How long does the DOT SAP process take?

Timelines vary based on your recommended education or treatment and how quickly you complete it. After you finish and have a follow-up evaluation, your SAP can determine eligibility for a return-to-duty test. Many cases finish in weeks when education is required and the client completes steps promptly.

Do you offer virtual SAP evaluations across North Carolina?

Yes. Evaluations are available via secure telehealth for clients anywhere in North Carolina, with limited in-person availability.

What are the steps after a DOT violation?

1) Schedule and complete your SAP initial evaluation; 2) Complete the SAP-recommended education or treatment; 3) Attend your SAP follow-up evaluation; 4) If compliant, your SAP may enter return-to-duty eligibility in the Clearinghouse; 5) Take a negative return-to-duty test; 6) Complete the SAP-prescribed follow-up testing plan with your employer.

Do you work with employers and Designated Employer Representatives (DERs)?

Yes. We coordinate with employers and DERs to ensure compliance with DOT regulations, including documentation and follow-up testing plans.

What if I used marijuana or another substance recently?

Honesty is essential. Your SAP evaluation will consider your history and risks to determine an appropriate, regulation-compliant education or treatment plan.

Do you accept insurance for SAP services?

Most SAP services are paid out-of-pocket. You may request a superbill to seek out-of-network reimbursement, but coverage varies by plan.

How quickly can I schedule?

Appointments are often available within 24–48 hours. Use the scheduling link on this page to request the next opening.

Call or Text 828-519-0479 to begin the RTD process

DOT SAP Evaluation in North Carolina - FMCSA Return-to-Duty Program

Q: What is a DOT SAP evaluation?

A DOT SAP evaluation is an assessment by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional required after a DOT violation. It determines the education or treatment you must complete before being eligible for a return-to-duty test and safety-sensitive work.

Begin Return-to-Duty

What is a DOT SAP Evaluation?

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 your history with substance use, and recommends the appropriate level of education or treatment. This process ensures that you meet FMCSA Return-to-Duty (RTD) requirements and are safe to return to work.

At Three Corners Counseling, our SAP evaluations in North Carolina are FMCSA-compliant, fully virtual, affordable at a flat $400 rate, and available seven days a week, helping drivers complete the process quickly and get back on the road.

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 structured, federally regulated program designed to ensure compliance and public safety. The steps are:

Initial SAP Evaluation - A qualified DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) conducts a confidential assessment to review the violation and your history.
Education or Treatment - Based on the evaluation, the SAP recommends the appropriate education program or treatment services.
Follow-Up SAP Evaluation - After completing the recommended program, you return for a follow-up evaluation. The SAP confirms compliance and determines if you are eligible to proceed.
Return-to-Duty Test - Your employer schedules a DOT drug or alcohol test. A negative result is required before you can return to safety-sensitive work.
Follow-Up Testing Plan - The SAP creates a written plan for unannounced follow-up tests (minimum of 6 in the first 12 months, and up to 5 years if needed).

Why Choose Three Corners Counseling for Your SAP Evaluation?

FMCSA-Compliant and Fully Virtual

Our DOT SAP evaluations are 100% FMCSA-compliant and conducted fully online, so you can complete every step of the process from the comfort of your home. Virtual appointments make it easier for CDL drivers across North Carolina to meet federal requirements without travel delays, while still receiving professional, confidential support from a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

Flat $400 Rate with Payment Plans Available

We offer DOT SAP evaluations in North Carolina at a flat $400 rate, making us one of the most affordable FMCSA-compliant providers in the state. To ensure cost is never a barrier, we also provide flexible payment plans, allowing CDL drivers to begin the Return-to-Duty process right away without financial stress.

Next-Day Appointments, 7 Days a Week

We make it easy to start your DOT SAP evaluation in North Carolina with next-day virtual appointments available 7 days a week. CDL drivers don’t have to wait weeks to get scheduled. Our flexible availability helps you move through the FMCSA Return-to-Duty process quickly so you can get back to work without unnecessary delays.

Serving CDL Drivers Statewide in North Carolina

Through our fully virtual process, we provide DOT SAP evaluations to CDL drivers across all of North Carolina, including Asheville, Charlotte, Chapel Hill/Durham, Raleigh, and Wilmington. Whether you’re based in a large city or a rural community, you can access an FMCSA-compliant SAP evaluation designed to help you complete the Return-to-Duty process quickly, affordably, and with the support of a qualified professional.

Fast and Efficient DOT SAP Evaluations in North Carolina

Some CDL drivers are able to complete the DOT SAP process in just a matter of days, especially when they have quick access to education resources and follow through with recommendations right away. However, the exact length of time depends on the clinical assessment and the requirements set by DOT guidelines. The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) must recommend education or treatment that is appropriate to the driver’s history and needs, and the process cannot be rushed beyond what federal regulations allow. At Three Corners Counseling, we focus on making each step as efficient as possible while still ensuring full FMCSA compliance so drivers can safely and legally return to duty.

Learn more about DOT Assessments in:

Asheville, NC

Chapel Hill, NC

Charlotte, NC

Clayton, NC

Concord, NC

Durham, NC

Fayetteville, NC

Franklin, NC

Gastonia, NC

Greensboro, NC

Greenville, NC

Hendersonville, NC

Hickory, NC

Lexington, NC

Morganton, NC

New Bern, NC

Raleigh, NC

Wilmington, NC

Winston-Salem, NC

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Frequently Asked Questions

For your SAP evaluation, please have your CDL or driver’s license, any available documentation related to your DOT violation (such as a positive test result or refusal to test), and the name and contact information of your Designated Employer Representative (DER) if you’re currently employed. These details help ensure your return-to-duty process moves forward smoothly. If you're unsure about what you need, I’ll walk you through it during our session.