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The DOT physical drug test is mandatory for all commercial drivers under the aegis of the DOT (Department of Transportation) of the USA (United States of America). This includes many professionals like truck drivers, maritime workers, bus drivers, aviation personnel, and specific railroad employees. The DOT drug and alcohol tests are supposed to ensure that the individuals being checked are fit to do their job properly and are not impaired while doing so. These tests are usually conducted through urine or blood samples, hair follicle analysis, and breathalyzer exams. The categories of drugs that the test looks at are marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and PCP (phencyclidine).
Never take any prescribed supplement or drug before the test
Before you take the DOT physical drug test you must never have a prescription drug or supplement as that may lead to positive, inconclusive, or inaccurate results. Such supplements and drugs tend to affect the way by which various substances are processed in your body and this is why they can interfere with how accurate the results of the test are. If you take such substances before the test, it will change the results of the same and provide an inaccurate reflection of how healthy you are.
Know your health history before the test
This is yet another important factor to keep in mind when it comes to getting ready for a DOT physical drug test. Your health history plays an important role in these physicals because it puts physicians in a better place to assess the kind of medical condition you happen to be in. This also helps them determine if you are fit to drive or not. So, when you understand your health history you are in the best position possible to be successful with regards to the outcome of your DOT test appointment.
Get to know the testing procedures
If you know how the battle will be fought you go a long way towards winning it and the DOT physical drug test is no exception to the norm. The DOT’s testing procedures are rather specific. Employers have no option but to follow them when they are screening potential employees for alcohol and drug usage. Usually, the tests conducted before hiring an employee are referred to as pre-employment drug tests. Even after you pass the initial test your employer can test you at any random time for alcohol and drug usage.
Conclusion
If you fail the DOT physical drug test be ready to face some severe consequences about your driving career at the very least. Depending on the type of job you do, such failure can cost you your job immediately and you may also lose your license to drive commercial vehicles. Even in cases where you are not immediately terminated you could be suspended, demoted, or reassigned by your employer. On top of that, if you fail to comply with the rules and regulations of the DOT, you could be subjected to penalties such as fines by your employers as well as colleagues!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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