FMCSA requires employers to designate a DER. Training is strongly recommended to ensure compliance.
Course Description
This course satisfies the FMCSA requirement under
49 CFR §382.603
for supervisors who may be required to make reasonable suspicion determinations involving
DOT-regulated drivers.
The training covers alcohol misuse and controlled substance use, including recognizing specific,
contemporaneous, articulable observations; proper documentation; testing timelines; refusal handling;
and supervisor responsibilities and limitations.
This course is intended for supervisors and managers who oversee drivers performing safety-sensitive functions.
This training does not authorize supervisors to interpret test results, handle testing devices,
or make medical determinations.
Who Should Take This Course
- Supervisors of CDL drivers
- Supervisors of DOT-regulated non-CDL drivers
- Safety managers with supervisory authority
What You’ll Learn
- How to recognize specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations that support reasonable suspicion
- Supervisor responsibilities, limitations, and proper escalation steps
- How to document observations in a timely and objective manner
- Testing timelines and what to do when testing is delayed or unavailable
- How refusals may be handled and documented according to policy

