TL;DR: DOT 5-Panel Drug Test
5-panel urine drug screen required by 49 CFR Part 40
Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opioids, PCP
$140 standalone | $200 combined with DOT physical
Negative: 20 minutes | Positive: 24-48 hours after MRO review
LabCorp HHS-certified laboratory with GC-MS confirmation
8415 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28226
Dr. Alan Tebby and Dr. Lemuel Byrd have administered thousands of DOT 5-panel drug tests at Charlotte DOT Exam Center since 1991. With 84+ years of combined clinical experience and FMCSA certification, our medical examiners understand exactly what the federal government requires—and what you need to protect your CDL career. We maintain a 4.8-star rating because drivers trust our expertise and straightforward approach.
The DOT 5-panel drug test is the cornerstone of federal drug testing for commercial drivers. If you hold a CDL or perform safety-sensitive transportation functions, you’ll encounter this test multiple times throughout your career. Understanding what it screens for—and what it doesn’t—can mean the difference between keeping your license and losing your livelihood.
We focus exclusively on DOT compliance—it’s all we do. While urgent care clinics juggle flu patients between drug tests, our collectors follow federal protocols daily. This specialization means faster processing, fewer paperwork errors, and staff who speak fluent FMCSA. When your career depends on accurate results, experience matters.
What Is the DOT 5-Panel Drug Test?
The DOT 5-panel drug test is a federally mandated urine screening that detects five specific categories of controlled substances. The Department of Transportation requires this exact panel for all safety-sensitive employees—employers can’t add substances, and testing facilities can’t modify the cutoff levels.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 40 govern every aspect of this test. The standardization ensures consistency whether you’re tested in Charlotte, Los Angeles, or anywhere else in the country. A positive result carries the same consequences regardless of where you’re tested.
The Five Substance Categories Tested
Each substance category in the DOT 5-panel has specific compounds and metabolites that laboratories screen for:
🧪 DOT 5-Panel Drug Test Categories
The test detects THC-COOH, the primary metabolite of marijuana. This includes THC from any source—recreational marijuana, medical marijuana, CBD products, and hemp-derived Delta-8 or Delta-9. State legalization doesn’t matter; federal law still prohibits THC for CDL holders.
Screens for benzoylecgonine, cocaine’s primary metabolite. Detection typically occurs 2-4 days after use. There are no legitimate medical explanations for cocaine in your system.
Detects amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and MDA. Some prescription medications like Adderall can trigger positive results, requiring MRO verification.
Tests for codeine, morphine, 6-AM (heroin marker), hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. Prescription opioids require documentation from your prescribing physician.
No legitimate medical use exists for PCP. Any positive result indicates prohibited drug use with no acceptable medical explanation.
DOT 5-Panel Cutoff Levels
Federal regulations establish specific cutoff concentrations that determine positive versus negative results. These levels balance detection sensitivity against false positives from passive exposure or cross-reactivity:
When an initial immunoassay screen indicates a presumptive positive, the laboratory performs gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmation testing. This two-step process virtually eliminates false positives from the laboratory side.
What the DOT 5-Panel Does NOT Test For
Understanding what’s excluded from DOT testing is just as important as knowing what’s included:
- Alcohol: Requires separate evidential breath testing
- Synthetic cannabinoids: K2, Spice, and similar products
- Kratom: Not federally regulated for DOT testing
- Benzodiazepines: Xanax, Valium, Ativan (employers may add to non-DOT tests)
- Barbiturates: Not part of federal requirements
- Fentanyl: Not specifically included in standard DOT panel
Don’t assume excluded substances are safe to use. Employers can conduct separate non-DOT drug testing for additional substances under company policy. More importantly, impairment from any substance while operating a commercial vehicle violates federal safety regulations.
The Testing Process at Charlotte DOT Exam Center
We follow the federally mandated collection process for every DOT 5-panel drug test:
Present valid photo ID. Our collector verifies your identity and has you review the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form (CCF).
Empty your pockets and provide a minimum of 45 mL of urine in a private restroom. The collector waits outside unless direct observation is required.
We verify the specimen temperature falls between 90-100°F within four minutes of collection. Out-of-range temperatures may require observed recollection.
Your specimen is split into primary (Bottle A) and split (Bottle B) samples, sealed with tamper-evident tape, and shipped to LabCorp for analysis.
When Is the DOT 5-Panel Required?
Federal regulations mandate the 5-panel test in six specific situations:
- Pre-employment: Before performing any safety-sensitive function for a new employer
- Random: Unannounced testing from the employer’s random selection pool
- Post-accident: Following qualifying accidents within specified timeframes
- Reasonable suspicion: When trained supervisors observe signs of drug use
- Return-to-duty: Before resuming work after a violation
- Follow-up: Ongoing testing after returning from a violation
Each testing type uses the identical 5-panel. The circumstances differ, but the substances screened remain constant across all DOT drug testing.
Consequences of a Positive DOT 5-Panel Result
A verified positive result on your DOT 5-panel triggers immediate and long-term consequences:
🚫 What Happens After a Positive Result
- Immediate removal from all safety-sensitive duties
- Mandatory reporting to the FMCSA Clearinghouse
- CDL downgrade effective since November 2024
- Required SAP evaluation before any path to reinstatement
The consequences of failing extend to future employment. Every CDL employer must query the Clearinghouse before hiring, and your violation remains visible until you complete the entire return-to-duty process.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DOT 5-Panel Drug Test
What drugs does the DOT 5-panel test for?
The DOT 5-panel drug test screens for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA), opioids (codeine, morphine, heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone), and phencyclidine (PCP). This panel is federally mandated under 49 CFR Part 40 and can’t be modified by employers or testing facilities.
How much does a DOT 5-panel drug test cost in Charlotte?
At Charlotte DOT Exam Center, the DOT 5-panel drug test costs $140. We also offer a combined DOT physical and drug test package for $200, saving you $10 compared to scheduling separately. Pricing includes collection, LabCorp laboratory analysis, and MRO review.
How long does THC stay in your system for a DOT drug test?
THC detection windows vary significantly based on usage patterns. Occasional users may test positive for 3-7 days, while regular users can test positive for 30 days or longer. Heavy, chronic users have tested positive for 60-90 days after last use. The DOT cutoff is 50 ng/mL for initial screening and 15 ng/mL for confirmation.
Can I fail a DOT 5-panel from CBD products?
Yes. Many CBD products contain THC levels that can trigger positive results. The FDA doesn’t certify CBD product labeling, and DOT doesn’t recognize CBD use as a legitimate medical explanation for positive marijuana results. CDL drivers should avoid all CBD and hemp-derived products.
What happens if my prescription causes a positive result?
The Medical Review Officer will contact you to verify legitimate prescriptions. You’ll need to provide the prescribing physician’s information and demonstrate the medication was prescribed to you. However, some medications, including certain opioids, may disqualify you from commercial driving even with a valid prescription.
Is the DOT 5-panel the same as a standard employment drug test?
No. DOT drug testing follows strict federal protocols under 49 CFR Part 40, while standard employment tests are governed by state law and employer policy. The DOT panel is standardized nationwide, requires specific collection procedures, mandates MRO review, and reports violations to the federal Clearinghouse.
Schedule Your DOT 5-Panel Drug Test
Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides DOT 5-panel drug testing for CDL drivers and employers throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Call 704-544-3494 to schedule your appointment or visit us at 8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28226.
For comprehensive information about all DOT drug testing requirements, visit our main DOT Drug Testing Charlotte NC hub page.
