DOT Physical Ballantyne Charlotte
Medically Authored & Reviewed By:
Dr. Lemuel P. Byrd, Jr., FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner.

Updated: December 2025 | Verifiable Credentials: View Profile
Quick Answer: Ballantyne drivers get DOT physical exams at Charlotte DOT Exam Center, located at 8415 Pineville Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28226. The clinic is approximately 10-15 minutes from Ballantyne via I-485, Ballantyne Commons Parkway, and Johnston Road. Walk-ins accepted. Same-day DOT medical cards available for qualified drivers.
Map showing driving route for DOT physical Ballantyne from Ballantyne to Charlotte DOT Exam Center at 8415 Pineville Matthews Road Suite 102 for DOT physical exams
Driving route from Ballantyne to Charlotte DOT Exam Center for DOT physical exams.

Clinic Location and Directions from Ballantyne

Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides DOT physical exams for commercial drivers from Ballantyne and throughout the Charlotte metro area. The clinic address is 8415 Pineville Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28226. Suite 102 is important for GPS navigation and building entry.

Ballantyne drivers reach the clinic in 10-15 minutes via Johnston Road north or I-485 to the Pineville Matthews Road exit.

Ballantyne is home to many corporate headquarters and distribution centers. Commercial drivers based in this area benefit from the clinic’s southern Charlotte location, avoiding Uptown congestion.

Driving Directions from Ballantyne

From Ballantyne, head north on Johnston Road toward Pineville. Continue past I-485 and turn right onto Pineville Matthews Road. The clinic is approximately 1 mile on the left at 8415 Pineville Matthews Road, Suite 102. From Ballantyne Commons Parkway, take Community House Road north to Johnston Road, then follow the same route.

Drivers from Ballantyne neighborhoods including Ballantyne Corporate Park, Ballantyne Village, Ardrey Kell, and Blakeney regularly schedule DOT physicals at this location. The clinic accepts walk-ins based on same-day availability, though scheduling an appointment reduces wait time. For complete service area details, see locations served for DOT physical exams in Charlotte NC.

DOT Physical Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes DOT physical requirements under 49 CFR 391.41. These federal standards apply to all commercial motor vehicle drivers regardless of state.

DOT physical requirements include evaluation of:

The medical examiner must be listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Dr. Lemuel P. Byrd, Jr. at Charlotte DOT Exam Center maintains active FMCSA certification.

DOT Medical Card Certification Periods by Condition

Certification length depends on your health status and medical history. The following table shows typical certification periods based on common conditions.

Condition Certification Period Documentation Required
Healthy driver (no conditions) 2 years None beyond standard exam
Blood pressure under 140/90 2 years None
Blood pressure 140-159/90-99 (Stage 1) 1 year Annual monitoring
Blood pressure 160-179/100-109 (Stage 2) 1 year (one-time) Treatment documentation required
Blood pressure 180+/110+ (Stage 3) Disqualified until controlled Physician clearance required
Diabetes (non-insulin, well-controlled) 2 years A1C results, medication list
Diabetes (insulin-treated) 1 year Endocrinologist clearance, ITDM packet
Sleep apnea (treated, compliant) 1 year CPAP compliance report (30+ days)
Heart stent (PCI) 1 year Cardiologist clearance after 1-week wait
Heart attack (MI) 1 year Cardiologist clearance after 2-month wait
Bypass surgery (CABG) 1 year Cardiologist clearance after 3-month wait
Seizure history (controlled) Varies Neurologist clearance, seizure-free period

For more details on specific conditions, see complete guide to DOT physical failures and three-month DOT medical card limits.

What to Bring to Your DOT Physical

Arriving prepared reduces exam time and prevents delays. Bring these items to your DOT physical:

  • Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
  • Complete list of current medications with dosage and frequency
  • Glasses or contact lenses if used for driving
  • Hearing aids if used
  • CPAP compliance report if treating sleep apnea (minimum 30 days of data)
  • Specialist clearance letters for heart conditions, seizure history, or other monitored conditions
  • Blood sugar log if diabetic (especially for insulin-treated diabetes)

For a complete preparation guide, see preparing for your DOT medical exam and the DOT physical requirements checklist.

Common Medical Conditions and Certification

Many medical conditions are certifiable with proper documentation and treatment. Charlotte DOT Exam Center has experience with complex cases and can advise on documentation requirements.

Certification periods vary by condition. Drivers with well-controlled conditions often receive 1-year or 2-year cards. Some conditions require more frequent recertification. Proper documentation from treating physicians supports longer certification periods.

Common conditions evaluated during DOT physicals include:

For drivers who need additional time to gather documentation or manage a condition, the medical examiner may issue a shorter certification period. See three-month DOT medical card limits for details on temporary certifications.

