Traffic psychology counselling: process, qualifications and costs

The term "traffic psychology counselling" (verkehrspsychologische Beratung) is used with two meanings: as counselling regulated by law for new drivers in the probationary period, and as voluntary preparation for the MPU (medical-psychological assessment, Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung). Both use the same method, namely working through the causes in one-to-one sessions, but they differ in their reason and legal effect. This page explains both forms and helps you find the right support.

What is traffic psychology counselling?

Traffic psychology counselling is a one-to-one session in which you recognise deficiencies in your attitude to road traffic and in your behaviour, and develop the willingness to overcome them. This is how § 2a Abs. 7 StVG (Road Traffic Act, Straßenverkehrsgesetz; Abs. = subsection) describes counselling during the probationary period. The counsellor (Berater) is meant to clarify the causes of the deficiencies and show ways of eliminating them.

In the MPU context, the term usually refers to voluntary preparation (Vorbereitung) by traffic psychologists. It is related in content, but not necessarily bound to § 71 FeV (Driving Licence Regulation, Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung). Its aim is for you to understand your own story, build up real change and be able to explain it comprehensibly in the interview with the assessor.

When is counselling recommended during the probationary period?

Counselling during the probationary period is recommended to you if, after a remedial course (Aufbauseminar), you again commit one serious or two less serious offences within the probationary period. The authority then gives you a written warning and recommends that you attend traffic psychology counselling within 2 months (§ 2a Abs. 2 Nr. 2 StVG; Nr. = number).

If a further such offence is added in the probationary period after this deadline has passed, the driving licence must be revoked (§ 2a Abs. 2 Nr. 3 StVG). Counselling is therefore a final warning stage, but not an MPU. The guide MPU in the probationary period explains how the probationary period, the remedial course and the MPU are connected.

How does traffic psychology counselling work?

Traffic psychology counselling takes the form of a confidential one-to-one session, which can be supplemented by a test drive if necessary. Under § 2a Abs. 7 StVG, the findings from the counselling are intended for you only. You only receive a certificate of attendance, which you can submit to the authority.

In voluntary MPU preparation, the work usually follows a similar structure:

1. Evaluate the file inspection (Akteneinsicht): clarify the reason, the levels and the authority's question.
2. Work through the past: what happened, how often, how much, and what was the actual cause?
3. Build up change: concrete steps, strategies for risk situations, if necessary abstinence or controlled drinking with evidence.
4. Secure the future: relapse and emergency plans, a sustainable motive of your own.
5. Practise the interview: tell your story in your own words, without memorised model answers.

The scope depends on your case. A short course of counselling often comprises 3 one-to-one sessions of 1 hour each with a certificate. Traffic therapy (Verkehrstherapie) for dependence or repeat offences typically comprises 10–12 sessions of 60 minutes each, usually once a week over 2–3 months. MPU preparation explains how the preparation works overall.

What qualifications does a traffic psychologist need?

For officially recognised counselling under § 2a StVG, § 71 FeV sets out precise requirements. Anyone who holds a confirmation from the Traffic Psychology Section of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (Sektion Verkehrspsychologie im Berufsverband Deutscher Psychologinnen und Psychologen, BDP) is regarded as recognised. This confirmation requires:

• a completed degree as a Diplom-Psychologe (German diploma in psychology) or an equivalent Master's in Psychology,
• training in traffic psychology, for example at a university or a body for assessing or restoring fitness to drive,
• professional experience, for example at least 3 years of assessments at an assessment centre or of running courses, or alternatively at least 5 years of freelance work in traffic psychology,
• participation in quality assurance with at least 16 hours of introduction to traffic law, documented counselling sessions and at least 16 hours of further training within every 2 years,
• personal reliability (§ 2a Abs. 7 StVG).

This recognition is not mandatory for voluntary MPU preparation. It is, however, a good criterion for checking. So in the initial consultation, ask about the counsellor's degree, training in traffic psychology and experience with your reason. The guide Finding a traffic psychologist gives tips on choosing.

How does counselling differ from traffic therapy and courses?

Traffic psychology counselling differs from traffic therapy and courses mainly in intensity, reason and legal effect. Which form suits you depends on how serious your case is.

A course under § 70 FeV is not a substitute for counselling before the MPU; it only applies if an expert report (Gutachten) expressly recommends it. More on this under Failed the MPU.

What does traffic psychology counselling cost?

Depending on its scope, traffic psychology counselling or MPU preparation costs about €50 to €2,000 (2026 guide value). There are no fixed prices; the range extends from a single appointment to support over several months.

The decisive factors for the costs are the number and length of the sessions and whether traffic therapy is needed. Reputable providers state their costs transparently before starting and do not promise that you will pass. MPU costs shows how the total MPU costs are made up.

Note: a "pass guarantee" is a warning sign. The expert report is prepared independently by the assessment centre; no counsellor can promise the result.

Does counselling replace the MPU?

Traffic psychology counselling does not replace the MPU. Counselling and assessment are strictly separate: counselling prepares you, while the expert report is prepared independently by an officially recognised assessment centre (Begutachtungsstelle für Fahreignung) according to the assessment criteria.

You can bring a certificate of attendance to the MPU; it shows that you have engaged with the subject. What has to convince in the interview, however, is the change you have actually lived and documented. The guide MPU preparation online or in person describes whether preparation online or in person suits you better.

What happens next?

First clarify whether you have been recommended counselling in the probationary period or are preparing for an MPU, and if you have received an MPU order, request file inspection. In the initial consultation, ask about qualifications, scope and costs. Through MPU Plus, you can find suitable counselling (Beratung) that fits your reason.