Drug & Alcohol Consortium
                     Alcohol and Drug Random Testing 
Requirements 
Drug Random Testing 
The main requirements for the selection and notification of random test drivers are listed below. 
1. Drivers should be selected using scientifically valid methods, such as random number 
tables or computer random number generators, that match the driver's social security 
number, payroll identification number, or another comparable identification number. 
 
 
In the selection process used, each rider shall have an equal opportunity to be tested at each 
selection. 
2. Employers should ensure that random inspections are not notified in advance and are 
distributed reasonably throughout the year. 
Employers need to have a plan in place to ensure employees don't have time to know the test 
"has been completed for a year." For example, if an employer is required to take only two tests, 
and that number is completed by midsummer, the employer's plan must ensure that more tests 
can be taken by the end of the calendar year. Another option is for employers to join a coalition 
with a testing pool large enough that their drivers are always randomly tested. 
3. The employer shall ensure that the selected driver goes to the testing point immediately after 
being notified of the selection. 
Employers should notify and test drivers as soon as possible after drivers have been selected. 
This means that, when conducting driver selection, employers should require all drivers selected 
to submit the test at the first available time at a terminal or other suitable location. 
Employers may not defer a driver's test until the next driver name selection. Although the 
FMCSA has permitted this practice in the past, the FMCSA believes that some employers may 
use this interpretation by manipulating the timing of such tests to conduct quasi-reasonable-
suspicious testing of drivers, rather than random testing that is not based on individualization. 
Suspect. Additionally, employers may have been delaying testing to deliver goods or have 
drivers in question "clean up" before taking the test. 
4. Employers can pool interstate and intrastate drivers for random testing. 
Since this rule applies to all drivers with CDL, no separation is required. However, FMCSA will 
prohibit any employee not subject to any DOT agency testing rules from being included in the 
random selection pool. 
If a driver works for two or more employers subject to FMCSA or DOT agency regulations, the 
driver must participate in a random testing program for all employers.