Are student drivers required to register to the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Clearinghouse was implemented on January 6, 2020, and since that initial implementation date, the FMCSA has updated the CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse registration process to simplify how student drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL) or commercial learner's permit (CLP) should register.
What factors should a student driver consider for the registration process?
There are 2 scenarios that would impact the way a student driver would register for the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
1. If a student driver enrolls in an independent CDL training program that is not affiliated with or operated by an employer (i.e., the student driver pays to attend the training program). In this scenario, the student driver is considered self-employed. In this case the school is not an employer, and the student driver is ultimately responsible for meeting the requirements of 382.103 (Register as a Student Driver)
2.If a student driver is participating in an employer-based training program in which the student driver is paid to participate, then in this scenario, the student driver is an employee of the company that arranges the CDL training program and should register as a driver.
How are student drivers required to use the clearinghouse?
The registration process will depend on which category the driver falls into as described above in numbers 1 and 2. Moving forward, we will outline the registration process for both situations.
Registration steps for a student driver who is enrolled in an INDEPENDENT CDL training program
Register as a student driver- Student drivers must also designate a C/TPA in the Clearinghouse. Please contact Accredited Drug Testing at (800)221-4291 prior to selecting us your C/TPA.
Purchase a query plan- A student driver must purchase a query plan in order to conduct queries. Note: C/TPAs cannot purchase a query plan on behalf of student drivers.
Conduct/consent to pre-employment query- Once a student driver obtains his/her CLP, a pre-employment query must be conducted by either the student driver or their designated C/TPA. This will ensure the student driver is not prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on public roads.
Take Required Drug Tests- The designated C/TPA will direct the student driver to appear for a pre-employment drug test and any applicable random drug tests.
Method 2 Registration Process (enrolled in employer based CDL Training Program)
Register as a driver
Pre employment query not required- This requirement falls on the employer to process
Conduct pre-employment query- Once a driver obtains your CLP, the student
drivers must provide electronic consent for pre-employment queries or other full
queries conducted by an employer, or the employer's C/TPA.
Take Required Drug Tests- Student drivers will be directed to appear
for a pre-employment drug test and any applicable random drug tests by their
employer
For more information on how student drivers should access the FMCSA Clearinghouse click here to download the training aid.
Accredited Drug Testing is a nationwide c/TPA/service agent who can perform all of the above listed tasks to assist an employer or a student driver remain compliant with the DOT/FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing rules and regulations.
For more information, call us today for a free 15-min consultation or enroll online by clicking the button below
