For Applicants and Employees

Prior to Hire / Prior to assignment of new CDL duties for Current Employees

The Background Check program will meet with finalist candidates in order to provide information about NC State policies and procedures and FMCSA & DOT regulations and resources.

Candidates will complete a Release of Information Form – 49 CFR Part 40 Drug and Alcohol Testing.  This release authorizes NC State to contact previous employers for which the applicant / candidates drove in a CDL capacity.  The previous employer will provide information about whether the applicant / current employee tested positive for alcohol and/or drugs or refused to test within the last three years.  In addition, the previous employer will be asked to provide information about other violations of DOT agency drug and alcohol testing regulations.

Candidates must complete a drug screen prior to hire, as well as current employees prior to assuming CDL duties.

Candidates who test positive may be removed from consideration for employment; they will also be provided information on how to receive an evaluation for assistance from a substance abuse professional (SAP). The applicant is responsible for any costs associated with evaluation and treatment services.

During employment with NC State

NC State employees who have been endorsed to drive in a CDL capacity will be active in a random testing pool. The Background Check Program will notify supervisors when their employees have been selected and will coordinate to schedule a time to send the employee to be screened.  Random drug and alcohol tests will be unannounced to the employees.

There are other times when an employee may be required to undergo a drug or alcohol test. All testing scenarios and procedures are outlined here.

Employees also must notify the University in the event that:

  • Their license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or they are disqualified from driving (within 2 days)
  • They are convicted of any traffic violation (within 30 days)
  • They are convicted of any other misdemeanor (within 5 days)

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