Charlotte DOT Exam Center has provided DOT physical examinations and drug testing since 1991. Our FMCSA-certified medical examinersâDr. Alan Tebby and Dr. Lemuel Byrdâbring 84+ years of combined clinical experience to every examination. Weâve completed thousands of DOT exams for Charlotte-area drivers and maintain a 4.8-star rating from drivers who trust our expertise.
We provide comprehensive DOT drug testing services for commercial drivers and employers throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area. Our team conducts all federally mandated drug testing types in full compliance with Department of Transportation regulations.
â Why Drivers Choose Us Over Urgent Care and Occupational Health Chains
Unlike urgent care clinics or national occupational health chains like Concentra, we specialize exclusively in DOT compliance services. Our medical examiners complete DOT physicals and drug tests dailyânot as a side service between treating colds and injuries. This focused expertise means faster appointments, fewer errors on your medical card, and staff who understand the regulations that affect your livelihood.
DOT drug testing is a federally mandated screening program designed to keep Americaâs roadways safe by ensuring commercial motor vehicle operators are free from prohibited substances. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all safety-sensitive transportation employees to undergo drug testing as a condition of employment and continued service.
Unlike standard pre-employment drug screens that many companies use, DOT drug testing follows strict federal protocols established in 49 CFR Part 40. These regulations govern every aspect of the testing process, including specimen collection procedures, laboratory analysis methods, Medical Review Officer protocols, and result reporting requirements.
â ïž Important: Clearinghouse Reporting
The consequences of failing or refusing a DOT drug test extend far beyond losing a single job. A positive result or refusal triggers mandatory reporting to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which employers must query before hiring any CDL driver. This federal database creates a permanent record that follows you throughout your commercial driving career.
We conduct all DOT drug testing in strict accordance with federal regulations. Our staff maintains current knowledge of FMCSA requirements and ensures proper chain of custody procedures protect the integrity of every specimen we collect.
Federal regulations require DOT drug testing for all employees who perform safety-sensitive functions in the transportation industry. For commercial motor vehicle operations regulated by FMCSA, this includes anyone who operates vehicles requiring a Commercial Driverâs License.
You need DOT drug testing if you operate any of these vehicle types:
This encompasses tractor-trailer drivers, bus operators, tanker truck drivers, hazmat transporters, and delivery drivers operating heavy vehicles. Both interstate and intrastate commercial drivers in North Carolina must comply with DOT drug testing requirements.
While we primarily serve FMCSA-regulated drivers, DOT drug testing requirements also apply to employees in other transportation sectors:
Each DOT agency maintains specific regulations for its industry, though all follow the core testing procedures established in 49 CFR Part 40. If youâre a commercial driver in Charlotte who needs FMCSA-compliant testing, contact us at 704-544-3494 to schedule your appointment.
The DOT drug test is a standardized 5-panel urine drug screen that tests for five categories of controlled substances. Unlike employer-selected panels used in non-DOT testing, the DOT panel is federally mandatedâemployers and testing facilities canât modify it.
Several substances fall outside the DOT 5-panel testing scope:
The absence of a substance from the DOT panel doesnât mean its use is permitted. Employers can test for additional substances under separate non-DOT testing programs, and impairment from any substance while operating a commercial vehicle violates federal safety regulations.
Federal regulations establish six circumstances requiring DOT drug testing. We conduct all testing types at our Pineville-Matthews Road facility, with most results available the same day for negative specimens.
Pre-employment DOT drug testing must occur before you perform safety-sensitive functions for a new employer. Employers canât allow you to begin work until receiving a verified negative result. They must also query the FMCSA Clearinghouse before hiring.
Random DOT drug testing requires employers to test at least 50% of their driver pool annually. When youâre notified of selection, you must proceed immediately to the collection site. We can refer you to consortium programs.
Post-accident DOT drug testing is required following accidents with fatalities, injuries requiring off-scene treatment (with citation), or disabling vehicle damage (with citation). You must complete testing within 32 hours.
Reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing occurs when a trained supervisor observes specific signs of drug use. We accommodate these time-sensitive situations during business hours with minimal wait times.
Return-to-duty DOT drug testing is required before you can resume safety-sensitive duties after a violation. You must first complete SAP evaluation and any recommended treatment.
