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United States Department of Transportation
FMCSA - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminstration

Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

Learning Center / Student Driver

Student Driver

The resources below are designed to help those enrolled in CDL training programs not affiliated with or operated by an employer (i.e., the student is paying to attend) understand their requirements under the Clearinghouse regulations.

Download Resources for Student Drivers

Note: If you are enrolled in an employer-based CDL training program (i.e., the student is an employee of the company arranging the training), you are considered an employee and do not need to meet the Clearinghouse requirements for student drivers and may register as a CDL driver. See resources for CDL drivers.

  1. About the Clearinghouse

    Learn about the Clearinghouse.

  2. Registration

    Visit the Before You Register page to make sure you understand the registration process.

    Registration instructions:

  3. Consent Requests

    Once they obtain a CDL, the student driver must conduct a pre-employment query to ensure they are not prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on public roads. This query may be conducted by their designated C/TPA, with the student’s consent.

  4. Violations and the RTD Process

    A student driver with a drug and alcohol program violation is prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions, including operating a CMV, for any DOT-regulated employer until they have completed the return-to-duty process.

    Overview of the Return-to-Duty Process
    Completing the Return-to-Duty Process (Driver Visor Card)
    How To Designate a Substance Abuse Professional

    If a student driver believes their Clearinghouse data is inaccurate, they may request a data review.
    How to Submit a DataQs Petition
    Requests for Record Correction under the Privacy Act

  5. Other Resources

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