After Your DOT Physical

Qualified drivers receive their DOT medical card at the end of the exam. The medical examiner uploads results to the FMCSA National Registry.

North Carolina CDL holders must submit the medical certificate to the NC DMV to maintain driving privileges. The DMV updates your driving record to reflect current medical certification status.

For North Carolina submission instructions, see submit DOT medical card to NC DMV.

Q: How long does a DOT physical take?
A: Most DOT physicals take 30-45 minutes when paperwork is complete. Complex cases requiring specialist documentation review may take longer. See how long a DOT physical takes.
“Best DOT exam experience I’ve had. Dr. Byrd was thorough and professional. Got my DOT medical card same day. Will definitely return for my next DOT physical.”
— Marcus T., Commercial Driver

Frequently Asked Questions About DOT Physical Ballantyne NC

Where do Ballantyne drivers get DOT physicals?

Ballantyne drivers get DOT physical exams at Charlotte DOT Exam Center, located at 8415 Pineville Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28226. The clinic is approximately 10-15 minutes from Ballantyne via I-485, Ballantyne Commons Parkway, and Johnston Road.

How much does a DOT physical cost?

DOT physical exams at Charlotte DOT Exam Center cost $70. This includes the exam, medical certificate, and FMCSA National Registry upload. See DOT physical exam cost for details.

Does Charlotte DOT Exam Center accept walk-ins?

Walk-ins are accepted based on same-day availability. Scheduling an appointment reduces wait time. Contact the clinic at 704-544-3494 to schedule.

What happens if I fail my DOT physical?

If you cannot be certified at your exam, the medical examiner explains what documentation or treatment is needed. Many conditions are certifiable with proper medical records. See complete guide to DOT physical failures.

How often do I need a DOT physical?

DOT medical cards are valid for up to 2 years for healthy drivers. Medical conditions may require annual or more frequent recertification. Your medical card shows the expiration date. See CDL renewal vs DOT medical card renewal.

Can I get a same-day DOT medical card?

Qualified drivers receive their DOT medical card at the end of the exam. Drivers needing additional documentation or specialist clearance may receive a determination pending status until records are provided.

What disqualifies you from a DOT physical?

Automatic disqualifications include uncontrolled epilepsy, insulin-treated diabetes without an exemption, certain vision or hearing deficiencies that cannot be corrected, and use of Schedule I drugs. Some conditions like implantable defibrillators (ICDs) are permanently disqualifying. Many other conditions are certifiable with proper documentation. See top DOT physical disqualifiers.

How do I prepare for DOT physical blood pressure?

To prepare for blood pressure testing, avoid caffeine and tobacco for at least 30 minutes before your exam. Get adequate sleep the night before. If you take blood pressure medication, take it as prescribed. Arrive a few minutes early to relax before testing. High readings may result in shorter certification periods. See borderline blood pressure and DOT exam.

What is checked during a DOT physical exam?

A DOT physical includes medical history review, vision testing (20/40 minimum), hearing test (whisper test or audiometry), blood pressure measurement, urinalysis (for protein, blood, and sugar), and physical examination of heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, and extremities. The examiner also evaluates neurological function and general physical condition. See what the DOT physical exam covers.

How long is a DOT medical card valid?

DOT medical cards are valid for a maximum of 2 years for drivers with no health concerns. Drivers with certain conditions receive 1-year cards or shorter certification periods. Your specific certification length depends on your health status and is printed on your medical card. See DOT medical card validity periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Location: Charlotte DOT Exam Center is at 8415 Pineville Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28226 — approximately 10-15 minutes from Ballantyne.
  • Cost: DOT physical exams cost $70, including the medical certificate and FMCSA National Registry upload.
  • Walk-ins: Accepted based on same-day availability. Call 704-544-3494 to schedule.
  • Certification: Healthy drivers receive 2-year cards. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea may result in 1-year certification.
  • Same-day cards: Qualified drivers receive their DOT medical card at the end of the exam.
  • Bring: Photo ID, medication list, glasses/hearing aids, and any specialist clearance letters.
  • After exam: Submit your medical certificate to the NC DMV to update your CDL status.

Schedule Your DOT Physical from Ballantyne

Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides DOT physical exams for commercial drivers from Ballantyne and throughout the Charlotte metro area. Our FMCSA-certified medical examiner has experience with complex cases and documentation requirements.

Examiner: Dr. Lemuel P. Byrd, Jr., D.C.

Phone: 704-544-3494

Address: 8415 Pineville Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28226

Map to Charlotte DOT Exam Center from Ballantyne