MENU
SEARCHThe federal agency’s clearinghouse will contain records of violations of FMCSA’s drug and alcohol testing program by commercial drivers, including school bus drivers.
The FMCSA's clearinghouse will contain records of violations of the agency's drug and alcohol testing program by commercial drivers, including school bus drivers. File photo
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has opened registration for the national drug and alcohol testing clearinghouse for commercial drivers.
As previously reported, starting in 2020, the clearinghouse database will serve as a central repository containing records of violations of FMCSA’s drug and alcohol testing program by commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, including school bus drivers.
“As this Congressional mandate is enacted, FMCSA’s goal is to ensure drivers, employers, and everyone who will be using the clearinghouse are registered as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said Raymond P. Martinez, the agency’s administrator. “FMCSA is here to be helpful during this implementation, and we strongly encourage all commercial motor vehicle stakeholders to get registered in the clearinghouse now.”
Registration for the clearinghouse is free, and authorized users will be able to access the online database once it is fully implemented on Jan. 6, 2020. Authorized users include:
Drivers who hold a CDL or commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
Employers of CDL drivers. This includes those who employ themselves as CDL drivers (owner-operators).
Consortia/Third-Party Administrators (C/TPAs).
Medical Review Officers (MROs).
Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs).
Learn more about the positive effects of license monitoring.
Commercial drivers are not required to immediately register for the clearinghouse but will need to register to respond to an employer’s request for consent prior to a pre-employment query or other full query being conducted, according to the FMCSA. The clearinghouse website also contains several resources, including user brochures and instructional aids with step-by-step registration instructions for all users.
For more information on the clearinghouse, go here.
Related: Feds Issue Final Rule Aiming to Cut Costs on CDL Upgrades
Winners, photos, and highlights from the 2026 NYSBCA School Bus Driver Safety Competition, where drivers across the Empire State showcased safety skills and precision behind the wheel.
Read More →
Buried within a sweeping federal transportation bill are provisions that could affect school bus driver requirements, illegal passing enforcement, and even the future role of autonomous technology in pupil transportation.
Read More →
With nearly two decades at the helm of Pocono Transportation, Aaron Sepkowski has transformed a family-run operation into a modern, safety-focused contractor, while championing innovation, workforce development, and advocacy across Pennsylvania’s school transportation industry.
Read More →
From AI-powered safety platforms to electric fleet innovation, companies across the student transportation industry are earning national recognition for reshaping how students get to school safely and sustainably.
Read More →
See how Martin Staples applies decades of mission-focused leadership and operational experience to helping school districts keep students safe in this National Military Appreciation Month profile.
Read More →
Keith Corso and the BusRight team make it a goal to exceed expectations, always. Hear the secret sauce behind this 2026 Trailblazer in his own words in this podcast.
Read More →
How does Keith Corso and BusRight truly empower their customers? It all comes down to exceeding expectations. Hear more about the secret sauce behind this 2026 SBF award winner in his own words. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
A look at how HopSkipDrive's Routewise AI tool has helped stretch district transportation budgets and get students more classroom time.
Read More →
ACT Expo 2026 showcased the latest innovations in electric school buses, fleet charging, AI, V2G technology, diagnostics, and clean transportation. Check out the highlights from Blue Bird, IC Bus, Thomas Built Buses, RIDE, Cummins, Geotab, and more.
Read More →
A new Ridership Management solution debuts for school transportation. Meanwhile, the company honored Garden City Public Schools for safety and operational improvements using its tech.
Read More →