Follow-up DOT drug testing continues after returning to duty following a violation. The SAP establishes the scheduleâat least six tests in the first 12 months, potentially continuing up to 60 months.
Understanding the DOT drug test collection process helps you arrive prepared and complete testing efficiently. Our trained collectors follow all federal protocols to ensure specimen integrity and regulatory compliance.
Check-In and Identification
When you arrive, youâll present valid photo ID (driverâs license, passport, or government-issued ID). Our collector verifies your identity and provides the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form for review and signature.
Specimen Collection
Our collector explains the process and instructs you to empty pockets and remove outer garments. Youâll wash your hands and provide at least 45 milliliters of urine in a private restroom. The collector waits outside unless direct observation is required.
Specimen Processing
We verify the specimen temperature falls within 90-100°F. Your specimen is split into primary and split bottles, sealed with tamper-evident tape in your presence. Youâll initial the seals to verify the specimen hasnât been altered.
Laboratory Analysis
We ship specimens to LabCorp, an HHS-certified laboratory. The lab performs initial immunoassay screening. Specimens with presumptive positive results undergo GC-MS confirmation testing to eliminate false positives.
Medical Review Officer Review
All results go to a Medical Review Officerâa licensed physician with specialized training. For positive results, the MRO contacts you to discuss legitimate medical explanations (such as valid prescriptions) before making the final determination.
Result Reporting
Negative results are typically available within 20 minutes for on-site screening. Positive results are reported within 24 hours after the MRO interview. We report results to your employerâs designated representative and the Clearinghouse as required.
Many employers conduct both DOT and non-DOT drug testing, and understanding the differences helps you and your employer maintain compliance.
| Factor | DOT Drug Testing | Non-DOT Drug Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory authority | 49 CFR Part 40 (federal) | State law and employer policy |
| Testing panel | Standardized 5-panel only | Employer choice (5, 7, 10, 12 panel) |
| Collection procedures | Strict federal protocols | Varies by employer |
| MRO review required | Yes, always | Varies by employer |
| Clearinghouse reporting | Required for violations | Not applicable |
| Specimen type | Urine only | Urine, hair, oral fluid |
| Split specimen | Required | Optional |
We conduct both DOT and non-DOT drug testing. We can also arrange hair testing for employers requiring this method for non-DOT screening purposes. Contact us at 704-544-3494 to discuss your testing requirements.
The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a federal database containing records of drug and alcohol violations by CDL holders. Employers must query this database before hiring drivers and annually for current employees.
đ Clearinghouse Reporting Requirements
Medical Review Officers report positive drug tests and refusals directly to the Clearinghouse. Employers report alcohol violations and actual knowledge determinations.
We assist employers with Clearinghouse compliance, including query submissions and understanding reporting requirements. Employers must:
If you have unresolved violations in the Clearinghouse, you canât perform safety-sensitive functions until completing the return-to-duty process and having your status updated.
We provide comprehensive fleet drug testing services for employers throughout the Charlotte region. Our services help companies maintain FMCSA compliance while minimizing administrative burden.
Beyond specimen collection, we help employers with:
In addition to our Pineville-Matthews Road location, we partner with Fastest Labs and AnyLabTestNow to provide convenient collection sites throughout the Charlotte area. This expanded network gives your drivers more options for completing required testing without traveling across town.
For employers without existing random testing programs, we can refer you to reputable consortium administrators serving the Charlotte area. Contact us at 704-544-3494 to discuss your companyâs drug testing needs.
A failed DOT drug test triggers immediate consequences that affect your commercial driving career. Understanding the process helps you navigate the path back to compliance.
You canât drive a commercial vehicle again until completing the entire return-to-duty process. This applies regardless of whether you remain with your current employer or seek new employment.
The Substance Abuse Professional evaluation is mandatory for returning to safety-sensitive duties after a violation. The SAP process includes:
The SAP also establishes your follow-up testing schedule, which continues for 12 to 60 months after returning to duty. For detailed information, see our guide on return-to-duty requirements after a failed test.
While we focus primarily on drug testing, understanding DOT alcohol testing requirements is important for comprehensive compliance.
DOT alcohol testing applies to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up situations. Unlike drug testing, pre-employment alcohol testing is permitted but not required.
The annual random alcohol testing rate is 10 percent of the driver pool, compared to 50 percent for drug testing. Post-accident alcohol testing must occur within eight hours, with a preference for testing within two hours.
