current regulations.  All students must register at the DAC.

Steps to Complete a Clearinghouse Query

    1. The student obtains a CDL Permit. If you already have a permit or CDL you still need to register.
    2. Register for an account on the Clearinghouse Website.
    3. To create your account you will need to enter your current CDL or CLP information.
    4. Advanced Career Institue will then initiate a query request.
    5. Students will receive a request from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for their consent to perform a query.
    6. Students are required to accept the request.
    7. Advanced Career Institute will receive the results of the query.

Note: If a current or prospective student refuses to give consent to perform a query with DAC, they will not be allowed to continue training. The DAC query is an FMCSA requirement for CDL training.

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse FAQs

"The Clearinghouse contains 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 is also recorded in the Clearinghouse." - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Once a driver is registered in the Clearinghouse, they will be able to access their records electronically at no cost.
Authorized users include:
  • CDL drivers
  • Employers – this includes motor carriers and other employers of drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
  • Consortia/third-party administrators (C/TPAs)
  • Medical review officers (MROs)
  • Substance abuse professionals (SAPs)
  • Enforcement personnel
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 Clearinghouse record—this includes all pre-employment queries. A driver must also be registered to electronically view the information in his or her own Clearinghouse record.

All drivers holding a CDL or CLP mist register through the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse website in order for prospective employers to view their files. Effective January 6, 2020, it is mandatory for employers to use the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to report information about driver violations during the pre-employment process. This included any positive drug or alcohol tests and test refusals.

Register your account in the Clearinghouse here: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register

Read more FAQs from the Clearinghouse here: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov

Please contact our staff or give us a call at 877-649-9614 with any questions! If you are ready to start your CDL Training with ACI, fill out the form above.

 

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