1. Initial evaluation
The SAP assesses your situation and recommends education and/or treatment.
Bakersfield • Kern County • DOT return-to-duty
A clear next step after a DOT violation.
If a positive test or refusal has stopped your safety-sensitive work, the SAP process can feel confusing. Start with the steps below, ask a general question in the chat, or send a private contact request.
For FMCSA drivers, the Clearinghouse adds a designation and reporting step. Other DOT modes may follow different agency procedures.
Understand the roles
The SAP does not give you a pass to drive
A SAP conducts an individualized evaluation, recommends education and/or treatment, and later evaluates successful compliance. If an employer chooses to return you to safety-sensitive duty, that employer handles the required return-to-duty test. The SAP provides a follow-up testing plan to the employer.
2. Follow-up evaluation
After participation, the SAP determines whether you demonstrated successful compliance.
3. Employer steps
The employer handles the return-to-duty test and, if you return, the follow-up testing plan.
Sources: 49 CFR §40.293, §40.301, §40.305.
Made for Kern County
Local context matters
Driving a commercial vehicle, working in transit, aviation, rail, or pipeline operations can involve different DOT rules. A job title or employer location alone does not establish coverage. Our guide helps you sort out the right questions before you contact a SAP.
Read the local guideComing into Bakersfield?
For people traveling from Shafter, Wasco, Delano, Lamont, Taft, Tehachapi, or other Kern County communities, check current transit schedules and confirm appointment details before making the trip.
Have a general SAP question?
Open the chat bubble on this page for general process information. For personal records or scheduling, use the contact form.