Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Us Different
At GetOutOfProhibited.com, we pride ourselves on providing a personal touch in a world that often feels automated. When you call us, you’ll always have the opportunity to talk to a real person who genuinely cares about helping you. If a team member isn’t immediately available, rest assured—we will always call you back promptly. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, offering the support and answers you need to navigate the Return-to-Duty process with confidence. Your success is our priority!

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General Overview of the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse:

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Q: What is the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?
A: The Clearinghouse is a secure online database providing real-time information on commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders' drug and alcohol violations. It enables employers, state licensing agencies, and law enforcement to check CDL and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders for compliance with federal regulations.

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Q: What type of violations are recorded in the Clearinghouse?
A: The Clearinghouse records positive drug or alcohol test results, test refusals, and violations that involve actual knowledge, where a driver is observed to be using alcohol or drugs while on duty.

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Q: What is the goal of the Clearinghouse?
A: The Clearinghouse aims to ensure road safety by tracking drivers who have violations and making sure they complete the required Return-to-Duty (RTD) process before they can resume safety-sensitive functions.

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Understanding the Return-to-Duty (RTD) Process:

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Q: What is the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process?
A: The RTD process is a six-step procedure for CDL drivers who have had a drug or alcohol violation. This process must be completed to remove the "prohibited" status and regain eligibility for safety-sensitive driving roles.

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Q: What are the steps in the RTD process?
A: The key steps include:

• Step 1: Finding and Designating a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)

• Step 2: Completing an initial SAP assessment

• Step 3: Following a treatment or education plan as recommended

• Step 4: Being determined eligible for RTD testing by the SAP

• Step 5: Completing a negative RTD test (THIS IS THE STEP WE COMPLETE FOR YOU)

• Step 6: Completing follow-up testing as required by an employer.

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Q: What is Step 5, and why is it important?
A: Step 5 involves taking the RTD drug test, which must return a negative result. Only then will a driver’s Clearinghouse status be updated from "Prohibited" to "Not Prohibited," allowing them to resume safety-sensitive duties.

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Clearinghouse Rule II and CDL/CLP Downgrade:

 

Q: What is Clearinghouse Rule II?
A: Clearinghouse Rule II mandates that, starting November 18, 2024, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) must downgrade the CDL privileges of drivers who remain in "Prohibited" status. All drivers have sixty (60) days to get out of prohibited status before their license is officially downgraded. This prevents these drivers from holding a valid CDL or CLP until they complete the RTD process. Drivers prohibited status cannot obtain endorsements, renew their license, put a DOT medical card on file or get added to a company's insurance. ​

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Q: What happens if my CDL is downgraded?
A: If your CDL is downgraded, it will be converted to a standard driver’s license, restricting you from operating commercial vehicles. You must complete the RTD process and get out of prohibited status to regain your commercial driving privileges. After getting out of prohibited status, you will need to contact the DMV or state driver's license agency to reinstate your CDL.

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Q: Can my license be downgraded before November 18, 2024?
A: Yes, some states have already begun downgrading licenses for drivers in "Prohibited" status. Check your state’s regulations to see if this rule applies.

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Common Reasons for Violations Without Drug/Alcohol Use:

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Q: Can I get a violation in the Clearinghouse without using drugs or alcohol?
A: Yes, it is possible. Here are some scenarios:

• Disputes with Testing Staff: Arguments or altercations with staff at the drug testing facility can lead to a refusal designation, resulting in a violation.

• Refusing an Observed Test: If the lab requires an observed test and the driver refuses to comply, this counts as a refusal and leads to a violation.

• Leaving During Testing: If a driver leaves the facility after signing in but before testing (e.g., stepping out for a call or cigarette), it could be marked as a refusal, leading to a violation.

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Questions Drivers Ask the Get out of Prohibited Team:​

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Q. Why am I in prohibited status in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?

A. You're in prohibited status because of a violation. This means that you have either failed a DOT drug test, refused a DOT drug test or received an actual knowledge violation in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. You cannot operate a commercial vehicle until you complete the Return-to-Duty process. You can learn more about your violation by visiting clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov; register or log in -- there you will find details about the company that entered the violation, the date it happened and the type of violation that you have.

