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RTD Step 6

DOT Follow-Up Testing Program (Step 6)

For drivers who completed the RTD test and now need SAP-directed follow-up testing to stay compliant after returning to duty.

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Return-to-Duty process: Step 5 and Step 6 work together

Drivers in FMCSA prohibited status must complete the SAP process, take a DOT observed Return-to-Duty test, and then remain enrolled in the SAP follow-up testing plan. goMDnow supports both the Step 5 RTD test and the Step 6 follow-up program.

View RTD guide
1SAP EvaluationDriver begins with a qualified Substance Abuse Professional.
2Education / TreatmentDriver completes the SAP-required recommendations.
3SAP Follow-Up EvaluationSAP reviews progress and confirms treatment requirements are complete.
4SAP ReleaseSAP authorizes the driver for Return-to-Duty testing.
5RTD TestOrder the DOT observed Step 5 test and Clearinghouse reporting. 6Follow-Up ProgramEnroll directly in Step 6 follow-up testing after RTD completion.

What Is DOT Follow-Up Testing?

Follow-up testing, also known as RTD Step 6, is the final phase of the DOT Return-to-Duty process. It begins after a driver successfully completes the RTD Step 5 test and returns to safety-sensitive duties.

Follow-up testing is mandatory, unannounced, and directed by a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional. The SAP determines the number and frequency of follow-up tests based on the driver's case.

Who Must Complete Follow-Up Testing?

Follow-up testing is required for CDL drivers and other DOT safety-sensitive employees who had a DOT drug or alcohol violation, completed SAP evaluation and education or treatment, passed the RTD Step 5 test, and returned to safety-sensitive duties.

This applies to company drivers, owner-operators, and independent contractors. Employers remain responsible for ensuring the SAP follow-up plan is completed as required.

Minimum Testing Requirements

DOT rules require at least six follow-up tests during the first 12 months after the driver returns to duty. The SAP may prescribe additional testing beyond this minimum and may extend the program for up to five years based on the driver's history and progress.

6+Tests required in first 12 months (DOT minimum)
5 yrsMaximum duration the SAP can extend the program

Follow-up tests are separate from random consortium tests. A driver enrolled in a SAP follow-up program may still be independently selected for random testing - the two programs run in parallel and neither substitutes for the other.

All positive results or refusals during follow-up testing must be reported to the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse - the same reporting obligation that applies to initial violations. Program completion is also tracked in the Clearinghouse once the SAP determines follow-up is no longer required.

What Happens If a Follow-Up Test Is Missed?

Missing or failing a SAP-directed follow-up test carries the same consequences as any other DOT drug or alcohol violation. Drivers and employers must understand that follow-up testing is not optional - non-compliance restarts the violation process.

Driver removed from duty The driver must immediately stop performing all safety-sensitive functions and re-enter the SAP process from Step 1.
Clearinghouse violation recorded A positive result or refusal during follow-up is reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse - visible to all future DOT-regulated employers.
Employer liability An employer who allows a driver to continue working after a failed or missed follow-up test faces direct FMCSA penalties and audit risk.
goMDnow tracks your schedule goMDnow monitors the SAP follow-up plan and coordinates testing reminders so neither the driver nor employer misses a required test.

Pricing and What Is Included

Step 6 Follow-Up Enrollment - total $135 / driver
SAP-directed follow-up plan setup and coordination$100
FMCSA Clearinghouse reporting support$35.00

Each individual follow-up test is ordered separately as required by the SAP-prescribed plan. Tests must be conducted at DOT-certified collection sites and are directly observed. goMDnow coordinates collection site access nationwide.

The SAP prescribes the test schedule - not the employer, driver, or goMDnow. Enrollment with goMDnow manages the administrative, coordination, and Clearinghouse reporting portions of the program. The number and timing of tests is determined solely by the SAP.

How It Works

1. Choose serviceSelect the DOT or non-DOT testing/compliance service you need.
2. Submit onlineComplete the order, enrollment, or request form with driver/employer details.
3. Use a nearby sitegoMDnow helps connect you with nationwide collection site access.
4. Stay compliantResults, documentation, and compliance support are handled according to the service type.

Related Services

Random ConsortiumDOT random pool enrollment and FMCSA compliance. RTD Step 5Observed RTD testing after SAP completion. Urine TestingDOT and non-DOT urine drug testing.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Follow-up testing is SAP-directed and applies only to drivers who had a DOT drug or alcohol violation. Random testing is part of a standard DOT random pool and applies to all safety-sensitive employees.
DOT requires at least six follow-up tests in the first 12 months after the driver returns to duty. The SAP can require additional tests beyond that minimum and can extend the program for up to five years.
Yes. All DOT follow-up drug tests are directly observed - a same-gender collector must be present for the entire specimen collection, as required under 49 CFR Part 40.
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) prescribes the follow-up testing plan after the driver completes SAP evaluation and any required education or treatment. The plan specifies the number of tests and the schedule.
goMDnow coordinates the follow-up plan setup, schedules testing as directed by the SAP, handles FMCSA Clearinghouse reporting for each result, and provides employers and drivers with compliance support throughout the program - typically 12 months to 5 years.
No. Follow-up testing does not replace required random consortium participation for regulated drivers. Once a driver returns to duty, they must re-enroll in or remain in the random testing pool alongside completing the SAP follow-up program.
Missing or failing a follow-up test is treated as a new DOT violation. The driver is immediately removed from safety-sensitive duty and must restart the SAP process from Step 1. The employer who allows the driver to continue working also faces FMCSA penalties.
The follow-up obligation follows the driver, not the employer. A new DOT-regulated employer must obtain the SAP follow-up plan and continue the program. The driver cannot perform safety-sensitive duties for the new employer until the follow-up plan is being administered.

Related Compliance Guides

Related Guide

DOT Follow-Up Testing Requirements

Learn more about requirements, common mistakes, and next steps.

Related Guide

Return-to-Duty Process Explained

Learn more about requirements, common mistakes, and next steps.

Related Guide

SAP Program Explained

Learn more about requirements, common mistakes, and next steps.

Need help choosing the right service?

goMDnow supports DOT transportation compliance and workplace drug testing for safety-sensitive employers nationwide.

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