How the MPU works: what to expect on the day of the assessment

How long does the MPU take on the day of the assessment?

On the day of the assessment, the MPU (medical-psychological assessment, Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung) takes about 3 to 4 hours in total. You go through several stations at an officially recognised assessment centre (Begutachtungsstelle für Fahreignung, BfF), for example TÜV, DEKRA, pima-mpu, AVUS or ias. You decide for yourself which recognised centre you choose.

The whole day is based on the question set by the authority (behördliche Fragestellung). The driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) formulates a specific question linked to your reason for the MPU, and the expert report (Gutachten) answers exactly this question. So read the question in your order carefully beforehand. The page What is an MPU? explains what an MPU is in principle and who orders it.

What are the parts of the MPU?

The MPU consists of a written questionnaire, a medical examination, a performance test and the psychological interview. The order may vary depending on the assessment centre. The individual parts usually take this long:

The questionnaire

The questionnaire asks standardised questions about your history, the offence, your substance use and your living circumstances. Some centres also use a personality questionnaire. What matters is that your answers are consistent with the later interview and with your file – the assessor compares both.

The medical examination

The medical examination checks your physical fitness and possible signs of dependence. A doctor carries out a physical examination, takes blood and talks to you about the reason for the MPU and your consumption habits. If the question concerns your health, specialist medical findings play a greater role; more on this under medical MPU.

The performance test

The performance test uses a computer to measure your reaction speed, concentration and attention, perception and orientation, as well as your ability to cope with time pressure and multiple tasks. The result is given as a percentile rank compared with a standard sample, and there are minimum requirements. The test is easy to practise, for example with free simulators.

A weak test result is rarely the reason for failing. Often a driving behaviour test (Fahrverhaltensprobe), i.e. a real drive, is then possible to compensate. Arrive well rested and on time, and you will take a lot of pressure off this part.

Why is the psychological interview the most important part?

The psychological interview is the most important part of the MPU, because it clarifies whether you have understood your past behaviour and can show a stable, credible change in behaviour with a sound motive. The assessor evaluates you according to the assessment criteria for forming a judgement in fitness-to-drive assessments (Beurteilungskriterien zur Urteilsbildung in der Fahreignungsbegutachtung), currently in the 5th edition of 2026.

The interview usually follows three phases:

1. Past: What happened, how much and how often did you consume, what were the real causes?
2. Present: What exactly have you changed, since when, and how do you prove it?
3. Future: Which situations are risky for you, and how do you deal with them?

The assessor checks the consistency between your file, the questionnaire, laboratory values and your account. If, for example, a stated amount of alcohol does not match the measured blood alcohol level or the CDT value, this is noticed immediately. That is why thorough MPU preparation is worthwhile, focusing on genuinely working through the issues rather than memorised sentences.

Are there trick questions in the MPU?

There are indeed trick questions in the MPU, but they are not a trap in a malicious sense. They are seemingly harmless questions, such as "How long have you had your driving licence?", used to test honesty and preparation. If you dodge such questions or get caught up in contradictions, you lose credibility.

The best strategy is therefore simple:

• Answer calmly, honestly and in your own words.
• Stick to the facts in your file and do not play anything down.
• Avoid excuses and blaming others.
• Take a moment to think; that is explicitly fine.

What should you bring to the MPU?

You should bring your ID, all proofs in the original and, if necessary, your glasses to the MPU. Incomplete documents can weaken your position unnecessarily on the day of the assessment. This list will help you pack:

• Identity card or passport
• Proofs of abstinence (Abstinenznachweise), complete and in the original, and a drinking diary if applicable
• Course and therapy certificates, for example for courses under § 70 FeV, traffic psychology counselling under § 71 FeV or traffic therapy
• Specialist medical findings if the question is medical, usually not older than 3 months
• Glasses or contact lenses for the eye test

You can find out what a valid proof must look like under Proof of abstinence. Also arrive well rested, on time and sober. Your clothing can be neat and normal – what counts is the content, not the outward impression.

What results can the MPU expert report have?

The MPU expert report can be positive, negative or recommend a remedial course (Nachschulung). You receive the report from the assessment centre after the assessment; it is not sent to the authority automatically.

Note: Submitting the report is voluntary – you do not have to submit a negative report, in which case the authority will not know about it.

A positive report has no statutory expiry date. In practice, however, authorities usually only accept it for about 1 to 3 years (guideline, as of 2026). If the reason was a points total in Flensburg, this is reset to 0 after passing the MPU. You can read what you can do after a negative result under Failed the MPU.

What happens next?

First apply for file inspection (Akteneinsicht) so that you know the exact question and all the facts available to the assessor. If a proof of abstinence is required, start it as early as possible, because the proof period usually determines your timetable. Through MPU Plus you can then find suitable counselling that prepares you specifically for the day of the assessment.