A DOT SAP evaluation is a federally mandated assessment required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for employees in safety-sensitive positions, such as CDL drivers, who have violated DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations. The evaluation must be conducted by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who is trained and listed with the DOT.
During the SAP evaluation, the counselor reviews the details of the violation, explores the individual’s substance use history, and recommends the appropriate level of education or treatment. This process ensures compliance with FMCSA Return-to-Duty (RTD) requirements and helps determine readiness to safely return to work.
At Three Corners Counseling, DOT SAP evaluations are FMCSA-compliant, fully virtual, offered at a flat $400 rate, and available seven days a week, allowing drivers to complete the required steps efficiently and move forward in the return-to-duty process.
Step-by-Step DOT Return-to-Duty Process
The DOT Return-to-Duty (RTD) process is required for any CDL driver or safety-sensitive employee who has a DOT drug or alcohol violation. It is a federally regulated process designed to ensure compliance with DOT regulations and protect public safety. The required steps include:
1. Initial SAP Evaluation
A qualified DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) conducts a confidential assessment to review the violation and assess substance use history.
2. Education or Treatment
Based on the evaluation, the SAP recommends the appropriate education program and/or treatment services required for compliance.
3. Follow-Up SAP Evaluation
After completing the recommended education or treatment, the individual returns for a follow-up evaluation. The SAP confirms compliance and determines eligibility to proceed to the next step.
4. Return-to-Duty (RTD) Test
Once deemed eligible, the employer is responsible for scheduling a DOT drug and/or alcohol test. A verified negative result is required before returning to safety-sensitive duties.
5. Follow-Up Testing Plan
The SAP develops a written follow-up testing plan that outlines unannounced testing requirements (a minimum of six tests in the first 12 months, with follow-up testing continuing for up to five years, if required). Implementation of the plan occurs once the individual is employed in a safety-sensitive position.
FMCSA-Compliant and Fully Virtual
Our DOT SAP evaluations are 100% FMCSA-compliant and conducted fully online, allowing individuals to complete every required step of the process from the comfort of home. Virtual appointments reduce delays related to travel or scheduling while ensuring the evaluation remains professional, confidential, and compliant with federal regulations. All services are provided by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) experienced in DOT Return-to-Duty requirements.
Flat $400 Rate with Payment Plans Available
DOT SAP evaluations at Three Corners Counseling are offered at a flat $400 rate, with no hidden fees. This transparent pricing allows individuals to clearly understand the cost of the evaluation before starting the process.
Flexible payment plans are available, making it possible to begin the DOT Return-to-Duty process without unnecessary financial strain. Our goal is to ensure cost does not prevent timely access to a compliant SAP evaluation.
Next-Day Appointments, 7 Days a Week
We make it easy to begin the DOT SAP evaluation process with next-day virtual appointments available seven days a week. Individuals are not required to wait weeks to get scheduled.
This flexible availability helps reduce delays in the FMCSA Return-to-Duty process and allows qualified drivers to move forward efficiently toward returning to safety-sensitive work.
Service Areas for DOT SAP Evaluations
Through our fully virtual process, DOT SAP evaluations are available to qualified CDL drivers and safety-sensitive employees regardless of location. Services are delivered remotely and remain fully FMCSA-compliant, allowing individuals to complete the required steps without travel or geographic limitations.
To learn more about availability and state-specific considerations, select your location below.
Yes. Three Corners Counseling is listed on SAPList.com as a provider of DOT SAP evaluations in North Carolina. SAPList is a national directory used by drivers, employers, and third-party administrators to locate qualified SAPs.
Many drivers report finding my services through a combination of SAPList, Google search, and AI-based search tools.
Each SAP evaluation is reviewed individually, with recommendations based on DOT requirements and clinical findings. Many first-time cases only require education, not long or intensive programs. Each situation is reviewed individually based on the evaluation.
Many first-time DOT violations are appropriately addressed with online education, when no substance use disorder is identified during the evaluation. Recommendations are always based on the individual evaluation and DOT requirements.
No. You can complete the SAP evaluation and required steps without an employer. Once you are hired, your employer will order the Return-to-Duty test and implement the follow-up testing plan.
If you are an owner-operator or not currently employed, you can still complete the SAP evaluation and all required education or treatment now. You do not need an employer in place to begin the SAP process.
Once you are hired by a new employer, that employer will:
Order and administer the Return-to-Duty (RTD) drug and/or alcohol test
Implement the SAP-mandated follow-up testing plan
This process is standard and fully compliant with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Completing the SAP steps in advance often allows drivers to return to work more quickly once hired.
