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.
Under 49 CFR Part 172, drivers must have hazmat endorsements when transporting:
| 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 (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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate—same as all CDL drivers. The TSA background check costs approximately $86.50 separately.
No, TSA background checks are handled through the TSA enrollment process and NC DMV—completely separate from the DOT physical.
DOT certificates last up to 24 months for healthy drivers. The TSA background check is valid for 5 years. These operate on independent schedules.
Yes, fuel is hazardous material transported in bulk tanks. Fuel tanker drivers need the combination X endorsement (hazmat + tanker).
Yes, with documented CPAP compliance. There are no additional sleep apnea requirements specific to hazmat endorsement.
Any material requiring placards: explosives, gases, flammable liquids/solids, oxidizers, toxic substances, radioactive materials, corrosives, and miscellaneous dangerous goods.
TSA processing typically takes 2-4 weeks after fingerprinting. Plan accordingly when renewing your hazmat endorsement.
Yes, walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Most exams complete in 20-30 minutes.
TWIC is required for unescorted access to secure port areas—separate from hazmat endorsement. Not all hazmat drivers need TWIC.