What Are Trucking Company DOT Physical Requirements?
Trucking company DOT physical requirements are the FMCSA-mandated medical certification standards that every commercial truck driver must meet before operating vehicles over 10,001 pounds GVWR in interstate or intrastate commerce [1]. Under 49 CFR 391.41, motor carriers are prohibited from allowing drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles unless they possess a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate issued by an examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry [2]. Charlotte DOT Exam Center has served Charlotte-area trucking companies since 1991, providing reliable DOT physical examinations for OTR, regional, and local carriers.
DOT Physical Requirements for Truck Drivers
| Physical Standard | FMCSA Requirement | Certification Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 20/40 acuity each eye, 70° peripheral field | Vision exemption available if one eye fails |
| Hearing | Perceive forced whisper at 5 feet | Hearing exemption available |
| Blood Pressure | Below 140/90 for 2-year certificate | Stage 1: 1-year; Stage 2: 3-6 month cert |
| Diabetes | No insulin use OR ITDM exemption | Annual certification with exemption |
| Cardiovascular | No current diagnosis likely to cause sudden incapacity | Cardiologist clearance may be required |
| Neurological | No epilepsy, no seizures in past 10 years | Seizure-free period required |
| Substance Use | No current alcoholism or drug use | SAP evaluation if prior violation |
Trucking Operations We Serve
Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides DOT physical examinations for all types of trucking operations:
- Over-the-Road (OTR) Carriers — Long-haul trucking companies operating interstate routes
- Regional Carriers — Trucking companies operating within the Southeast region (NC, SC, GA, VA, TN)
- Local/Last-Mile Carriers — Companies operating within the Charlotte metropolitan area
- Owner-Operators — Independent truck drivers operating under their own authority or leased to carriers
Common Medical Issues for Truck Drivers
| Condition | Certification Path | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure | 1-year or 2-year cert based on control | Current medication list |
| Sleep Apnea | Certification with CPAP compliance | 90-day compliance report (70%+ usage) |
| Type 2 Diabetes (non-insulin) | Standard certification if controlled | Recent A1C results |
| Insulin-Treated Diabetes | Annual cert with ITDM exemption | Endocrinologist clearance, MCSA-5870 |
| Heart Conditions | Case-by-case evaluation | Cardiologist clearance letter |
| Back Problems | Certification if functional | Treating physician statement |
Fleet Services for Trucking Companies
- Volume Pricing — Competitive rates for fleets with 5+ drivers
- Priority Scheduling — Dedicated appointment blocks for your drivers
- Expiration Tracking — Automated reminders before medical cards expire
- Same-Day Certification — Qualified drivers leave with valid medical cards
- DQ File Documentation — Records formatted for FMCSA compliance [3]
- DOT Drug Testing — 5-panel testing per 49 CFR Part 40 [4]
- Electronic Submission — Immediate upload to FMCSA National Registry
CDL Class Requirements
| CDL Class | Vehicle Type | DOT Physical Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs GCWR | Yes — full FMCSA exam |
| Class B | Single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR | Yes — full FMCSA exam |
| Class C | Vehicles under 26,001 lbs with HazMat or 16+ passengers | Yes — full FMCSA exam |
| Non-CDL | Vehicles 10,001-26,000 lbs GVWR | Yes for interstate commerce |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do truck drivers need DOT physicals?
Most truck drivers require DOT physical examinations every 24 months. However, drivers with certain medical conditions (like high blood pressure) may receive shorter certification periods of 3, 6, or 12 months until their condition is controlled [5].
What should drivers bring to the DOT physical?
Drivers should bring: valid photo ID, complete list of current medications with dosages, glasses or contacts if used for driving, hearing aids if used, CPAP compliance report if diagnosed with sleep apnea, and any specialist clearance letters for ongoing medical conditions.
Can you examine drivers with medical conditions?
Yes. Our FMCSA-certified examiners have extensive experience with drivers who have manageable conditions. We work within FMCSA guidelines to certify drivers whenever safely possible and provide clear guidance when additional documentation is needed.
How quickly can new hires be examined?
We offer same-day and next-day appointments for trucking companies with urgent hiring needs. Qualified drivers receive their Medical Examiner’s Certificate the same day as their examination.
Schedule Your Drivers Today
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
References
- [1] 49 CFR § 390.5 – Definitions (Commercial Motor Vehicle). eCFR.gov
- [2] 49 CFR § 391.41 – Physical qualifications for drivers. eCFR.gov
- [3] 49 CFR § 391.51 – General requirements for Driver Qualification Files. eCFR.gov
- [4] 49 CFR Part 40 – Procedures for DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing. eCFR.gov
- [5] FMCSA. Medical Certification. FMCSA.dot.gov
