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The Global Insight

What happens if you fail an FAA drug test?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on March 30, 2026

Airmen who fail a drug test are removed from performing safety-sensitive functions, required to undergo a substance abuse evaluation, and required to complete counseling or treatment. To make matters worse, airmen often are fired by their employer as a result of a failed test.

What happens if you fail a dot Pre-employment drug test?

If you fail or refuse a pre-employment DOT drug test, it will hinder your ability to get a safety-sensitive job. You will have to complete a Return-to-Duty program by a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) before applying for work.

Does a failed dot drug test go on your record?

In many cases where the drug is illegal, or there is no medical reason for using it, employment may be terminated. In addition, failing a DOT drug and alcohol test remains on your record for three years.

What happens if you fail 2 DOT drug test?

If you fail your DOT regulated drug test, DOT regulations require your employer to immediately remove you from performing any DOT safety-sensitive job. There may be other consequences, too, like losing your certification or license. This depends on your company’s policy or employment agreement.

Does the FAA random drug test?

Random testing is an effective means to remove employees engaged in such use from the performance of safety-sensitive functions. 2. What do the random testing regulations require? As an aviation employer, random testing is a required component of your FAA-mandated drug and alcohol testing program.

Can you retake a DOT drug test?

You may request a retest within 72 hours of receiving a positive test result after consulting with your MRO. You see, DOT drug and alcohol testing rely heavily on urine samples. The tests performed are carried on split samples.

What do you need to know about FAA drug testing?

DOT drug testing rules require FAA employers to test their employees for the following drugs: Marijuana, Opiates, PCP, Cocaine, and Amphetamines. For DOT Alcohol Testing, the prohibited alcohol concentration for FAA employees is 0.04% or greater. Instant tests can monitor the Breath Alcohol Concentration of drivers, immediately.

What happens if you fail a dot drug test?

For safety purposes, employers must do random DOT drugs and/or alcohol tests after hiring. Thus, if you are an employee or applicant you can be sure that you will have to undergo DOT drug and/or alcohol testing. What happens if you receive a failed DOT drug test? What are your next steps? Will it ruin your DOT safety-sensitive career?

What happens if a pilot refuses drug testing?

If the pilot doesn’t arrive at the appointed time or is thought to be tampering with the drug testing process they are considered to have refused to test.

Do you have to do dot drug and alcohol testing?

For safety purposes, employers must do random DOT drugs and/or alcohol tests after hiring. Thus, if you are an employee or applicant you can be sure that you will have to undergo DOT drug and/or alcohol testing.