Non-CDL Commercial Driver DOT Physical Exam in Charlotte, NC
TL;DR – Non-CDL Commercial 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
Do Non-CDL Commercial Drivers Need DOT Physicals?
Yes, many non-CDL commercial drivers need DOT physicals. Under 49 CFR Part 391, DOT physical requirements apply to drivers operating vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR in interstate commerce—regardless of whether a CDL is required.
The CDL threshold is 26,001 lbs GVWR. Vehicles between 10,001-26,000 lbs occupy a middle ground: they don’t require CDL but still require DOT medical certification for interstate operations.
What Vehicles Fall Into the Non-CDL DOT Category?
| Vehicle Type | Typical GVWR | CDL Required | DOT Physical (Interstate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large cargo vans (Sprinter, Transit) | 10,001-14,000 lbs | No | Yes |
| Box trucks (smaller) | 14,001-26,000 lbs | No | Yes |
| Medium-duty service trucks | 14,001-19,500 lbs | No | Yes |
| Landscape trailers (combined) | 10,001-26,000 lbs | No | Yes |
| Delivery trucks | 10,001-26,000 lbs | No | Yes |
| Catering trucks | 10,001-18,000 lbs | No | Yes |
Interstate vs. Intrastate: What Triggers DOT Requirements?
Federal DOT physical requirements apply to interstate commerce. You’re in interstate commerce if you:
- Cross state lines while driving
- Transport goods that have crossed or will cross state lines
- Transport passengers across state lines
- Haul cargo that’s part of an interstate shipment
Common Non-CDL Commercial Drivers in Charlotte
Delivery drivers: Operating box trucks for furniture stores, appliance delivery, wholesale distributors—including Amazon DSP drivers and FedEx contractors.
Service technicians: HVAC, plumbing, electrical contractors with medium-duty service vehicles.
Landscape contractors: Trucks pulling trailers that exceed 10,001 lbs combined GCWR.
Equipment rental: Delivering and retrieving rental equipment on medium-duty flatbeds.
What Does a Non-CDL Commercial 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 Non-CDL Commercial 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 Non-CDL Commercial 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 non-CDL commercial 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 Non-CDL Commercial 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 Amazon DSP drivers, FedEx drivers, and UPS drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Non-CDL Commercial Driver DOT Physical
Do I need a DOT physical if I don’t have a CDL?
Yes, if you operate a vehicle over 10,001 lbs GVWR in interstate commerce. Vehicles between 10,001-26,000 lbs don’t require CDL but still require DOT certification.
How do I know if my vehicle requires a DOT physical?
Check your vehicle’s GVWR on the door jamb sticker or registration. If it exceeds 10,001 lbs and you operate in interstate commerce, you need DOT certification.
How much does a non-CDL DOT physical cost?
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate for all DOT physicals—CDL and non-CDL alike.
Do non-CDL DOT physicals get reported to the FMCSA Registry?
Yes, Charlotte DOT Exam Center submits all DOT physical results to the FMCSA National Registry regardless of CDL status.
What’s the difference between non-CDL and CDL DOT physicals?
The examination is identical. The same FMCSA standards apply to all commercial drivers requiring DOT certification.
Do service technicians driving company trucks need DOT physicals?
If the truck exceeds 10,001 lbs GVWR and operates in interstate commerce, yes.
Do landscape contractors need DOT physicals?
If truck plus trailer combined weight exceeds 10,001 lbs GVWR and you operate in interstate commerce, yes.
How often do non-CDL commercial drivers need DOT physicals?
Same schedule as CDL drivers: up to 24 months for healthy drivers, 12 months or less for managed conditions.
What if I only drive within North Carolina?
Exclusively intrastate drivers may have different requirements. However, if cargo has crossed or will cross state lines, you may still be in interstate commerce.
Do I need an appointment for a non-CDL DOT physical?
No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
