School bus drivers transport the most precious cargo on the road—children. Because school buses carry more than 15 passengers, drivers must hold a CDL with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements, plus maintain valid DOT medical certification under 49 CFR Part 391.
North Carolina adds state-specific requirements beyond federal minimums. School bus drivers must satisfy both FMCSA standards and district policies from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and surrounding districts.
CMS is one of the largest school districts in North Carolina, employing hundreds of school bus drivers. CMS transportation requirements include:
Beyond CMS, Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides DOT physicals for school bus drivers from:
School bus drivers face unique health considerations:
Split shifts: Early morning and afternoon routes can affect sleep patterns. Drivers with sleep apnea must demonstrate CPAP compliance.
Student safety responsibility: School bus drivers must maintain situational awareness of passenger behavior while driving. The DOT physical evaluates neurological function and mental fitness.
Emergency evacuation: School bus drivers must be physically capable of assisting with student evacuation in emergencies.
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 school bus 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 charter bus drivers, and CDL Class B drivers.
Yes, all school bus drivers in North Carolina must pass DOT physical examinations. Drivers must hold a CDL with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements plus valid DOT medical certification.
While federal certification lasts up to 24 months, most NC school districts—including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools—require annual DOT physicals. Verify your district’s specific policy.
Yes, Charlotte DOT Exam Center’s DOT physical examinations fully satisfy Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools transportation department requirements.
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate for school bus driver DOT physicals, including examination, urinalysis, and laminated medical card.
Major disqualifications include uncontrolled epilepsy/seizures, insulin-treated diabetes without FMCSA exemption, certain heart conditions, and severe hearing or vision impairment.
Yes, many diabetic school bus drivers maintain certification. Diet and oral medication-controlled diabetes can be certified by any examiner. Insulin-treated drivers need FMCSA diabetes exemption.
North Carolina school bus drivers must hold a CDL with passenger (P) endorsement and school bus (S) endorsement, requiring both knowledge and skills tests.
Schedule renewal 30-60 days before expiration. For school bus drivers, summer months are ideal for annual renewals before the new school year.
Yes, all school bus drivers—including substitutes and part-time drivers—must maintain valid DOT medical certification.
No appointment required. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. We can accommodate multiple drivers from the same school district.