You can practise well for the MPU performance test (Leistungstest): it runs on standardised computer systems such as the Vienna Test System (Wiener Testsystem) or Corporal and checks reaction, concentration, perception and ability to cope under pressure. With free simulators, a good night's sleep and arriving on time, most people meet the requirements. And even with a weak result, a driving behaviour test (Fahrverhaltensprobe) is often possible to compensate.
What is the performance test at the MPU?
The performance test is one of the components of the MPU (medical-psychological assessment, Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung) and takes about 30–40 minutes. It checks abilities such as reaction, attention and ability to cope under pressure, which you need to take part safely in road traffic. Alongside it, the MPU includes the written questionnaire, the medical examination and the psychological interview; the entire appointment takes around 3–4 hours.
The test runs on standardised computer systems. Common ones are the Vienna Test System (WTS) by the manufacturer Schuhfried and Corporal (Plus). Which system is used depends on the assessment centre (Begutachtungsstelle für Fahreignung). You can find an overview of all parts on the page about the MPU procedure.
What is checked in the MPU performance test?
The MPU performance test checks five areas of ability that are needed when driving. The specific tasks differ depending on the system, but the areas are comparable.
| Area | What it is about (in general) |
|---|---|
| Speed of reaction | How quickly and correctly you react to signals |
| Concentration and attention | Whether you stay focused on the task over a longer period |
| Perception and orientation | Whether you grasp situations quickly and find your way around |
| Ability to cope under time pressure | Whether your performance remains stable when things have to be done quickly |
| Multiple demands | Whether you can process several stimuli at the same time |
The tasks are carried out on screen. If you have practised with a simulator beforehand, you already know the formats and can concentrate on the tasks themselves on the day of the test.
What does the percentile rank in the performance test mean?
The percentile rank (Prozentrang) is the comparative value used to evaluate your result. Your performance is not measured as an absolute score, but compared against a norm sample, i.e. against the results of a comparison group. The percentile rank shows how you perform relative to this group.
There are minimum requirements for fitness to drive. So you do not have to be among the best, but you do have to reach the required threshold. How high this lies in the individual case and how it is weighted is determined by the assessment; we deliberately do not give a generally applicable figure here.
Can you practise for the MPU performance test?
Yes, you can practise well for the MPU performance test. There are free simulators that replicate the typical task formats. If you already know the task types, you lose less time getting your bearings on the day of the test and stay calmer.
This is how you can approach practising:
- Get to know the task types: first familiarise yourself with the formats: reaction, attention, multiple demands.
- Practise regularly in short sessions: several short sessions are better than one very long one, so that your concentration and motivation are maintained.
- Pay attention to accuracy: being fast is good, but mistakes count too. Practise reacting calmly and correctly.
- Train under time pressure: get used to the fact that some tasks are deliberately designed to create stress.
- Do not overdo it: on the day before the MPU, resting is more important than one last practice round.
These practice steps are general recommendations for getting used to the format. They do not replace preparation for the psychological interview, which carries considerably more weight.
How important is how you feel on the day?
How you feel on the day plays a noticeable role in the performance test, because reaction and concentration depend directly on sleep and tension. That is why the rule for the day of the assessment is: arrive well rested, on time and sober. If you arrive in a rush, you start the test with unnecessary stress.
Also remember your glasses or contact lenses: they are needed for the eye test and also help at the screen. Bring all your documents in full, so you do not have to worry in the morning. You can find more tips against nervousness in the guide MPU day without panic.
What happens if the performance test goes badly?
A weak result in the performance test does not automatically mean a negative expert report (Gutachten). If the result is weak, a driving behaviour test is often possible, i.e. a real drive in which your actual driving behaviour is observed. It can compensate for a weakness in the computer test.
A weak test result alone therefore rarely leads to failing. People much more often fail in the psychological interview, for example because of contradictions or a lack of insight. The performance test deserves a little practice, but not all of your worry.
Where does the real focus of preparation lie?
The real focus of MPU preparation lies on the psychological interview. That is where it is checked whether you have understood your earlier problem behaviour, have changed your behaviour in a stable way and have a sustainable motive. In alcohol or drug cases, proof of abstinence (Abstinenznachweis) over 6 or 12 months is often added, and this determines the schedule.
So plan like this: you practise for the performance test on the side with simulators, while your main energy goes into MPU preparation and, if required, into starting the testing programme in good time. Which questions you can expect in the interview is shown in the guide MPU questions in the psychological interview.
What should you bring to the performance test?
You bring the same things to the performance test as to the whole MPU, because it takes place at the same appointment. With complete documents you avoid stress, which can have a direct effect on reaction and concentration.
- Identity card or passport
- Glasses or contact lenses for the eye test
- Proof of abstinence in the original, if required, and a drinking log (Trinkprotokoll) if applicable
- Course or therapy certificates, for example under § 70 or § 71 FeV (Driving Licence Regulation, Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung)
- Reports from medical specialists if there is a medical question, as a rule no older than 3 months
What you can do now
- Try out a simulator: familiarise yourself with the task types of the Vienna Test System and Corporal.
- Plan short practice sessions: regularly, without overstretching yourself, with a focus on accuracy.
- Prepare for the day of the assessment: plan your journey, lay out your glasses, ID and documents, go to bed early.
- Take the interview seriously: invest most of your time in working through the content. Find suitable preparation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the performance test at the MPU take?
The performance test takes about 30–40 minutes. It is one of several components; the entire MPU appointment takes around 3–4 hours.
Do I need computer skills for the reaction test?
The test does run on a computer, but what is checked is reaction, concentration, perception and ability to cope under pressure, not your computer knowledge. Practising with a free simulator takes away the uncertainty about the unfamiliar format.
Can I fail because of the performance test alone?
That is rare. If the result is weak, a driving behaviour test is often possible to compensate, in which your real driving behaviour is assessed.
Which test systems are used at the MPU?
Common ones are the Vienna Test System by Schuhfried and Corporal (Plus). Which system you get depends on the assessment centre you choose.
