MPU advice

The medical-psychological examination (MPU) determines whether someone is physically and mentally fit to safely participate in road traffic. It is ordered when the driving license authority has doubts about a person's suitability to drive – for example, due to alcohol or drug-related violations, too many points on their driving record, or serious traffic offenses.

• Alcohol: e.g. drunk driving with a blood alcohol level of 1.6 ‰ or repeated driving under the influence of alcohol.

• Drugs: Consumption of cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines or mixed consumption.

• Points: from 8 points in the driving aptitude register.

• Criminal offenses: Driving without a license, endangering road traffic, bodily harm, etc.

The MPU consists of three parts:

1. Medical examination: physical examination, blood or urine tests if necessary.

2. Performance test: reaction, attention, concentration.

3. Psychological interview: the most important part – this is where we clarify whether the behavioral change is credible and stable.

The report is then prepared in writing and sent to the driving license authority.

Proof of abstinence is required if the driving license authority or the MPU examiner assumes that only a complete abstinence from alcohol or drugs can restore your ability to drive.

This is especially the case in the following situations:

1️. High blood alcohol level at the time of the crime

• From 1.6 ‰ blood alcohol concentration: In Germany, alcohol abuse is assumed from this value.

  • Controlled drinking is no longer accepted .

  • A verifiable, complete abstinence from alcohol for at least 12 months is expected.

2️. Repeated drunk driving

• If you have been caught driving while under the influence of alcohol on several occasions , the authorities will usually also require you to abstinence .

• This applies even to blood alcohol levels below 1.6 ‰, as it is assumed that there is no ability to separate alcohol consumption from driving.

3️. Suspected alcohol or drug addiction

• If there are signs of dependence (e.g. withdrawal symptoms, loss of control), complete proof of abstinence over a longer period of time is necessary.

• Typical: 12–24 months without interruption, often accompanied by therapeutic measures or follow-up care.

4️. Drug use

• Illegal drugs: Even a single use of hard drugs (cocaine, amphetamines, heroin) usually leads to proof of abstinence.

• Cannabis:

  • Controlled consumption may be possible with occasional use without driving under the influence .

  • If you drive under the influence of THC or regularly consume it, you will be required to abstinence (usually 6-12 months).

5️. Multiple substances (mixed use)

• If alcohol and drugs were consumed together, particularly strict proof is required (usually at least 12 months of abstinence from both substances).

• 6 months: at first occurrence and without dependence.

• 12 months: Standard for high blood alcohol levels or repeated violations.

• 24 months: recommended or required if there was an addiction.

• Urine screening: at least 4–6 spontaneous screenings per year.

• Hair analysis: for alcohol (EtG) up to 3 cm hair length = approx. 3 months detection.

• Blood tests: complementary, not as sole evidence.

Important: Only certificates from certified laboratories or according to CTU criteria are accepted.

• Problem recognition: Understanding why the violation occurred.

• Behavioral change: credible, stable changes in everyday life.

• Relapse prevention: Strategies to avoid recurrences.

• Acceptance of responsibility: Recognizing that one is responsible.

• Below 1.6 ‰: sometimes controlled drinking + behavioral change is enough.

• From 1.6 ‰: usually complete abstinence from alcohol with proof required.

• In cases of addiction or mixed use: longer periods of abstinence and often therapeutic measures are necessary.

At least 6 months are recommended – if proof of abstinence is required, preparation should begin as early as possible so that all the necessary evidence can be collected.

• MPU report: approx. €350 – €750 (depending on the offense).

• Proof of abstinence: approx. €200 – €900 per year.

• Advice/preparation: depends on duration and scope (individual discussions, group programs).

Yes, but the failure rate without preparation is very high (often over 50%).

Targeted preparation significantly increases your chances of success because you learn to present your changes clearly and credibly.

You can repeat the MPU – there is no suspension period.

A thorough analysis of the first report helps avoid similar mistakes next time. If a negative report has already been submitted, this can be incorporated into the preparation.

Make sure that the body is recognized by the BASt (Federal Highway Research Institute) .

A list of recognized bodies can be found on the BASt or TÜV websites.

The assessor wants to understand how the abnormality arose, whether you have seriously addressed the situation, and whether your changes are credible, understandable, and stable.

Liver values can provide evidence of alcohol consumption, but are not proof of abstinence alone.

They are often used as a supplement, especially in alcohol MPU tests.

An MPU consultation is a structured coaching session that prepares you step by step for the medical-psychological examination. Typical procedure:

1. Initial consultation & analysis

   • We will discuss your case, the reasons for the MPU and your previous experiences.

   • We clarify whether proof of abstinence is necessary and create a schedule.

1. Individual preparation

   • Together we will develop your personal problem analysis (What happened? Why?).

   • We develop strategies for behavior change and relapse prevention .

   • If necessary, we will also discuss medical evidence (liver values, screenings).

1. Practice & reflection discussions

   • You will learn to present your changes convincingly.

   • We simulate the psychological MPU interview (“test MPU”).

1. Conclusion & finishing touches

   • We check whether all documents are complete.

   • You will receive feedback on whether you are ready for the MPU.

The goal is for you to enter the MPU well prepared, confident and authentic – so that you can successfully prove your suitability to drive.