This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer has two parts:
Federal requirement: Most Amazon delivery vans weigh under 10,001 pounds GVWR, which technically exempts them from federal DOT physical requirements under 49 CFR Part 391.
Amazon policy: However, Amazon requires all DSP drivers to pass a DOT-equivalent physical examination as company policy—regardless of vehicle weight. This ensures Amazon drivers meet the same health and safety standards as federally regulated commercial drivers.
Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) are independent businesses that contract with Amazon to deliver packages. DSP owners:
| Requirement | Federal DOT | Amazon DSP Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle weight threshold | Over 10,001 lbs GVWR | All delivery vehicles |
| Examination standard | 49 CFR 391.41 | DOT-equivalent |
| Examiner requirement | FMCSA National Registry | FMCSA-certified preferred |
| Certificate validity | Up to 24 months | Per DSP/Amazon policy |
The DOT physical evaluates fitness for the specific demands Amazon drivers face:
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.
| 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 |
Drivers managing sleep apnea, diabetes, or hypertension can obtain certification with proper treatment documentation.
Convenient for Amazon DSP drivers 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.
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 FedEx drivers, UPS drivers, and non-CDL drivers.
Yes, by Amazon company policy. While most Amazon vans don’t meet the federal 10,001 lb threshold, Amazon requires all DSP drivers to pass DOT-equivalent physical examinations.
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate for Amazon DSP driver physicals, including examination, urinalysis, and laminated medical card.
No, most Amazon DSP drivers don’t need a CDL because delivery vans typically weigh under 26,001 lbs. A standard driver’s license is sufficient.
Policies vary by DSP owner. Some cover physical costs as a business expense; others require drivers to pay. Confirm with your DSP before scheduling.
Standard DOT certificates last up to 24 months. Your DSP or Amazon may require more frequent renewals. Verify with your DSP owner.
Yes, many diabetic Amazon drivers pass DOT physicals. Diabetes managed with diet or oral medications can be certified by any medical examiner.
The medical examiner explains which condition caused the determination and outlines steps toward certification. Many conditions can be addressed through treatment adjustment.
No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Most exams complete in 20-30 minutes.
Yes, the examination follows identical FMCSA standards—vision, hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and physical fitness.
Amazon Flex drivers using personal vehicles generally don’t require DOT physicals. Flex drivers are independent contractors using their own vehicles, different from DSP drivers.