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.
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:
| 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate—same as all CDL drivers regardless of endorsements.
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.
Yes, cement mixers carrying liquid concrete in drums of 1,000+ gallons typically require tanker endorsement.
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).
Yes, propane tanker drivers typically need both tanker (N) and hazmat (H)—the combination X endorsement.
Same as all CDL drivers: up to 24 months for healthy drivers, 12 months or less for managed conditions.
The DOT physical is same-day. The tanker endorsement written test is administered separately at the NC DMV.
Water trucks with 1,000+ gallon tanks require tanker endorsement. Most construction site water trucks fall into this category.
No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.