DOT SAP

Topic 34247 | Page 1

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Gordon T.'s Comment
member avatar

Hello All, My question pertains to whether or not it would be worth while for me to hang on to my CDL or let it go. I am 58 y/o and got my CDL back in '16. I have never used it but would like to keep. My situation is this, I have a drug test refusal (not enough sample) from '21 or '22. And was wondering if I should attempt to enroll in the DOT SAP RTD program. If I am not currently working in the industry will I be able to complete the mandatory testing that's required. I have kept up with my physicals over the years but have never driven. I got a letter recently stating if I don't enroll they will cancel at the of the month. I do not do drugs and was unaware of the repercussions at the time. Just wanted to maintain as a "safety net", unsure what I should do. All serious feedback will be considered and appreciated but, please save smart aleck responses thank you.

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.

BK's Comment
member avatar

Hello Gordon.

With a CDL that old and never been used, you will be required to start from scratch at most, if not all, companies. So giving up the CDL might be a moot point. What are the chances you will use it in the future? Can you just let it downgrade to a class B and keep it? I did that once and when I was ready to get back in a truck, I just had to pass the DOT physical and pay a fee to get the A back again.

Just curious about your refused test because of not enough sample. Weren’t you given a chance to stay at the testing location and pound down water to produce enough sample? Not that it matters now, I’m just curious about the circumstances. .

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.

Gordon T.'s Comment
member avatar

Hello BK, At the time I was totally ignorant as to the procedure and repercussions with regard to DOT testing refusal. I had back surgery and and was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in '19 and since then have had issues with urinating . I'd like to be able to maintain just in case (Plus it cost $2000 for school) If I understand correctly I'm able to downgrade to a class B? Thank you so much for your feedback

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.

BK's Comment
member avatar

Hello BK, At the time I was totally ignorant as to the procedure and repercussions with regard to DOT testing refusal. I had back surgery and and was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in '19 and since then have had issues with urinating . I'd like to be able to maintain just in case (Plus it cost $2000 for school) If I understand correctly I'm able to downgrade to a class B? Thank you so much for your feedback

Gordon, I was a resident of Wisconsin when I downgraded to a CDL B. I don’t know if it is the same in all states. You would need to call your state DMV to find out. I hope it all works out for you.

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.

Dm:

Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager

The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.

DMV:

Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles

The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.

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