We refer alcohol testing to qualified facilities with evidential breath testing equipment. Contact us for referral information if you need DOT alcohol testing services.
We provide transparent pricing for all drug testing services with no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Pricing includes specimen collection, LabCorp laboratory analysis, and Medical Review Officer review. No additional fees.
đ Monday â Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
đ Saturday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
đ« Sunday: Closed
Walk-in testing is available during all business hours. For fastest service, call 704-544-3494 to schedule an appointment. Employers with multiple drivers can arrange group appointments for efficient processing.
đ Bring to Your Appointment
Tip: Arrive with a comfortably full bladder to provide the required specimen volume. Avoid excessive fluid intake, which may dilute the specimen and require retesting.
DOT drug testing costs $140 at our facility. We also offer a combined DOT physical and drug test package for $200, saving $10 compared to scheduling the services separately. Pricing includes specimen collection, LabCorp laboratory analysis, and Medical Review Officer review with no additional fees.
The DOT 5-panel drug test screens for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA), opioids (including codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and heroin), and phencyclidine (PCP). This panel is federally mandatedâemployers and testing facilities canât modify it.
The collection process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Negative results from our rapid screening are available immediately. Specimens requiring laboratory confirmation are shipped to LabCorp, with negative results typically reported within 24 to 48 hours and positive results within 24 hours after MRO review.
Yes, CBD products can cause positive DOT drug test results. Many CBD products contain THC levels sufficient to trigger positive results, and product labels are often inaccurate. The DOT doesnât recognize CBD use as a legitimate medical explanation for positive marijuana results. You should avoid all CBD and hemp products to protect your career.
A failed DOT drug test results in immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties, reporting to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and referral to a Substance Abuse Professional. You canât drive a commercial vehicle until completing SAP evaluation, any recommended treatment, and passing a directly observed return-to-duty test.
While you have the legal right to refuse, a refusal carries the same consequences as a positive result. Refusals are reported to the Clearinghouse and require completion of the SAP process before returning to safety-sensitive duties. Refusals include failure to appear, leaving before completion, and attempting to tamper with specimens.
FMCSA requires employers to randomly test at least 50 percent of their driver pool annually. The actual testing frequency varies since selection is random. Some drivers may be tested multiple times per year while others may not be selected. Each selection is independent, so previous testing doesnât affect future selection probability.
CDL renewal doesnât require a drug test. However, you must maintain a valid DOT medical card, which requires periodic DOT physical examinations. Your employer must continue random testing throughout your employment, and any new employer will require pre-employment testing.
Many prescription medications are compatible with commercial driving. If your prescription causes a positive result, the Medical Review Officer will contact you to verify the prescription. However, some medications, including methadone and certain potent opioids, may disqualify you from driving regardless of prescription validity. Always inform the MRO of all medications you take.
The Clearinghouse is a federal database containing drug and alcohol violation records for CDL holders. Employers must query this database before hiring drivers and annually for current employees. Violations remain in the Clearinghouse until you complete the return-to-duty process and all follow-up testing requirements.
Yes, we provide comprehensive drug testing services for employers throughout the Charlotte area. We conduct all DOT-required testing types and can assist with Clearinghouse queries and compliance questions. Contact us at 704-544-3494 to discuss your companyâs drug testing program needs.
Yes, we offer combined DOT physical and drug test appointments for $200. This saves time and money compared to scheduling separate visits. The combined service is ideal for pre-employment processing when both services are required before a driver can begin work.
We provide DOT drug testing for commercial drivers from across the Charlotte metro area, including Ballantyne, SouthPark, University City, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Dilworth, Myers Park, Steele Creek, and Uptown Charlotte.
Drivers from Pineville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Indian Trail, Waxhaw, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill find our Pineville-Matthews Road location convenient with easy access from I-485, I-77, and Highway 51.
We provide professional DOT drug testing services for individual drivers and employers throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area. Our convenient location at 8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102, offers easy access from I-485, Highway 51, and surrounding communities.
Call 704-544-3494 to schedule your appointment or walk in during business hours. Our staff is available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM to assist with all your DOT drug testing needs.
For information about DOT physical examinations, visit our main DOT physical page or review our comprehensive guides on preparing for your DOT exam. Employers interested in fleet services can learn more about our employer and fleet DOT physical programs.