As an owner-operator, your truck is your business—and your DOT medical certificate is your license to operate it. Unlike company drivers who may have appointments scheduled by fleet managers, owner-operators bear full responsibility for maintaining certification under 49 CFR Part 391.
An expired medical certificate means your CDL is downgraded—you can’t legally drive your truck until recertified. For owner-operators, downtime means lost revenue.
The examination is identical to any CDL driver’s DOT physical. What’s different is the business impact:
| Consideration | Company Driver | Owner-Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays for physical | Often employer | You pay directly |
| Who tracks expiration | Fleet manager | Your responsibility |
| Impact of downtime | Paid time off possible | Direct income loss |
| Medical issue management | HR/company support | Handle independently |
Budget for certification: At $70 every 1-2 years, DOT physicals are a predictable, tax-deductible business expense.
Schedule proactively: Don’t wait until expiration. Schedule renewal 30-60 days early to avoid gaps that could cost loads.
Maintain health records: Keep copies of medical certificates, compliance documentation, and specialist clearances organized.
Charlotte’s position at the intersection of I-77 and I-85 makes it a natural hub:
Major freight corridors: I-77 connects Charlotte to Ohio manufacturing and South Carolina ports. I-85 links to Atlanta and Virginia markets.
Distribution centers: Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other major retailers operate distribution facilities throughout the Charlotte metro.
Port access: Charleston and Wilmington ports are within reasonable distance, creating container and intermodal freight opportunities.
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 owner-operators 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 CDL Class A drivers, CDL Class B drivers, and dump truck drivers.
No, owner-operators undergo the identical examination as company drivers. The difference is that owner-operators bear full responsibility for scheduling and maintaining certification.
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate. This predictable pricing helps owner-operators budget for recurring business expenses.
Yes, DOT physical costs are typically deductible as a business expense. Consult your accountant for specific guidance.
Results are submitted to FMCSA National Registry. Owner-operators leased to carriers may need to provide copies of their medical certificate.
Same as all CDL drivers: up to 24 months for healthy drivers, 12 months or less for managed conditions.
Your CDL is automatically downgraded. You cannot legally operate until recertified. Don’t wait until expiration—schedule renewal early.
Yes, with documented CPAP compliance. Owner-operators face unique sleep challenges that make management particularly important.
No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Requirements vary. Some accept any valid certificate; others have specific preferences or require more frequent physicals. Verify before accepting contracts.
The examination is identical. The difference is administrative—owner-operators pay directly and manage their own scheduling.