Does Dollar General Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

Store-Level Positions — Most Entry-Level Roles Not Tested

Dollar General operates over 19,000 retail stores across the United States. For entry-level store positions such as sales associates and cashiers, the company generally does not require pre-employment drug testing. Employee reports consistently indicate that applicants for basic hourly retail positions were not asked to take a drug test during the hiring process. This approach reflects the broader retail industry trend of reducing pre-employment testing for entry-level roles to speed up hiring and reduce costs in a competitive labor market.

Key Holders and Management — Testing Is Standard

Drug testing becomes more common as you move up the management chain at Dollar General. Key holders — employees entrusted with store keys and opening/closing responsibilities — are frequently drug tested during the hiring process. Assistant store managers and store managers are almost always required to pass a pre-employment drug test. These positions carry significant responsibility including cash handling, employee supervision, inventory management, and store security, which Dollar General uses to justify the additional screening requirement.

Distribution Centers — Mandatory Testing

Dollar General distribution center (warehouse) employees are subject to mandatory pre-employment drug testing. This includes all positions within the distribution centers — order selectors, forklift operators, dock workers, and supervisors. The distribution center environment involves operating heavy machinery, forklifts, and other equipment that creates safety risks, making drug testing a standard requirement. Distribution center employees may also be subject to random drug testing during their employment, in addition to post-accident and reasonable-suspicion testing.

CDL Drivers — DOT-Mandated Testing

Dollar General employs CDL truck drivers to transport products between distribution centers and stores. These drivers are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) under 49 CFR Part 40 and are subject to the full range of DOT drug testing: pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable-suspicion, and return-to-duty testing. DOT testing screens for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and PCP. These requirements cannot be waived, and a positive result triggers mandatory referral to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

Post-Accident and Reasonable Suspicion Testing

All Dollar General employees, regardless of position, are subject to drug testing after a workplace accident or when a manager has reasonable suspicion of impairment. If you are injured on the job, involved in an incident that causes property damage, or if a supervisor observes signs of drug or alcohol impairment, you may be required to take a drug test. Refusing to submit to a post-accident or reasonable-suspicion test is typically treated as a positive result and can lead to termination.

What Type of Drug Test Does Dollar General Use?

Dollar General uses a standard urine drug test (urinalysis) for its drug screening. The test is conducted at an authorized third-party clinic — not at the store or distribution center. Applicants are typically given government ID requirements and HR paperwork to bring to the testing appointment. The standard panel screens for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP (phencyclidine). Results are confidential and shared only with HR. The testing is typically completed within a few days of the job offer for positions that require it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dollar General drug test cashiers?

No, Dollar General does not typically drug test cashiers or sales associates during the hiring process. Entry-level retail store positions are generally exempt from pre-employment drug screening. However, cashiers can still be tested after a workplace accident or if a manager suspects impairment on the job.

Does Dollar General drug test for marijuana?

When Dollar General does drug test (for management, distribution center, and driver positions), the standard urine test includes marijuana (THC) on the panel. Dollar General does not have a public policy exempting marijuana from drug screens in states where it is legal. Entry-level store employees who are not drug tested during hiring do not need to worry about marijuana screening unless involved in a post-accident or reasonable-suspicion scenario.

What kind of drug test does Dollar General use?

Dollar General uses a urine drug test (urinalysis) as its standard screening method. The test is conducted at an authorized third-party clinic and screens for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP. You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any HR paperwork provided to you. Results are typically available within 2-5 business days.

Does Dollar General drug test distribution center workers?

Yes. Dollar General distribution center (warehouse) employees are subject to mandatory pre-employment drug testing. This applies to all distribution center positions including order selectors, forklift operators, dock workers, and warehouse supervisors. The distribution center environment involves heavy machinery and equipment, making drug testing a safety requirement.

Does Dollar General drug test key holders?

Yes, in most locations. Key holders are employees entrusted with store keys and the responsibility of opening and closing the store. Because of this elevated responsibility, Dollar General typically requires key holders to pass a pre-employment drug test. If you are being promoted from a sales associate position to a key holder role, you may be required to take a drug test as part of the promotion process.

Does Dollar General do random drug tests?

Random drug testing at Dollar General is primarily limited to distribution center employees and CDL truck drivers (who are subject to DOT-mandated random testing). Random drug testing for retail store employees is uncommon. However, all employees are subject to post-accident testing and reasonable-suspicion testing at any time.

Does Dollar General drug test store managers?

Yes. Store managers and assistant store managers are required to pass a pre-employment drug test at Dollar General. Management positions carry significant responsibility including cash handling, employee supervision, and store security, which is why drug testing is standard for these roles.

What happens if I fail a Dollar General drug test?

If you fail a pre-employment drug test at Dollar General, your job offer will be rescinded or you will be disqualified from the position. If you are a current employee who fails a post-accident or reasonable-suspicion test, you may face termination. For DOT-regulated positions (CDL drivers), a positive test triggers a mandatory Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) referral and a return-to-duty process.

Does Dollar General drug test part-time employees?

For part-time sales associates and cashiers, Dollar General generally does not require a pre-employment drug test. The testing policy is based on the position, not whether the role is part-time or full-time. Part-time management or key holder positions would still be subject to drug testing.

Can I be drug tested when transferring stores at Dollar General?

It depends on the circumstances. A lateral transfer between stores in the same position typically does not require a new drug test. However, if you are transferring to a higher-level position (such as from sales associate to key holder or manager), you may be required to complete a drug test as part of the promotion process, even if you were not tested for your original position.