Once a driver-applicant chooses to go forward with a pre-employment drug test and the testing process begins, the applicant must complete the test, says the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

The agency is reminding employers and drivers who are subject to DOT-regulated drug tests that failing to comply with pre-employment testing procedures is considered a test refusal and has serious consequences.

The DOT recommends that employers explain the testing process to driver-applicants, including the time commitment involved, and explain that once the testing process has begun, the driver must complete the test regardless of other possible obligations or scheduling conflicts.

If an applicant chooses not to go forward with the hiring process and, therefore, chooses not to undergo the drug test, that’s not a refusal.

Once an applicant refuses a test, that fact will have to be reported to the CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and disclosed to future DOT-regulated employers who inquire about the applicant.