Medically reviewed by Dr. Alan M. Tebby, D.C., FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner | Last updated: January 28, 2026
TL;DR: School Bus Driver DOT Physical in Charlotte
Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides school bus driver DOT physical exams for drivers throughout the Charlotte region. School bus drivers must hold a CDL with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements and maintain valid DOT medical certification under 49 CFR 391.41. Our FMCSA-certified medical examiners provide same-day certification at $70 flat rate for drivers serving Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, private schools, and charter transportation companies. Walk-ins welcome. Call 704-544-3494 to schedule your school bus driver DOT physical.
School Bus Driver DOT Physical Requirements
School bus drivers occupy a unique position in commercial transportation—they’re responsible for the safety of children, making proper medical certification essential. Because school buses transport more than 15 passengers, drivers must hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and maintain valid DOT medical certification.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes medical fitness standards that apply to all school bus drivers operating in interstate commerce. North Carolina applies these same federal standards to school bus drivers operating within the state.
Why School Bus Drivers Need DOT Physicals
School bus drivers require DOT medical certification because:
- Passenger capacity: School buses transport 16 or more passengers, triggering federal CDL and DOT physical requirements
- Child safety responsibility: Drivers must demonstrate physical and mental fitness to safely transport students
- CDL requirement: Operating a school bus requires a CDL with specific endorsements, which mandates DOT medical certification
- Federal and state law: Both FMCSA regulations and North Carolina law require valid medical certification
CDL Endorsement Requirements for School Bus Drivers
School bus drivers in North Carolina must hold a CDL with two specific endorsements in addition to maintaining valid DOT medical certification:
| Endorsement | Code | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger | P | Written knowledge test + skills test with passengers |
| School Bus | S | Written knowledge test covering student loading/unloading, emergency procedures |
CDL Class for School Bus Drivers
Most school bus drivers hold a CDL Class B license, which authorizes operation of:
- Single vehicles with GVWR over 26,001 pounds
- Vehicles designed to transport 24 or more passengers (including driver)
- Vehicles towing trailers with GVWR under 10,000 pounds
Some activity buses or smaller school vehicles may allow CDL Class C with passenger endorsement, but standard yellow school buses require Class B.
Important: DOT Physical Before CDL Testing
You must obtain your DOT medical certification before taking CDL skills tests. The NC DMV requires a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate to issue or renew a CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements.
School Bus Driver DOT Physical Exam Process
The DOT physical examination for school bus drivers follows the same FMCSA standards as all commercial driver examinations. Our streamlined process ensures efficient certification while thoroughly evaluating your fitness to safely transport students.
Step 1: Schedule or Walk In
Call 704-544-3494 to schedule your appointment or walk in during business hours. School transportation companies can schedule multiple drivers together for efficient processing.
Step 2: Complete Medical History Form
You’ll complete the FMCSA medical history questionnaire documenting current medications, medical conditions, surgeries, and health history. Accurate disclosure ensures proper evaluation.
Step 3: Physical Examination
Our FMCSA-certified medical examiner performs the complete DOT physical including:
- Vision test: 20/40 acuity minimum in each eye, peripheral vision assessment
- Hearing test: Forced whisper test at 5 feet
- Blood pressure: Must be below 140/90 for 2-year certification
- Urinalysis: Screens for underlying medical conditions
- Physical assessment: Cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and musculoskeletal evaluation
Step 4: Certification Determination
Based on examination findings, you receive certification for up to 24 months. Drivers with managed medical conditions may receive 12-month or shorter certification periods.
Step 5: Receive Your Medical Certificate
Qualified drivers receive their DOT medical card (Medical Examiner’s Certificate, MCSA-5876) same-day. Results submit electronically to the FMCSA National Registry within 1 hour.
Medical Standards for School Bus Drivers
School bus drivers must meet the same FMCSA medical standards as other CDL drivers. Given the responsibility of transporting children, meeting these standards is especially important.
Vision Requirements
School bus drivers must demonstrate:
- At least 20/40 acuity in each eye (with or without correction)
- At least 70 degrees peripheral vision in each eye
- Ability to distinguish traffic signal colors (red, green, amber)
Drivers who wear glasses or contacts must bring them to the examination and wear them while driving. If you cannot meet vision standards, you may qualify for the FMCSA Vision Exemption Program.
Hearing Requirements
Drivers must perceive a forced whisper at 5 feet with or without hearing aids. This ensures you can hear warning signals, student communications, and emergency vehicles. Review our hearing test standards guide for details.
Blood Pressure Standards
Blood pressure significantly impacts certification periods for school bus drivers:
| Blood Pressure | Certification Period |
|---|---|
| Below 140/90 | 24 months |
| 140-159 / 90-99 (Stage 1) | 12 months |
| 160-179 / 100-109 (Stage 2) | One-time 12-month cert; must achieve <140/90 for renewal |
| 180/110 or higher (Stage 3) | Disqualified until treated and controlled |
Disqualifying Conditions
Certain conditions may disqualify school bus drivers from certification:
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders: Generally disqualifying unless seizure-free for extended periods with exemption
- Insulin-treated diabetes: Requires ITDM exemption process with endocrinologist clearance
- Certain heart conditions: Requires cardiologist clearance for heart disease, stents, or pacemakers
- Uncontrolled sleep apnea: Must demonstrate CPAP compliance (4+ hours/night, 70% of nights)
- Substance abuse: Active substance abuse or positive drug tests are disqualifying
Many conditions that seem disqualifying can be addressed with proper treatment and documentation. Our examiners guide drivers through certification pathways for complex medical situations.
