2023 DOT: Drug Abuse and Alcoholism QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE EXPLAINED SOLUTIONS

Type of alcohol ingested. Quantity of alcohol used daily, weekly, monthly. Current or past history of illegal drug use. Prior history of alcohol-related driving incidents (accidents, DUI). correct answer: Correct Answer: Type of alcohol ingested. Explanation: Alcohol in any form is impairing. While quantity, pattern of use, and history of alcohol-related incidents are important factors, type of alcohol is of lessor concern. Illegal use of drugs is common among drivers with alcohol-related disorders. Which of the following is considered by the FMCSA as a mental health professional that the medical examiner may refer to or consult with? A urine drug screen collector. A FMCSA administrator. Medical review officer (MRO). Any licensed medical provider. correct answer: Correct Answer: Medical review officer (MRO). Explanation: According to the FMCSA, mental health professionals the medical examiner may consult with include breath alcohol technicians (BATs), designated employer representatives (DERs), medical review officers (MROs), and substance abuse professionals (SAPs). The maximum certification interval for a driver with a history of drug abuse or alcoholism is __________. Six months. One year. Two years. Do not certify. correct answer: Correct Answer: Two years. Explanation: Drivers with a history of drug or alcoholism may be certified for up to two years. Drivers may be subject to drug and/or alcohol testing more frequently, but such testing is performed under 49 CFR Part 40 drug and alcohol testing regulations, not under 49 CFR Part 391.41 driver qualification standards. Medical Examiners may also perform alcohol and drug testing as part of the driver examination using any alcohol or drug testing methodology, and may consider such results in assessing driver fitness for duty. correct answer: If such testing is performed based on the Medical Examiners assessment, and is not conducted in compliance with FMCSA drug and alcohol testing rules, the Medical Examiner must be sure to advise the driver of this circumstance - that the testing is being performed based on the Medical Examiner's assessment, not on the basis of FMCSA regulation. Drug and Alcohol Testing Who must be tested? correct answer: All drivers, including part-time drivers, holding a commercial driver's license (CDL) and operating CMVs (greater than 26,000 combined gross vehicle weight rating, or transporting more than 16 passengers, or carrying placarded hazardous materials) on public roadways must be subject to testing according to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol regulations. This means any driver required to possess a CDL, including drivers employed by Federal, State, and local government agencies and owner operators. Equivalently licensed drivers from foreign countries are also subject to these rules. NOTE: Drivers who only operate CMVs on private property not open to the public are not subject to testing. When is Drug and/or Alcohol Testing Required? correct answer: Pre-employment: Drug testing is required. However, a driver may be exempted from testing if the driver was in a testing program within the last 30 days and tested within the last six months or in a testing program for the previous 12 months. Pre-employment alcohol testing is not required; however, the employer may require alcohol testing before the driver can perform safety-sensitive functions. The employer may make job offers contingent upon passing an alcohol test. Post-accident drug and/or alcohol testing is required for all fatal crashes, when the driver is cited for a moving traffic violation, and when crashes meet specific criteria related to the cost of vehicular damage or personal injury. Random drug and/or alcohol testing is conducted on a random, unannounced basis just before, during, or just after performance of safety-sensitive functions. Reasonable suspicion testing is conducted when a trained supervisor or company official observes behavior that is characteristic of drug and/or alcohol misuse. Return-to-duty and follow-up testing is conducted when an individual who has violated the prohibited drug and/or alcohol conduct standards returns to performing safety-sensitive duties. Employer Responsibilities correct answer: Employer responsibilities include: Implementing and conducting drug and alcohol testing programs. Providing a list of substance abuse professionals (SAPs) for drivers who violate drug and alcohol regulations. Ensuring that the driver who is returning to a safety- sensitive position has complied with SAP recommendations. Conducting follow-up testing to monitor that the driver is compliant with DOT alcohol conduct guidelines and abstaining from unauthorized drug use. Employer responsibilities do not include: Providing SAP evaluations. Paying for driver SAP evaluation, education, or treatment. The Medical Examiner should obtain additional evaluation by appropriate mental health professionals, which may include: correct answer: Breath alcohol technicians (BATs). Designated employer representatives (DERs).