FMCSA Clearinghouse and the SAP Process
For CDL drivers, the Clearinghouse is the record that decides whether you can work — and it is updated at specific points.
How you end up prohibited
A reported violation places you in prohibited status. Employers must query the Clearinghouse before hiring and annually for current drivers, so the status follows you everywhere.
What the SAP records
Once you select a SAP and the evaluation begins, the SAP records the initial assessment date. After you successfully comply, the SAP records your eligibility for return-to-duty testing.
What actually lifts prohibited status
Your employer reports the negative return-to-duty test result. Until that is recorded, you remain prohibited even though the SAP work is finished.
Register and check it yourself
Drivers can register at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov and see their own record. It's worth checking, because errors do happen and they're easier to correct early.
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