Saving on MPU costs: where it is realistic and where it is not

Where is there any potential for savings in the MPU?

The potential for savings in the MPU lies mainly in the cost blocks where you choose the provider or method yourself. Overall, an MPU realistically costs about €1,500–4,000 (guide value 2026), spread over the whole period.

Since 2018, each assessment centre has set its own prices, which is why there are ranges instead of fixed prices. You will find the full overview with sample calculations under MPU costs.

How can you save realistically?

You save realistically with good planning and careful implementation. These levers are sound and do not put your chances at risk:

1. Compare assessment centres (Begutachtungsstelle für Fahreignung): you are free to choose any officially recognised centre. The level of the fee says nothing about your chances, because they all assess according to the same assessment criteria. Tips in the guide Choosing an assessment centre.
2. File inspection (Akteneinsicht) before starting a programme: only once you know whether 6 or 12 months and which substances are required will you avoid paying for the wrong programme.
3. Choose the method deliberately: for 12 months, for example, 6 urine tests at €60–120 each (€360–720) or 4 hair analyses at €120–200 each (€480–800) are options. Which method suits you also depends on your hair length and daily life.
4. Do not invalidate the programme: a positive result or a missed appointment usually invalidates the programme, and then you pay from the start again. Watch out for food containing alcohol and mouthwash, and do not dye your hair if you are doing a hair analysis.
5. Reduce points early: with 1 to 5 points, the driving aptitude seminar (Fahreignungsseminar) removes 1 point, once every 5 years. This can prevent you from reaching 8 points and the MPU.
6. Use a course recommendation: if an expert report (Gutachten) recommends a course under § 70 FeV (Driving Licence Regulation, Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung), the course certificate can usually replace a new MPU, provided the authority agrees before the course starts. This does not apply to orders because of points or under § 11 Abs. 3 Nr. 4 to 7 FeV.
7. Have it checked whether entries may be used: if an entry has already been deleted, it may no longer be used. A specialist lawyer can clarify whether an MPU is needed at all.

The guide Costs of proof of abstinence shows what individual samples and programmes cost.

Why is a second attempt the most expensive option?

A second attempt is the most expensive option because almost all costs arise again and you also lose time. You pay the fee for the expert report for every attempt, for alcohol or drugs about €550–750.

Many people do not pass the MPU without preparation. That is why thorough preparation the first time is usually cheaper than several quick attempts. Failed the MPU explains what to do after a negative result.

Where should you not save?

You should not save on anything that determines whether your evidence is valid and how well you work through your case. This is where a supposed bargain ends up costing the most.

• Accredited laboratory: only evidence that meets DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and the CTU criteria is recognised. A cheap test that is not recognised is worthless. Details under Proof of abstinence.
• Qualified preparation: the psychological interview is the most important part of the MPU. In cases of relapse, repeat offences or dependence, traffic therapy (Verkehrstherapie) with typically 10–12 sessions is often the right setting.
• No shortcuts: bought or backdated evidence is forgery of documents (Urkundenfälschung). An EU driving licence based on a sham residence is not recognised, and driving with it is a criminal offence.

Note: Offers with a „pass guarantee“ or success rates such as „90 %“ are advertising claims, not verified facts. The assessment centre produces the expert report independently.

How can you spread the costs over time?

The costs are spread over several months automatically, because they arise at different times. If you know the process, you can plan a realistic budget.

Because urine screening tests are unannounced, you cannot plan the appointments, but you can put aside a monthly amount. With hair analysis, the costs arise about every 3 months.

Can you finance the MPU?

Whether you can pay individual items in instalments depends on the provider. We cannot give you generally applicable rules on instalment payments or subsidies, so ask the assessment centre, laboratory and counsellor directly.

Trustworthy providers state their costs transparently before you start and explain what is included in the price. Ask whether packages include services you do not need at all, and get the payment terms in writing. For tax questions, contact a tax adviser.

What you can do now

1. Apply for file inspection and clarify which proof and which period are required.
2. Get quotes from at least two assessment centres and compare the fee for the expert report.
3. Choose the method of proof to suit the period, your hair and your daily life, and start immediately.
4. Put aside a monthly amount for samples, preparation and the expert report.
5. Invest in seriously working through your case instead of in a second attempt: find suitable preparation.