CDL Class A Truck Driver DOT Physical Exam in Charlotte, NC
TL;DR – Cdl Class A Truck Driver 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
What Is a CDL Class A License and Who Needs It?
A CDL Class A license authorizes drivers to operate combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,001 pounds, where the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This is the highest class of commercial driver’s license and covers the largest vehicles on American highways.
Common CDL Class A vehicles include:
- Tractor-trailers (18-wheelers): The backbone of American freight, hauling goods along I-77 and I-85 through Charlotte
- Tanker combinations: Fuel tankers, chemical haulers requiring both Class A and tanker endorsement
- Flatbed combinations: Heavy equipment, steel, lumber, and oversized loads
- Livestock haulers: Cattle, hog, and poultry transport throughout North Carolina
- Auto carriers: New vehicle transport from ports and manufacturing facilities
- Doubles and triples: Multiple trailer configurations requiring additional endorsement
Under 49 CFR Part 391, all CDL Class A drivers operating in interstate commerce must maintain valid DOT medical certification from a National Registry certified medical examiner.
Why Are DOT Physicals Critical for Class A Drivers?
CDL Class A drivers operate the largest and most demanding commercial vehicles. The physical and mental requirements are significant:
Extended hours behind the wheel: Long-haul Class A drivers may drive up to 11 hours per day under FMCSA hours-of-service regulations. Cardiovascular fitness and alertness are essential for safety.
Complex vehicle operation: Maneuvering 70-foot combinations requires sharp vision, spatial awareness, and physical coordination that the DOT physical evaluates.
High-stakes cargo: Class A drivers transport everything from hazardous materials to time-sensitive freight. Medical fitness directly impacts public safety.
CDL Class A Endorsements and DOT Physical Requirements
Many Class A drivers hold additional endorsements. While the DOT physical examination is identical regardless of endorsements, some have additional requirements:
| Endorsement | What It Covers | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| H (Hazmat) | Hazardous materials | TSA background check |
| N (Tanker) | Liquid/gas cargo 1,000+ gallons | Written test only |
| X (Hazmat + Tanker) | Both combined | TSA check + written test |
| T (Doubles/Triples) | Multiple trailers | Written test only |
| P (Passenger) | 16+ passengers | Skills test required |
Learn more about endorsement-specific requirements: Hazmat driver DOT physical | Tanker driver DOT physical
Interstate vs. Intrastate CDL Class A Requirements
Federal DOT physical standards apply to interstate Class A drivers—those crossing state lines or transporting cargo that has crossed or will cross state lines. North Carolina Class A drivers operating exclusively intrastate may have slightly different medical standards, though most carriers require federal DOT certification regardless.
Given Charlotte’s position at the intersection of I-77 (connecting to Ohio and South Carolina) and I-85 (connecting to Atlanta and Virginia), most Class A drivers in this region operate interstate and require federal DOT medical certification.
What Does a Cdl Class A Truck Driver 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 Cdl Class A Truck Drivers 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 Cdl Class A Truck Drivers 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 CDL Class A truck 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.
Schedule Your Cdl Class A Truck Driver 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 B drivers, hazmat drivers, tanker drivers, and owner-operators.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cdl Class A Truck Driver DOT Physical
What is the difference between CDL Class A and Class B for DOT physicals?
There is no difference in DOT physical requirements between CDL Class A and Class B drivers. Both undergo identical examinations under 49 CFR 391.41. The distinction—Class A for combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs GCWR versus Class B for single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR—affects licensing, not medical certification.
How much does a CDL Class A DOT physical cost in Charlotte?
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate for CDL Class A DOT physicals. This includes the complete FMCSA examination, urinalysis, and laminated medical card. No hidden fees regardless of endorsements held.
Can CDL Class A drivers with sleep apnea get certified?
Yes, Class A drivers with sleep apnea can maintain certification with documented CPAP compliance—typically 4+ hours per night for 70% of nights over 30 days. Given the long hours Class A drivers work, sleep apnea management is critically important.
Do CDL Class A drivers need DOT physicals for intrastate-only operations?
North Carolina intrastate-only Class A drivers may operate under state medical standards rather than federal. However, most carriers require federal DOT certification regardless of route.
How often do CDL Class A drivers need DOT physicals?
Healthy Class A drivers receive 24-month certificates. Drivers with managed conditions like treated hypertension or insulin-treated diabetes typically receive 12-month certificates.
What endorsements require additional screening beyond the DOT physical?
Only the Hazmat (H) endorsement requires additional screening—a TSA security threat assessment. Tanker (N), doubles/triples (T), and passenger (P) endorsements require written or skills tests but no additional medical screening.
Can I drive a Class A truck with high blood pressure?
Yes, with controlled blood pressure. Below 140/90 qualifies for 2-year certification. Stage 1 hypertension (140-159/90-99) receives 1-year certification. Blood pressure at or above 180/110 requires treatment before certification.
What happens if my CDL Class A DOT medical card expires?
Your CDL is automatically downgraded to a non-commercial license. You cannot legally operate Class A vehicles until recertified. Schedule renewal 30-60 days before expiration.
Do Class A drivers hauling hazmat need a different DOT physical?
No, the DOT physical examination is identical. Hazmat drivers must separately complete a TSA background check for the H endorsement, but the medical certification process is the same.
How quickly can I get my CDL Class A DOT physical results?
Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides same-day certification—you’ll leave with your laminated medical card. Results are electronically submitted to the FMCSA National Registry within one hour.