Yes. Many drivers complete the SAP process while between jobs so they are ready to return to work as soon as they are hired.
A DOT drug or alcohol violation stays in the FMCSA Clearinghouse for 5 years. If the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process is not completed, the violation remains visible until RTD is completed. Once RTD is completed, the record shows that you are eligible to return to safety-sensitive work.
In most cases, DOT SAP evaluations can be scheduled within 24 hours, including evenings and weekends, depending on availability. Offering fast scheduling allows drivers to begin the SAP process promptly and avoid unnecessary delays in the return-to-duty timeline.
All evaluations are conducted in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation SAP requirements.
At Three Corners Counseling, the fee for a DOT SAP evaluation is a flat $400, with no hidden fees. This includes:
The initial DOT SAP evaluation
Education and/or treatment recommendations, based on clinical assessment and ASAM guidelines
FMCSA Clearinghouse compliance, including proper documentation and required entries
A follow-up SAP evaluation once all requirements are completed
Communication with the employer or designated representative, as appropriate, to support the return-to-duty process
You will work directly with a master’s-level, DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) with experience navigating U.S. Department of Transportation regulations and FMCSA Clearinghouse requirements. Any required education or treatment is discussed clearly in advance so you know what to expect.
No. DOT SAP evaluations are not covered by insurance and must be paid out of pocket. This is because SAP evaluations are a federally mandated safety evaluation, not a medical or mental health therapy service.
At Three Corners Counseling, the SAP evaluation is offered for a flat fee of $400, with no hidden costs. This fee is intentionally kept reasonable and transparent to help drivers move through the SAP and return-to-duty process without unnecessary financial burden.
DOT SAP evaluations are governed by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations and FMCSA Clearinghouse requirements, which insurance companies do not reimburse.
Yes. I understand the financial strain a DOT violation can cause, so I offer flexible payment plans to help drivers begin the SAP process without paying the full fee upfront.
A $100 deposit is required to schedule and begin the SAP evaluation, with the remaining balance arranged through a payment plan discussed in advance. This allows you to move forward promptly while maintaining clear expectations and transparency.
No. Using a payment plan does not delay your ability to complete the SAP process, as long as you complete each required step and remain current on your payments.
However, Return-to-Duty eligibility will not be entered into the FMCSA Clearinghouse until your balance is paid in full. Once all SAP requirements are completed and the account balance is satisfied, RTD eligibility is entered promptly in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.
A $100 deposit is required to schedule and begin your DOT SAP evaluation. The remaining balance is arranged through a payment plan discussed in advance, allowing you to start the process without paying the full fee upfront.
Yes. All DOT SAP evaluations and follow-up services are conducted in full compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations and FMCSA Clearinghouse requirements. This includes proper SAP documentation, secure reporting, required Clearinghouse entries, and guidance regarding return-to-duty and follow-up testing responsibilities.
Yes. I am currently licensed to provide DOT SAP evaluations to individuals physically located in North Carolina or South Carolina at the time of the evaluation. All sessions are conducted virtually, so you can complete the SAP process from anywhere within the state.
Yes. I provide secure, compliant DOT SAP evaluations via telehealth for clients located anywhere in North Carolina. Telehealth allows drivers to complete the SAP process conveniently while remaining fully compliant with U.S. Department of Transportation and FMCSA Clearinghouse requirements.
After the initial evaluation, I provide a written education or treatment recommendation based on your clinical assessment and DOT requirements. Once you complete all recommended steps, we meet for a follow-up SAP evaluation to determine whether you have successfully complied with the SAP process.
If compliance is confirmed, I will enter your Return-to-Duty (RTD) test eligibility in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Your employer (or future employer) then orders the RTD drug and/or alcohol test.
Yes. I offer direct phone and text communication throughout the SAP process and strive to respond promptly, often the same day. You can reach out with questions about paperwork, education or treatment steps, or FMCSA Clearinghouse status. Ongoing communication helps ensure the process moves forward smoothly and without unnecessary delays, in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation requirements.
You can schedule your DOT SAP evaluation by booking online directly through my website or by calling or texting 828-519-0479. I respond promptly and will help you find the earliest available appointment.
The best way to reach me is by call or text. You’re also welcome to email if that’s easier. I respond promptly and will help you with scheduling or any questions about the SAP process.
Due to U.S. Department of Transportation regulations and the clinical nature of the SAP process, no refunds are provided once the initial SAP evaluation has started, whether completed in part or in full. This includes time spent reviewing information, conducting the evaluation, and initiating required documentation.
Before scheduling, I’m happy to answer questions so you can feel confident moving forward.
