The CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse now notifies employers if there is a change to a driver’s Clearinghouse record up to 12 months following a driver query. The new information in a Clearinghouse record may include changes such as an update in return-to-duty status, a removed violation, or a new violation. Previously, after conducting a pre-employment query, an employer received a notification from the Clearinghouse if there was a change to that driver’s Clearinghouse record within 30 days. 

A full follow-on query is needed to determine if the new information results in the driver having a “Prohibited” Clearinghouse status. Employers should complete a full follow-on query, which requires the driver’s specific consent, within 24 hours to determine if the new information prohibits the driver from performing safety-sensitive functions, such as operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).