Owner-Operator DOT Physical Exam in Charlotte, NC
TL;DR – Owner-Operator DOT Physical Quick Facts
- Cost: $70 flat rate – includes exam, urinalysis, and laminated medical card
- Certification period: Up to 24 months for healthy drivers
- Walk-ins welcome: No appointment needed, Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM
- FMCSA submission: Results electronically transmitted to National Registry within 1 hour
- Experience: Dr. Alan M. Tebby (40+ years) and Dr. Lemuel Byrd (44+ years)
- Location: 8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte NC 28226
Why Owner-Operators Need Reliable DOT Physical Providers
As an owner-operator, your truck is your business—and your DOT medical certificate is your license to operate it. Unlike company drivers who may have appointments scheduled by fleet managers, owner-operators bear full responsibility for maintaining certification under 49 CFR Part 391.
An expired medical certificate means your CDL is downgraded—you can’t legally drive your truck until recertified. For owner-operators, downtime means lost revenue.
What Makes Owner-Operator DOT Physicals Different?
The examination is identical to any CDL driver’s DOT physical. What’s different is the business impact:
| Consideration | Company Driver | Owner-Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays for physical | Often employer | You pay directly |
| Who tracks expiration | Fleet manager | Your responsibility |
| Impact of downtime | Paid time off possible | Direct income loss |
| Medical issue management | HR/company support | Handle independently |
Owner-Operator Business Considerations
Budget for certification: At $70 every 1-2 years, DOT physicals are a predictable, tax-deductible business expense.
Schedule proactively: Don’t wait until expiration. Schedule renewal 30-60 days early to avoid gaps that could cost loads.
Maintain health records: Keep copies of medical certificates, compliance documentation, and specialist clearances organized.
Charlotte: Hub for Owner-Operators
Charlotte’s position at the intersection of I-77 and I-85 makes it a natural hub:
Major freight corridors: I-77 connects Charlotte to Ohio manufacturing and South Carolina ports. I-85 links to Atlanta and Virginia markets.
Distribution centers: Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other major retailers operate distribution facilities throughout the Charlotte metro.
Port access: Charleston and Wilmington ports are within reasonable distance, creating container and intermodal freight opportunities.
What Does a Owner-Operator DOT Physical Examine?
At Charlotte DOT Exam Center, our FMCSA-certified medical examiners—Dr. Alan M. Tebby and Dr. Lemuel Byrd—evaluate all commercial drivers using federal standards:
Vision: Minimum 20/40 acuity in each eye, 70-degree peripheral vision, and color recognition for traffic signals.
Hearing: Must perceive forced whisper at 5 feet.
Blood pressure: Below 140/90 for 2-year certification. Higher readings receive shorter certification periods.
Physical fitness: Neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and respiratory assessment.
Urinalysis: Screens for underlying conditions like diabetes—separate from drug testing.
Certification Periods by Health Status
| Health Status | Certificate Duration |
|---|---|
| Healthy, all standards met | 24 months |
| Treated Stage 1 hypertension | 12 months |
| Insulin-treated diabetes (with exemption) | 12 months |
| Sleep apnea with CPAP compliance | 12 months |
| Conditions requiring monitoring | 3-12 months |
What Should Owner-Operators Bring to Their DOT Physical?
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Current glasses or contact lenses if worn while driving
- Complete medication list with dosages
- CPAP compliance data if you have sleep apnea
- Blood glucose logs if you have diabetes
- Cardiac clearance for heart conditions
- Any employer or company-required documentation
Drivers managing sleep apnea, diabetes, or hypertension can obtain certification with proper treatment documentation.
Why Owner-Operators Choose Charlotte DOT Exam Center
- $70 flat rate – No hidden fees, same price for all drivers
- Walk-in availability – No appointment needed
- Same-day certification – Laminated card in hand
- FMCSA Registry submission within 1 hour
- 84+ combined years of examiner experience
Charlotte Areas We Serve
Convenient for owner-operators throughout Charlotte metro: Pineville, Matthews, Ballantyne, South Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Gastonia, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Indian Trail. Easy access from I-485, I-77, and I-85.
Schedule Your Owner-Operator DOT Physical Today
Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call (704) 544-3494 or visit 8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte NC 28226.
Learn about requirements for other commercial drivers at our Driver Types Hub, including CDL Class A drivers, CDL Class B drivers, and dump truck drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Owner-Operator DOT Physical
Do owner-operators have different DOT physical requirements?
No, owner-operators undergo the identical examination as company drivers. The difference is that owner-operators bear full responsibility for scheduling and maintaining certification.
How much does an owner-operator DOT physical cost?
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate. This predictable pricing helps owner-operators budget for recurring business expenses.
Can owner-operators deduct DOT physical costs?
Yes, DOT physical costs are typically deductible as a business expense. Consult your accountant for specific guidance.
Do owner-operators need to report DOT physical results to anyone?
Results are submitted to FMCSA National Registry. Owner-operators leased to carriers may need to provide copies of their medical certificate.
How often do owner-operators need DOT physicals?
Same as all CDL drivers: up to 24 months for healthy drivers, 12 months or less for managed conditions.
What happens if an owner-operator’s DOT medical card expires?
Your CDL is automatically downgraded. You cannot legally operate until recertified. Don’t wait until expiration—schedule renewal early.
Can owner-operators with sleep apnea get DOT certified?
Yes, with documented CPAP compliance. Owner-operators face unique sleep challenges that make management particularly important.
Do I need an appointment for my owner-operator DOT physical?
No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Do brokers require specific DOT physical documentation?
Requirements vary. Some accept any valid certificate; others have specific preferences or require more frequent physicals. Verify before accepting contracts.
Is the owner-operator DOT physical different from company driver physicals?
The examination is identical. The difference is administrative—owner-operators pay directly and manage their own scheduling.
I am the administrator for the Charlotte DOT Exam facility, located in Charlotte NC. I oversee the facility services providing DOT exams in accordance with the standards of the FMCSA. We also provide DOT drug testing with MRO support when required. Drug testing can also be done for non-DOT exams such as pre-employment. In order to minimize wait times, I always encourage our clients to contact us first and make an appointment.
I would also suggest that each individual wanting to test for the CDL health card read the article “Preparing For Your DOT Exam” as it lists several things to bring to the test, such as CPAP usage reports and medicine lists.
