Tanker Driver DOT Physical Exam in Charlotte, NC
TL;DR – Tanker 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
Is the DOT Physical Different for Tanker Drivers?
No. The DOT physical for tanker-endorsed drivers follows the exact same FMCSA medical standards as all other CDL drivers. The tanker endorsement requires only a written knowledge test about liquid cargo handling—no additional medical screening.
Who Needs a Tanker Endorsement?
Under 49 CFR Part 383, the tanker (N) endorsement is required for vehicles transporting liquid or gaseous materials in bulk tanks of 1,000 gallons or more:
- Fuel tankers: Gasoline, diesel, propane delivery (also requires hazmat)
- Milk tankers: Dairy industry transport
- Chemical tankers: Industrial chemical transport
- Water tankers: Construction site water delivery
- Cement mixers: Ready-mix concrete delivery (liquid concrete)
- Asphalt tankers: Hot asphalt transport
- Food-grade tankers: Liquid food products, beverages
Tanker vs. Hazmat: Understanding the Difference
| Endorsement | What It Covers | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Tanker (N) | Liquid/gas in bulk tanks 1,000+ gallons | Written test only |
| Hazmat (H) | Hazardous materials (any container) | TSA background check |
| Combination (X) | Both tanker and hazmat | Written test + TSA check |
When you need both: Fuel tanker drivers typically need the X combination endorsement because gasoline/diesel is both a bulk liquid AND a hazardous material.
What Does a Tanker 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 Tanker 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 Tanker 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 tanker 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 Tanker 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 hazmat drivers, CDL Class A drivers, and dump truck drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tanker Driver DOT Physical
Is the DOT physical different for tanker drivers?
No, tanker drivers undergo the identical DOT physical as all other CDL drivers. The tanker endorsement requires only a written knowledge test—no additional medical screening.
How much does a tanker driver DOT physical cost?
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate—same as all CDL drivers regardless of endorsements.
Do milk tanker drivers need DOT physicals?
Yes, milk tanker drivers operating vehicles with 1,000+ gallon capacity need tanker endorsement and DOT certification. No TSA background check needed for milk transport.
Do cement mixer drivers need tanker endorsement?
Yes, cement mixers carrying liquid concrete in drums of 1,000+ gallons typically require tanker endorsement.
What’s the difference between tanker and hazmat endorsements?
Tanker (N) covers any liquid/gas in bulk tanks 1,000+ gallons. Hazmat (H) covers hazardous materials regardless of container type. Fuel tankers need both (X endorsement).
Do propane truck drivers need tanker endorsement?
Yes, propane tanker drivers typically need both tanker (N) and hazmat (H)—the combination X endorsement.
How often do tanker drivers need DOT physicals?
Same as all CDL drivers: up to 24 months for healthy drivers, 12 months or less for managed conditions.
Can I get my tanker endorsement the same day as my DOT physical?
The DOT physical is same-day. The tanker endorsement written test is administered separately at the NC DMV.
Do water truck drivers need tanker endorsement?
Water trucks with 1,000+ gallon tanks require tanker endorsement. Most construction site water trucks fall into this category.
Do I need an appointment for my tanker driver DOT physical?
No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
