MPU Preparation

Back to your driving licence without fear

The possibility of losing one’s driving licence is a stressful situation for drivers, which not only means the loss of mobility, but can also have an impact on personal life, such as the loss of one’s job. It is therefore all the more important to prepare in good time for possible measures such as an MPU preparation course in order to increase the chances of success.

However, one should be careful not to choose courses that promise a guarantee of success, as these are usually dubious. It is also worthwhile to find out early on whether proof of abstinence is required in order to prepare yourself accordingly.

• It is advantageous to prepare as early as possible. The earlier, the better.
• Do not trust MPU preparers who give you unrealistic promises of success.
• Make sure you clarify whether proof of abstinence is required.

MPU preparation: There are many untruths

There are many exaggerated stories and half-truths that are told around the medical-psychological examination (MPU). Most of them are not true. However, if you prepare thoroughly and deal intensively with your individual situation, you have the best chance of convincing the assessor that there are no longer any aptitude deficiencies. Thorough preparation is therefore crucial to getting through the MPU successfully.

With the right preparation, you can maximise your chances of a positive MPU assessment. On this page you will find valuable information for your preparation for the MPU and possible dangers that you should definitely be aware of. The information shown here does not replace an initial consultation with a trained traffic psychologist. Only a suitable MPU preparer with a background in traffic psychology is qualified to conduct a proficiency test. Please note that your MPU consultant may not be the MPU assessor himself/herself. You can find a list of suitable traffic psychologists here.

When does the ideal MPU preparation begin?

It is important to deal with the MPU as soon as it is determined that you have to take it in order to get your driving licence. The sooner you take care of it, the greater your chances of success. However, if you wait too long and seek help only shortly before the examination date, in most cases you will have no chance of proving the required sustained change in behaviour. Therefore, it is important to seek information and advice early and from reputable providers.

What is the optimal MPU preparation

What is the optimal MPU preparationThe MPU is not an idiot test and it is not about intelligence. The MPU is about establishing that you are no longer a danger to road safety in the future. MPU assessor one is a psychologist and expects you to have dealt with the background to your offence. The best way to do this is to prepare for the MPU.

When is MPU preparation worthwhile?

Preparation helps you to avoid most mistakes and to pass the MPU with a much higher probability. It is important that you adapt the MPU preparation to your wishes and pass it on the first attempt. This way you will get your driving licence back quickly and safely.

Options for preparing for the MPU

Deciding which type of preparation is best depends on various factors, such as personal flexibility, regional options, individual preferences and, unfortunately, often the costs involved. It is important that you carefully research and compare what is on offer in order to find the most suitable option for you. For example, the following methods are available for MPU preparation:

• Information evenings
• Individual sessions with professional traffic psychologists
• Group sessions led by professional traffic psychologists
• Psychotherapy sessions

It is important that you look for seriousness when choosing a provider for the preparation for the MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination). There are many offers that advertise “success guarantees” or low prices, but it is important to check whether the content of the preparation is really of high quality. Make sure that the provider has qualified experts and a good reputation to ensure that you are well-prepared for the MPU.

MPU information evening

To get a good introduction to the topic of the MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination), it can be helpful to attend free information evenings organised by recognised counselling centres. It is advisable to go to several providers to get an overview of the different presentations and approaches.

Initial counselling by psychologists

As a next step, it may be useful to take advantage of a fee-based individual counselling session with a psychologist. In this interview, the psychologist will get a picture of your background. Afterwards, individual preparation for the MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination) can take place either in individual sessions with the psychologist or in group courses.

Group courses 

Group courses have the advantage that you learn to talk about your problems there without false shame. There are providers with fixed groups or ongoing seminars where the participants change. There are mixed groups and groups that are separated between drugs, alcohol or points. The groups usually take place in the evening and last two to two and a half hours. Depending on the MPU counselling, a distinction is also made between advanced or intensive programmes.

In general, the larger the MPU counselling, the more finely the groups are divided. Ultimately, you must decide for yourself which group is best for you. Inquire about the group offerings before registering for a fee. Group sessions usually run 6 to 10 times. Digital group courses are becoming increasingly popular, allowing you to prepare for your MPU examination more conveniently and at a lower cost.

Individual counselling

In individual counselling sessions, your specific situation is dealt with more intensively. It is often possible to mix the forms of individual counselling and group. Individual counselling sessions often take place ten to twelve times and cost more than group preparation. How many hours are actually necessary depends on the individual case and the learning success. It remains your right to go to the MPU assessor with less preparation, even against the advice of the MPU counsellor, as long as you yourself are responsible for a possible failure.

Overview of MPU preparation methods

When does MPU preparation begin?

MPU preparation should begin as early as possible. As a rule, it is clear by the time of the conviction at the latest that an MPU will be necessary. Now it is up to you to take the right steps. The MPU assessors want to see concrete evidence of how you have changed your behaviour during the MPU examination. Without proper preparation and sufficient time, it is hardly possible to convince the assessors. Intentions are not enough for the experts. That is why you should make contact with a traffic psychologist as early as possible and go to the initial consultation.

How long does it take to prepare for the MPU?

The exact duration depends on the individual case and can only be determined in an MPU consultation. As a rule, MPU preparation takes as follows:

• Criminal offences approx. 3 months
• Minor alcohol and drug offences approx. 6 months
• Points MPU approx. 3 to 6 months
• In the case of drugs or alcohol abuse even 12 months

The fastest way to regain your driving licence is with a points MPU, as no proof of abstinence is required. Ask a traffic psychologist for more detailed information and advice on your personal case. If the preparation is shortened or ended too early, this can have negative consequences for the probability of success of the MPU.

MPU preparation online or on site?

Preparation courses are conducted in regular or one-off seminars. Digitally conducted MPU, counselling and preparation courses are becoming increasingly popular. These can be done comfortably at home with a computer or mobile phone, have a higher degree of anonymity in group sessions and are usually cheaper. People without a driving licence in particular have limited mobility and can only get to the next town with a lot of effort.

Pass the MPU without preparation?

The statistics clearly indicate: Of those who have not prepared for the MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination), only 37.1% pass, according to a publication on the website of the Federal Highway Research Institute (source: Bast). In contrast, 81% of those who prepared for the MPU in advance passed.

Is there a guarantee of success?

A guarantee for a positive MPU result is not possible and is unserious. Such and similar statements come from MPU counsellors who should be avoided at all costs and are not worth their money. Many reputable MPU preparers offer a free initial consultation in person or on the phone. Here you can form an opinion as to whether you feel you are in good hands there and can get an overview more easily.

If you don’t have a good feeling on the spot, you’d better go to another counsellor, because you’ll be working closely with the specialist psychologist and there should be a minimum level of sympathy. Compare providers and clarify with yourself what your willingness to pay is, whether you need one-on-one meetings with traffic psychologists or whether you would like to do the preparation completely digitally and thus more cheaply.

Choosing a reputable MPU counselling service that prepares you for the MPU examination in the best possible way for your budget is the safest way. Failed attempts and ever new preparation courses are always the most expensive way.

Back to your driving licence with MPU preparation

Choosing the right MPU counsellor is crucial for your success. Unfortunately, there are many MPU counsellors who do not have the appropriate qualifications and appear reputable at first glance. The frustration is correspondingly high.