DOT SAP Evaluation in Tennessee
Three Corners Counseling provides virtual DOT SAP evaluations for eligible CDL drivers and other DOT-regulated employees in Tennessee. The $400 SAP fee includes the initial evaluation, follow-up evaluation, and required SAP updates in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Education or treatment costs are separate.
​
Work directly with David Newson, MS, LADAC II, SAP. Call or text 828-519-0479 to get started.
Who provides Tennessee DOT SAP evaluations?
David Newson, MS, LADAC II, SAP, provides Tennessee DOT SAP evaluations through Three Corners Counseling. David holds Tennessee Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor II license #1885 and is a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional. Virtual appointments are available to eligible CDL drivers and other DOT-regulated safety-sensitive employees physically located in Tennessee.
​
How much does a DOT SAP evaluation cost in Tennessee?
At Three Corners Counseling, the SAP fee is $400. This includes the initial evaluation, review of completion documentation, follow-up evaluation, and required SAP updates in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Recommended education or treatment and return-to-duty testing costs are separate. Educational courses commonly cost approximately $60–$160; treatment costs depend on the recommendation and provider.
​
Can I complete my Tennessee SAP evaluation online?
Yes. Three Corners Counseling offers initial and follow-up SAP evaluations through secure video appointments for eligible individuals physically located in Tennessee. You need a private setting and a reliable connection with working audio and video. Return-to-duty testing is arranged separately, and recommended education or treatment may involve additional attendance requirements.
​
What happens during the DOT SAP process?
The process begins with an initial evaluation by a DOT-qualified SAP, who recommends appropriate education and/or treatment. After completing those recommendations, you attend a follow-up evaluation to assess successful compliance. If eligible, you proceed to separately arranged return-to-duty testing. The SAP also establishes a follow-up testing plan that must be implemented after you resume safety-sensitive duties.
​
How long does the SAP process take?
There is no fixed completion timeline. The length of the SAP process depends on your individual evaluation, required education or treatment, provider availability, and successful completion of the recommendations. The follow-up evaluation determines eligibility for return-to-duty testing. Your actual return to safety-sensitive work also depends on separately arranged testing and applicable employer requirements.
​
Can I start the SAP process without an employer?
Yes. You can complete the initial SAP evaluation, recommended education or treatment, and follow-up SAP evaluation without a current employer. Return-to-duty testing is a separate step with specific coordination and reporting requirements. Completing your SAP requirements does not, by itself, authorize you to resume safety-sensitive driving.​
​
Schedule Your Tennessee DOT SAP Evaluation
To begin, call or text Three Corners Counseling at 828-519-0479 or book your SAP evaluation online. Confirm your physical location, current appointment availability, and payment arrangements when scheduling. You will receive instructions for intake paperwork and your virtual appointment. Contact the practice before submitting your SAP designation in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Learn more about the full DOT SAP process, review how to designate an SAP in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, or explore DOT SAP pricing and payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee DOT SAP Evaluations
Can I return to driving immediately after my SAP follow-up evaluation?
No. Successfully completing your SAP requirements makes you eligible for return-to-duty testing; it does not immediately authorize you to drive. You must complete the required testing and meet applicable return-to-duty requirements before resuming safety-sensitive duties. For FMCSA-regulated drivers, the required negative return-to-duty test result must also be reported to the Clearinghouse.
Who arranges my return-to-duty test?
Your employer generally arranges your return-to-duty test after the SAP determines that you have successfully completed the recommendations. Owner-operators work through their designated consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA). The SAP evaluates your compliance and establishes your follow-up testing plan; the SAP evaluation appointment does not include the return-to-duty test.
Can an owner-operator complete the DOT SAP process?
Yes. Owner-operators must complete the initial SAP evaluation, recommended education or treatment, and follow-up SAP evaluation. Your designated consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) must arrange the return-to-duty test and handle required employer reporting in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Completing the SAP evaluations alone does not authorize you to resume driving.
Does a Clearinghouse violation disappear after five years?
Not automatically. Violation information remains in the FMCSA Clearinghouse for five years from the violation determination or until successful completion of the follow-up testing plan, whichever is later. Waiting five years does not replace completing the return-to-duty process or automatically restore your eligibility to perform safety-sensitive driving.
Does a first DOT violation always require treatment?
A first violation does not automatically determine whether you need education, treatment, or both. The SAP makes an individualized recommendation based on your clinical evaluation. You must successfully comply with the recommendations and complete a follow-up evaluation before becoming eligible for return-to-duty testing. No particular recommendation can be promised before the evaluation.
What happens if I do not complete my SAP recommendations?
If you do not successfully comply with your SAP recommendations, the SAP cannot determine that you are eligible for return-to-duty testing. Contact your SAP if you encounter problems accessing or completing the recommended services. The next steps depend on your circumstances; simply waiting does not satisfy the requirements.
Do you offer payment plans for Tennessee SAP evaluations?
Payment options may be available through Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, or directly through Three Corners Counseling, depending on eligibility and the arrangement selected. Contact Three Corners Counseling to confirm available options and payment requirements before scheduling. Recommended education or treatment is separate from the SAP fee and may involve additional costs.
How do I schedule a Tennessee DOT SAP evaluation?
Call or text Three Corners Counseling at 828-519-0479, or use the online SAP booking option. Confirm your physical location, current appointment availability, and payment arrangements when getting started. You will receive instructions for intake paperwork and your virtual evaluation. Contact the practice before submitting your SAP designation in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Our Blog