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Q. What steps do I need to take to get out of prohibited status?

A. You need to designate a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and complete their recommendations. Then our team will begin managing your Step 5 and send you to take a Return-to-Duty drug test. Once we upload your negative results, your status will change. Click here to Get Started Today.

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Q. How much will this process cost me?

A. SAP counselor costs can range between $400-$600 vary depending on the SAP, required classes, and testing fees. Typically, you’ll pay for the SAP evaluation and any recommended treatments or classes. We are not a SAP company and do not set the SAP rates. You must contact the SAP directly. 

 

Our total cost to get you out of prohibited status, including managing Step 5 of the Return to Duty Process, the administrative fees and the Return to Duty Drug test is $248. For those drivers that may need extra time to pay we have created a payment plan.

NOTE: If your SAP requires you to also take a breath alcohol test, you will be required to pay an extra $115 fee.

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Q. How long will it take for me to Get out of Prohibited Status?

A. The timeline to get out of prohibited status depends on how quickly you complete your SAP’s recommendations and become Determined Eligible for Duty (Step 4). Once you receive the checkmark in Step 4 and submiit payment for our services, we can begin processing your file. The things that take the longest for our process is waiting for your SAP to send us the completion paperwork and follow-up testing plan. We cannot send you to test without this information on file. Once we send you to test, the results usually take three to five business days to come back. At that time, we will upload the negative test results into your cleariinghouse and add a checkmark to Step 5. Once you get a checkmark in Step 5, you can immediately get back to your trucking job. While you can get to work after receiving a checkmark in Step 5, there is another step called the Follow-up Testing Plan, Step 6. This step must be completed while performing safety sensitive functions and working at a trucking company (or other DOT related company).​

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Q. Can you help me find a good SAP?

A. Yes, we can provide a list of reputable SAPs we’ve worked with in the past to help you get started.

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Q. What happens if I fail the Return-to-Duty test?

A. If you fail, it will count as a new (second) violation, and you will have to start the Return-to-Duty process over again with a new SAP assessment.

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Q. Do I have to tell my employer about this?

A. If you're working for a company, they will already know about your status in the Clearinghouse. If you're looking for a new employer, you must complete Steps 1-5 first to clear your status. It has been our experience over the years that some smaller carriers illegally hire drivers while still in prohibited status. Our recommendation is that you steer clear of these carriers since most do not care about YOUR safety or the safety of the other motorists on the roadways.

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Q. Can I continue to drive while in prohibited status?

A. No, you cannot legally operate any commercial vehicle until you have completed our process and we change your Clearinghouse status to "Not Prohibited."

 

What is the Get out of Prohibited Team's Role in Supporting Drivers:

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Q: How can your company help me get out of Prohibited status?
A: The FMCSA recently opened it up for consortium/third party administrator's to be able to assist CDL/CLP holders with Step 5 of the RTD process by acting as a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA). Our company, Life on the Road Recruiting & Transportation Services is a DOT registered Consortium/Third-Party Administrator listed in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Here is how we help drivers that currently are Prohibitied in the Clearinghouse:

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• Retrieve SAP paperwork and keep it on file

• Guide them through the Clearinghouse setup and designation process

• Manage and arrange RTD drug testing and report negative results to the Clearinghouse

• Send your SAP completion paperwork and Follow-up testing plan once you find a trucking (or other DOT Related company) to work for.

• We cannot perform your Follow-up Drug Tests in Step 6. This MUST be completed under a DOT authorized company.

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Q: What should I do if I need a SAP (Substance Abuse Counselor) recommendation?
A: Click to download our list of reputable, trusted SAPs. **you will need to contact these saps directly as they are a completely separate company

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Q: How can I get started with your services?
A: Contact our team at:

• Mrs. Jerri: (832) 384-5689

• Julie: (832) 339-0790

• Rae: (346) 706-4005

• Main Line: (832) 572-5277
  Or visit the Home page and scroll to the Steps to Get started. www.getoutofprohibited.com

• Or via email at support@getoutofprohibited.com