Frequently Asked Questions About the MPU
Short answers to the most common questions about the MPU fitness-to-drive assessment in Germany. Links lead to further reading or the cost calculator.
Basics
The MPU (Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung) is a German fitness-to-drive assessment. It typically includes a medical examination, performance tests, and an in-depth psychological interview. The exact procedure varies by assessment center and reason for referral.
Calculate MPU costsAn MPU can be ordered when doubts arise about your fitness to drive, for example after a high blood alcohol level, repeated traffic violations, accumulating 8 or more points in the Flensburg register, or certain criminal offences. The licensing authority decides on a case-by-case basis.
The competent road traffic licensing authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) sends you a written request. You have the option to have the request reviewed by a lawyer. Courts or public prosecutors may also initiate an assessment in specific cases.
Procedure & Costs
A typical MPU day consists of a medical examination (blood, urine, physical assessment), computer-based performance tests (reaction time, concentration, resilience), and a detailed psychological interview. The exact order and duration depend on the assessment center and the reason for referral.
Plan for three to five hours, including waiting time. The psychological interview alone can take one to two hours.
Costs typically range from around 400 to 800 euros, sometimes more, depending on the assessment center and scope. Additional costs may include sobriety documentation, medical certificates, or preparation measures. The cost calculator gives you a neutral estimate.
Calculate MPU costsThis depends on the reason. If sobriety documentation is required, you may need six to twelve months of lead time. For performance tests and the psychological interview, several weeks of preparation are recommended. Starting early pays off in almost all cases.
Alcohol
Typical triggers include driving with a blood alcohol level of 1.6 ‰ or more, repeated alcohol-related traffic offences, or a single offence with evidence of alcohol misuse. The authority assesses each case individually.
Not necessarily. Whether sobriety is required depends on the referral and the assessment brief. For levels of 1.6 ‰ or above, or evidence of dependency, sobriety is often expected, but not in every case. What is specifically required is stated in the authority's written request.
In some constellations, the assessment brief may allow for controlled drinking, for example if no dependency pattern has been established. This is not a general route; whether it applies to your situation should be clarified with the assessment center.
Cannabis
Since partial legalisation in April 2024, a THC blood serum limit of 3.5 ng/ml applies for driving in Germany. Zero tolerance still applies for novice drivers and those under 21. Driving under the influence remains a violation even below the limit if impairment can be demonstrated.
Estimate THC clearance timeTypical reasons include driving with measurable THC influence, repeated cannabis use with evidence of an inability to separate consumption from driving, or other circumstances suggesting dependency or lack of self-control.
THC detection times in urine vary considerably depending on frequency of use, body fat percentage, and the test method: from a few days for occasional use to several weeks for regular use. In blood, THC is typically detectable for a shorter period. No universal timeframe can be guaranteed.
Estimate THC clearance timeOther Drugs
For all illegal substances, zero tolerance applies in road traffic: any detectable substance in the blood can lead to a finding of unfit to drive, even without visible impairment. An MPU is common after a drug-related violation and is ordered by the licensing authority on a case-by-case basis.
Typically hair analysis, urine screenings, and medical certificates confirming a drug-free period. Hair samples are particularly suited for long-term documentation as they can reflect consumption patterns over several months.
Points & Violations
The licensing authority can order an MPU when you reach 8 or more points in the Flensburg register. Below that threshold, a referral may still be possible given a pattern of repeated violations.
A points-based MPU focuses less on sobriety and more on your driving behaviour, risk perception, and willingness to change. The psychological interview typically works through your violations chronologically, your awareness of the problem, and concrete steps you have taken.
Criminal Offences
Yes. Certain offences, such as bodily harm, coercion, or threats, can raise doubts about fitness to drive, even when unrelated to driving. The licensing authority assesses whether a connection to driving fitness is plausible.
The psychological interview examines conflict management, impulse control, and the ability to remain composed in stressful situations. Specific incidents are reviewed chronologically. Credible changes in attitude and behaviour play a central role.
Assessment & Next Steps
As a rule, you can have the report sent to yourself first and then decide whether to submit it to the authority. You should clarify the exact handling with the assessment centre. If the result is negative, specialist legal advice is recommended.
You have several options: file an objection (with supporting reasons), obtain a second opinion from another assessor, actively address the underlying issues, and retake the MPU after sufficient preparation time. The right course depends on the specific criticisms in the report.
No. A negative assessment does not automatically trigger a new disqualification period. It means the authority will not issue or will withdraw your licence. When and under what conditions you may reapply is stated in the report or the subsequent authority decision.
Preparation with MPUfy
The free tier includes basic MPU information and an AI chat for initial orientation. Structured preparation, coaching, and live minutes are part of the paid plans.
The trial lasts 3 days and gives you full access to all features — including Coaching — with no payment details required. You receive a total of 15 live minutes (max. 10 minutes per session). The trial ends automatically: no subscription, no automatic charge.
Starter includes MPU roadmap, learning modules, and 150 live minutes. Rundum adds a sobriety companion, reaction test, and 300 live minutes in total. Coaching provides 600 live minutes for intensive MPU simulations with personal feedback. The minutes are credited in full on purchase; additional minutes can be purchased at any time. Prices and full details are on the packages page.
No. MPUfy is a one-time payment with 18 months of access. No subscription, no automatic renewal, no hidden follow-up costs. You have a 14-day right of withdrawal under German law (§ 312g BGB).
No. MPUfy cannot and does not make any promise about assessment outcomes. MPUfy helps you prepare in a structured way. Whether the assessment is positive depends on the assessors and your individual situation.
Sei dabei, bevor MPUfy startet
Bis zum Start am 1. Dezember findest du hier kostenlose Rechner und neutrale Informationen rund um die MPU. Wer auf der Warteliste steht, kann MPUfy schon in der Beta ab September kostenlos nutzen.
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