Hazmat Driver DOT Physical Exam in Charlotte, NC
TL;DR – Hazmat 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 Makes Hazmat Driver DOT Physicals Different?
The DOT physical examination for hazmat drivers is identical to all other CDL drivers. There are no additional medical tests, stricter standards, or special evaluations for the hazmat (H) endorsement.
The key difference for hazmat drivers is the TSA security threat assessment—a background check requirement completely separate from the DOT physical.
Who Needs a Hazmat Endorsement?
Under 49 CFR Part 172, drivers must have hazmat endorsements when transporting:
- Class 1: Explosives
- Class 2: Gases (compressed, liquefied, dissolved)
- Class 3: Flammable liquids in placarded quantities
- Class 4: Flammable solids
- Class 5: Oxidizers and organic peroxides
- Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
- Class 7: Radioactive materials
- Class 8: Corrosives
- Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods
Hazmat Endorsement: Two Separate Requirements
| Requirement | DOT Physical | TSA Background Check |
|---|---|---|
| Where obtained | Charlotte DOT Exam Center | NC DMV / TSA enrollment |
| Cost | $70 | ~$86.50 (TSA fee) |
| Validity period | Up to 24 months | 5 years |
| What it evaluates | Medical fitness to drive | Criminal/security history |
Hazmat vs. Tanker Endorsements
Hazmat (H): Required for hazardous materials regardless of container type.
Tanker (N): Required for liquid or gaseous cargo in bulk tanks of 1,000+ gallons.
Combination (X): Many drivers need both—fuel tanker drivers haul hazardous material in bulk tanks.
What Does a Hazmat 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 Hazmat 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 Hazmat 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 hazmat 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 Hazmat 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 tanker drivers, and CDL Class A drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hazmat Driver DOT Physical
Is the DOT physical different for hazmat drivers?
No, hazmat drivers undergo the identical DOT physical as all other CDL drivers. The additional requirement is the TSA security threat assessment—a background check separate from the medical examination.
How much does a hazmat driver DOT physical cost?
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate—same as all CDL drivers. The TSA background check costs approximately $86.50 separately.
Do I get my TSA background check at Charlotte DOT Exam Center?
No, TSA background checks are handled through the TSA enrollment process and NC DMV—completely separate from the DOT physical.
How often do hazmat drivers need DOT physicals?
DOT certificates last up to 24 months for healthy drivers. The TSA background check is valid for 5 years. These operate on independent schedules.
Do fuel tanker drivers need both hazmat and tanker endorsements?
Yes, fuel is hazardous material transported in bulk tanks. Fuel tanker drivers need the combination X endorsement (hazmat + tanker).
Can hazmat drivers have sleep apnea?
Yes, with documented CPAP compliance. There are no additional sleep apnea requirements specific to hazmat endorsement.
What materials require hazmat endorsement?
Any material requiring placards: explosives, gases, flammable liquids/solids, oxidizers, toxic substances, radioactive materials, corrosives, and miscellaneous dangerous goods.
How long does the TSA hazmat background check take?
TSA processing typically takes 2-4 weeks after fingerprinting. Plan accordingly when renewing your hazmat endorsement.
Can I get a hazmat DOT physical without an appointment?
Yes, walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Most exams complete in 20-30 minutes.
Do hazmat drivers need TWIC cards?
TWIC is required for unescorted access to secure port areas—separate from hazmat endorsement. Not all hazmat drivers need TWIC.
