During the probationary period (Probezeit), offences usually lead to the remedial course for new drivers (Aufbauseminar für Fahranfänger, ASF), and that is not an MPU (medical-psychological assessment, Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung). For new drivers, too, an MPU only comes into question for the real triggers, for example a drink-driving offence with 1.6‰ or more, drugs or criminal offences. Many people confuse the two because both measures come from the driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde).
Is the remedial course in the probationary period an MPU?
No, the remedial course for new drivers is not an MPU. The ASF is a training measure for new drivers; the MPU is an expert report (Gutachten) on fitness to drive, issued by an officially recognised assessment centre (Begutachtungsstelle für Fahreignung).
Under § 2a (1) StVG (Road Traffic Act, Straßenverkehrsgesetz; Abs. 1 = subsection 1), the probationary period initially lasts 2 years from the date the driving licence is issued. The ASF is ordered after one serious offence (A-Verstoß) or two less serious offences (B-Verstöße) during the probationary period. It comprises 4 sessions of 135 minutes each, supplemented by an observed drive if applicable. When it is ordered, the probationary period is extended by 2 years.
There is no examination in the ASF like there is in the MPU. There is no performance test, no medical examination and no expert report that decides on your fitness to drive.
How do the ASF and the MPU differ?
The ASF and the MPU differ in their triggers, procedure and consequences. The table shows the most important differences at a glance:
| Feature | Remedial course (ASF) | MPU |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | § 2a StVG | among others § 11, § 13, § 13a, § 14 FeV, § 4 StVG |
| Trigger | 1 A offence or 2 B offences in the probationary period | E.g. alcohol from 1.6‰, drugs, cannabis, 8 points, criminal offences |
| Who is affected | Only new drivers in the probationary period | All drivers |
| Procedure | 4 sessions of 135 min. each, observed drive if applicable | Questionnaire, medical examination, performance test, psychological interview |
| Duration | Spread over several appointments | Approx. 3–4 hours on one day |
| Result | Participation | Expert report: positive, negative or follow-up course recommended |
| Consequence | Probationary period + 2 years | Basis for issuing or reissuing the licence |
You can find a general overview of the MPU on the page What is an MPU?.
What happens after the remedial course if there are further offences?
After the remedial course, there are further stages in the probationary period if new offences are added. The system of stages is set out in § 2a (2) StVG:
- Remedial course: after 1 A offence or 2 B offences, probationary period + 2 years.
- Written warning: after further offences following the course, combined with the recommendation of traffic psychology counselling.
- Revocation of the driving licence: after further offences following the warning.
Traffic psychology counselling (verkehrspsychologische Beratung) under § 71 FeV (Driving Licence Regulation, Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung) is closely linked to this probationary system. It is not an MPU either, but voluntary counselling by a traffic psychologist.
What alcohol limit applies to new drivers?
For new drivers in the probationary period and for all drivers under 21, a 0.0‰ limit (0,0-Promille-Grenze) applies. The alcohol ban is set out in § 24c StVG. According to its wording, it also applies to the consumption of THC, with the exception of medicines prescribed by a doctor and taken as intended.
For comparison, the general limits for all other drivers: from 0.5‰ it is an administrative offence; from 0.3‰ driving is a criminal offence if there are signs of impairment; and from 1.1‰ absolute unfitness to drive applies, i.e. a criminal offence. 1.6‰ is the threshold from which an MPU is clearly ordered under § 13 FeV.
A breach of the alcohol ban for new drivers is an administrative offence. It does not automatically lead to an MPU. It is different if the values reach ranges that would trigger an MPU for experienced drivers as well.
The 0.0‰ limit also applies to new drivers on an e-scooter, because it counts as a motor vehicle. For bicycles there is no fixed alcohol limit, but from 1.6‰ a criminal offence with an MPU order is possible. The MPU then concerns your car driving licence. The page MPU after cycling or e-scooter riding explains more about this.
When do new drivers have to take an MPU anyway?
New drivers have to take an MPU if one of the same triggers applies as for all other drivers. The probationary period does not protect against this, but it makes the setting stricter, because the 0.0‰ rule applies as well.
Typical triggers are:
- Alcohol (§ 13 FeV): a drive with 1.6‰ or more, repeated drink-driving offences or signs of misuse or dependence. According to case law, the MPU can be ordered from as low as 1.1‰ if no signs of impairment occurred.
- Cannabis (§ 13a FeV): as a rule from the 2nd drive above 3.5 ng/ml THC in blood serum, and earlier if there are additional facts.
- Hard drugs (§ 14 FeV): even a single use of cocaine, amphetamine or opiates can rule out fitness to drive.
- Points (§ 4 StVG): at 8 points the driving licence is revoked, and the reissue usually requires an MPU.
- Criminal offences: for example leaving the scene of an accident under § 142 StGB (German Criminal Code, Strafgesetzbuch), coercion under § 240 StGB or offences with a high potential for aggression.
Which trigger applies in your case is shown in the authority's order. The page Do I need an MPU? helps you assess this. If the trigger is alcohol, the overview under MPU because of alcohol helps.
What does an MPU order specifically mean for new drivers?
For new drivers, an MPU order means the same as for everyone else: the driving licence authority requires an expert report from an officially recognised assessment centre, which you are free to choose. The assessment takes about 3 to 4 hours and consists of a questionnaire, a medical examination, a performance test and a psychological interview.
In cases involving alcohol or drugs, the MPU usually requires a documented abstinence period of 6 or 12 months before the assessment. This period determines the entire schedule, so you should start any necessary programme immediately. As a guideline, the total costs including proof of abstinence (Abstinenznachweise) and preparation are about €1,500 to €4,000.
The first step in any case is file inspection (Akteneinsicht). How to apply for it is explained in the guide File inspection at the driving licence authority.
What you can do now
- Read the authority's letter carefully: is it about a remedial course under § 2a StVG or an MPU order?
- For the ASF: arrange appointments promptly and plan for the probationary period being extended by 2 additional years.
- For an MPU order: apply for file inspection and clarify the specific question.
- For legal questions about the order, involve a specialist lawyer for traffic law (Fachanwalt für Verkehrsrecht).
- Prepare early and find suitable preparation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take an MPU after running a red light during the probationary period?
As a rule, no. Offences in the probationary period initially lead to the remedial course for new drivers, not to an MPU. An MPU only comes into question for the typical triggers such as alcohol from 1.6‰, drugs, 8 points or criminal offences.
How long does the remedial course for new drivers take?
The ASF comprises 4 sessions of 135 minutes each, supplemented by an observed drive if applicable. When it is ordered, your probationary period is also extended by 2 years.
Does an MPU extend the probationary period?
The extension of the probationary period by 2 years is linked to the order for the remedial course. The MPU is a separate procedure with different triggers and consequences.
Does the 0.0‰ limit also apply after the probationary period if I am not yet 21?
Yes, the alcohol ban under § 24c StVG applies during the probationary period and additionally to all drivers under 21. Only when neither applies any longer do the general limits apply.
