Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors of CDL Drivers

Practical FMCSA-Focused Training for Designated Supervisors

Supervisors must be prepared to recognize relevant observations, follow the employer's policy and make timely, defensible decisions without diagnosing an employee or relying on rumor.

This instructor-led program is designed for supervisors of CDL drivers subject to FMCSA drug-and-alcohol testing requirements.

Price: $99 per participant
Delivery: Onsite only
Length: 4–8 hours
Private-class minimum: Seven-participant billing minimum
Maximum class size: 20 participants
Written assessment: 25-question multiple-choice examination
Completion document: J. J. Keller certificate
Optional handbook: $10
TBT refresher recommendation: Every two years

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Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for people designated to supervise CDL drivers covered by the employer's FMCSA drug-and-alcohol testing program, including:

• Frontline supervisors
• Superintendents and operations managers
• Public works and utility supervisors
• Fleet managers
• Department managers and directors
• Human resources and safety personnel who support the process

Employees who do not supervise CDL drivers should select the driver-awareness or general workplace course that matches their role.

FMCSA Training Component

The course includes at least:

• 60 minutes addressing alcohol misuse
• 60 minutes addressing controlled-substance use

The purpose is to help designated supervisors recognize physical, behavioral, speech and performance indicators that may support a reasonable-suspicion testing decision.

The longer TBT format allows time for policy discussion, documentation practice, scenarios, questions and application to the client's operating environment.

What Participants Will Learn

Topics may include:

• The supervisor's role in the employer's testing program
• Specific, contemporaneous and articulable observations
• Physical, behavioral, speech and performance indicators
• Distinguishing observations from assumptions and diagnoses
• Timing and limitations associated with testing decisions
• Documentation practices
• Confidentiality and respectful communication
• Removing an employee from safety-sensitive work
• Transportation and immediate-response considerations
• Employer policy, contacts and escalation procedures
• Scenario-based decision-making

The client should provide its current drug-and-alcohol policy and relevant procedures before the class.

Course Format and Assessment

Successful completion requires:

• Full attendance
• Participation in discussion and scenarios
• Completion of the required alcohol and controlled-substance instruction
• A passing score on the 25-question multiple-choice examination

Successful participants receive a J. J. Keller certificate.

Initial Training and Refresher Guidance

Under FMCSA rules, designated supervisors must receive the required training before making reasonable-suspicion determinations. Recurrent federal training is generally not required after the supervisor completes the initial requirement.

TBT recommends refresher training every two years to reinforce observation, documentation and decision-making skills. Earlier training may be appropriate when:

• A new supervisor is assigned
• Employer policies or testing procedures change
• Documentation or decision-making deficiencies are identified
• The organization experiences a difficult case or audit finding
• The employer adopts a shorter internal refresher cycle

The two-year interval is a TBT recommendation, not an FMCSA certificate-expiration requirement.

Important Program Boundary

This course trains supervisors to perform their assigned role. It does not:

• Diagnose substance-use disorders
• Replace the employer's written policy
• Establish the employer's entire testing program
• Provide legal advice
• Make the testing decision for the employer
• Create an affiliation with or endorsement by FMCSA or the U.S. Department of Transportation

Employers should obtain qualified regulatory or legal guidance for questions about program coverage, policy language, collective bargaining, employee relations or specific cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as driver drug-and-alcohol awareness?

No. Reasonable Suspicion Training prepares designated supervisors to make and document testing determinations. Driver education explains the testing program, prohibited conduct, consequences and employer policy to covered drivers.

Is two hours sufficient?

FMCSA specifies at least 60 minutes on alcohol misuse and 60 minutes on controlled-substance use. TBT's four- to eight-hour format adds application, documentation, policy discussion and scenarios.

Does the supervisor need to repeat the course every two years?

FMCSA generally treats the requirement as one-time training. TBT recommends a two-year refresher cycle as a risk-management practice.

Can our policy be included?

Yes. Provide the current policy before class so the instructor can plan the appropriate discussion.

Registration and Private Scheduling

Public onsite classes may be advertised through Eventbrite. Private classes have a seven-participant billing minimum and a maximum of 20 participants.

Phone: 813-360-1526
Email: service@tampabaytraining.com

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