Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
A pre-employment test happens after a job offer and before the new hire starts work. It is the most common test we do.
DOT pre-employment tests
For CDL drivers and other DOT-covered jobs, the new hire cannot start safety-sensitive work until the employer has a negative result. That means planning ahead: the result takes time.
A DOT pre-employment test is a urine drug test. Alcohol testing at hire is usually up to the employer.
Non-DOT pre-employment tests
For other jobs, your company policy decides:
- Which test: 5-panel, 10-panel or hair.
- Who gets tested: every new hire, or only some positions.
- What happens next if a test is not negative.
Write your policy down, and apply it the same way to everyone in the same role.
Tips for employers
- Send the test early. Don’t wait until the day before the start date.
- Give the applicant your company name or an order number so the right test is done.
- Decide who pays before you send them. Most employers pay for tests they require.
- Set up an employer account so applicants can be sent with your company name and you get one invoice.
Tips for applicants
Bring a photo ID and any paperwork your employer gave you. See what to bring to a drug test.