DOT Medical Certification Periods for School Bus Drivers
Most healthy school bus drivers receive 24-month medical certificates. However, drivers with certain medical conditions receive shorter certification periods requiring more frequent examinations:
| Health Status | Certification Period |
|---|---|
| No significant medical issues | 24 months |
| Controlled hypertension (with medication) | 12 months |
| Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin) | 12-24 months (based on A1C control) |
| Insulin-treated diabetes (with exemption) | 12 months maximum |
| Sleep apnea (CPAP compliant) | 12 months |
| Heart conditions (with cardiologist clearance) | 12 months |
No Grace Period for Expired Certificates
There is no grace period for expired DOT medical certificates. School bus drivers with expired certifications cannot legally operate until recertified. School districts may remove drivers from service immediately upon expiration. Schedule your renewal before your certificate expires.
What to Bring to Your School Bus Driver DOT Physical
Proper documentation ensures your examination proceeds efficiently. School bus drivers should bring:
Required for All School Bus Drivers
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Current DOT medical card (if renewing)
- Current CDL showing P and S endorsements (if already licensed)
- Glasses or contact lenses (if worn for driving)
- Hearing aids (if applicable)
- Complete list of all medications with dosages
- Names and contact information for treating physicians
Condition-Specific Documentation
- Diabetes: Recent A1C results (within 90 days), blood glucose logs, ITDM form if insulin-treated
- High Blood Pressure: Blood pressure log if readings are borderline, medication list
- Sleep Apnea: CPAP compliance download showing 4+ hours/night on 70%+ of nights
- Heart Conditions: Cardiologist clearance letter, stress test results (within 12 months)
- Vision Issues: Recent eye exam results, vision exemption documentation if applicable
North Carolina School Bus Driver Requirements
North Carolina applies federal DOT medical standards to all school bus drivers. In addition to the DOT physical, school bus drivers in North Carolina must meet state-specific requirements:
NC DMV Requirements
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate operation)
- CDL: Valid North Carolina CDL with P and S endorsements
- Driving record: Acceptable driving history with no serious violations
- Background check: Criminal background check required by school districts
- Drug testing: Pre-employment and random drug testing under DOT regulations
School District Requirements
Individual school districts may have additional requirements beyond state and federal minimums. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and other districts typically require:
- Completion of district-approved training program
- Behind-the-wheel evaluation with district trainer
- Annual performance reviews
- Continuing education on student safety procedures
Private School and Charter Transportation
Drivers for private schools and charter transportation companies must meet the same DOT physical requirements. Some private operators may have additional health screening requirements beyond federal minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions: School Bus Driver DOT Physical
How much does a school bus driver DOT physical cost?
School bus driver DOT physicals cost $70 at Charlotte DOT Exam Center. This flat rate includes the complete examination, urinalysis, and laminated medical card. The price is the same for all commercial driver types. No hidden fees or additional charges.
Do school bus drivers need a DOT physical in North Carolina?
Yes. School bus drivers in North Carolina must pass a DOT physical examination. Because school buses transport more than 15 passengers, drivers must hold a CDL with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements and maintain valid DOT medical certification. This applies to public school, private school, and charter transportation drivers.
How often do school bus drivers need DOT physicals?
Most healthy school bus drivers receive DOT medical certificates valid for 24 months (2 years). Drivers with certain medical conditions like controlled hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea may receive 12-month certificates requiring annual examinations. The certification period is determined by the medical examiner based on your health status.
What CDL endorsements do school bus drivers need?
School bus drivers need two endorsements on their CDL: Passenger (P) endorsement and School Bus (S) endorsement. Both require written knowledge tests. The P endorsement also requires a skills test with passengers. You must have valid DOT medical certification before obtaining these endorsements.
Can school bus drivers with diabetes get DOT certified?
Yes. School bus drivers with well-controlled diabetes can obtain DOT certification. Non-insulin-treated diabetes typically qualifies for 12-24 month certification with documented A1C control. Insulin-treated diabetes requires the ITDM exemption process with endocrinologist clearance, resulting in 12-month maximum certification. Bring recent A1C results to your appointment.
What vision do school bus drivers need to pass the DOT physical?
School bus drivers must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and at least 70 degrees peripheral vision in each eye. You must also be able to distinguish traffic signal colors. Bring your glasses or contacts to the examination. Drivers who cannot meet standards may qualify for vision exemptions.
How long does a school bus driver DOT physical take?
Most school bus driver DOT physicals complete in 30-45 minutes. Drivers who meet FMCSA standards receive their medical certificate same-day before leaving our office. Drivers with complex medical conditions may need additional documentation review.
Do you provide DOT physicals for CMS school bus drivers?
Yes. Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides DOT physicals for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) bus drivers, private school drivers, charter school transportation drivers, and school bus contractors throughout the Charlotte region. Our $70 flat rate and same-day certification serve all school transportation drivers.
Charlotte DOT Exam Center Location
Address
Charlotte DOT Exam Center
8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28226
Phone: 704-544-3494
Email: appt@tebbyclinic.com
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Walk-ins Welcome
Serving Charlotte school bus drivers since 1991
Charlotte School Bus Driver Service Area
We serve school bus drivers throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area including drivers for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Union County Public Schools, Cabarrus County Schools, Gaston County Schools, Iredell-Statesville Schools, and private/charter schools throughout the region. Convenient South Charlotte location with easy access from I-485 and Pineville-Matthews Road.
Schedule Your School Bus Driver DOT Physical Today
Get the DOT medical certification you need to transport students safely. FMCSA-certified medical examiners, same-day certification, and convenient walk-in availability for school bus drivers throughout Charlotte.
$70 Flat Rate • Walk-Ins Welcome • Same-Day Certification
