MPU preparation online or in person: which suits you?

What is the same in both formats?

The goal is the same in both formats: a lasting change in the problem behaviour, an understanding of its causes and preparation for the psychological interview. Good preparation is not drilling answers, whether on screen or in a counselling room.

The scope does not depend on the format either. 10–12 sessions of 60 minutes each are typical, usually once a week over 2–3 months, more or fewer depending on the case. The assessors' logic is also the same: using the assessment criteria, currently in the 5th edition from 2026, they check whether three things are credible:

1. Insight into the problem and understanding of its causes: you can explain why it happened.
2. Change in behaviour: you have actually changed something and can show it.
3. Stability and motive: the change has been tested and comes from within, not just „for the licence".

Every preparation must work towards these three pillars. The page MPU preparation explains how it is structured.

How do online and in-person preparation compare?

Online and in-person preparation differ mainly in organisation, atmosphere and effort. The following table shows typical practical differences. It does not rate the quality of individual providers.

Neither column is better in principle. For one person, not having to travel is what matters; for another, it is the personal atmosphere.

Who is online preparation suitable for?

Online preparation is particularly suitable if travel or appointments would otherwise be difficult to organise. This affects many people, because after your licence has been withdrawn you may not drive yourself.

Online often works well if:

• you live in a rural area and the nearest practice is far away,
• you work shifts or have heavy family commitments,
• you find it easier to open up in familiar surroundings,
• you have a quiet room where you will not be disturbed and a stable connection.

Online is less suitable if you can hardly talk undisturbed at home. The conversations are about consumption, causes and personal crises. For that you need a setting in which you can speak openly.

Who is in-person preparation suitable for?

In-person preparation is particularly suitable if personal contact matters to you or you find it hard to concentrate on screen. The situation resembles the later interview with the traffic psychologist.

In person often works well if:

• a qualified practice is easy to reach,
• you feel more comfortable face to face,
• you have no quiet room at home,
• you need a fixed structure, with a journey and an appointment, to stick with it.

Plan the journeys realistically. With 10–12 appointments over several months, the effort adds up.

Are there mixed formats?

Yes, mixed formats are possible, for example a first meeting in person and further sessions online. You will find out in the first meeting whether a provider offers this.

More important than the mix is that the same counsellor supports your case throughout. Preparation builds step by step: causes, change, relapse strategies. Constantly changing contacts makes it harder to keep this common thread.

How do you get the most out of online sessions?

You get the most out of online sessions if you treat them like an in-person appointment. The conversation is just as confidential and personal; only the journey is gone.

1. Secure a quiet room: nobody should be listening or interrupting. Being open about consumption and causes requires privacy.
2. Test the technology beforehand: check your camera, microphone and connection shortly before the appointment.
3. Have your documents ready: notes from file inspection (Akteneinsicht), proof of abstinence (Abstinenznachweis) and questions for your counsellor.
4. Be punctual and focused: put your phone away, do nothing else on the side.
5. Work between sessions: take tasks and reflections seriously, whatever the format.

That way the session on screen becomes real work on your case and not a phone call on the side.

Which criteria count for more than the format?

Qualifications, trustworthiness and a realistic timetable count for more than the format. You should check these points in any case:

1. Qualified counselling (Beratung) by traffic psychologists. The guide Finding a traffic psychologist describes how to recognise this.
2. No pass guarantee and no model answers. Both are dubious and stand out in the MPU.
3. File inspection as the starting point: the preparation must be based on your authority's question.
4. A realistic timetable: a required proof of abstinence of 6 or 12 months must start early.
5. Transparent costs: guide values for preparation and counselling are €50–2,000. You will find the full overview under MPU costs.

The guide Recognising serious MPU preparation sums up more warning signs.

What applies to the performance test?

You can practise for the performance test wherever you are, because there are free simulators. It tests reaction, concentration, orientation and resilience on a computer, for example with the Vienna Test System or Corporal.

The test can be practised well, and weak test results alone rarely make people fail. If your result is weak, a driving behaviour test (Fahrverhaltensprobe) is often possible to compensate. Preparing for the psychological interview is therefore the more important part, whatever the format. The page MPU procedure describes how the assessment day runs.

What you can do now

1. Look at your daily life: how well can you plan journeys and fixed appointments over 2–3 months?
2. Check your space: do you have a quiet place at home for confidential conversations?
3. Ask about qualifications before deciding on a format.
4. Clarify file inspection and the start of abstinence immediately, whatever the format.
5. Compare offers and find suitable preparation.