You can take on a second MPU (medical-psychological assessment, Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung) attempt without a fixed waiting period, but it only makes sense once you know why the first one failed. The roadmap is: evaluate the negative expert report (Gutachten) carefully, deal with the cause in a targeted way, and only try again with real change and complete proof. If you only learn new answers, you risk the same outcome. The page Failed the MPU gives an overview of the reasons for and consequences of a negative expert report.
When may you repeat the MPU?
In principle, you may repeat the MPU at any time; there is no fixed waiting period between two attempts. The right time depends on how long you need to deal with the reasons for the negative result.
Bear in mind any ban period (Sperrfrist) that is still running, or a deadline set by the authority for proving your fitness to drive if you still have a driving licence. You do not have to submit a negative expert report; it remains unknown to the authority. So you have time to plan the second attempt carefully. The page Failed the MPU offers a general overview.
Step 1: How do you evaluate the negative expert report?
You evaluate the negative expert report by reading it in full and writing out the assessor's reasoning point by point. It states which requirements were not met in the view of the assessment centre (Begutachtungsstelle für Fahreignung).
For each point, ask yourself: does it concern the proof, the interview or the classification of your case? Pay particular attention to which hypothesis the assessor used as a basis, for example A2 instead of A3 for alcohol. This shows whether controlled drinking was even an option, or whether abstinence over 12 months would have been necessary.
Do not read the expert report on your own, but with a professional. It is the most valuable source of information for your second attempt, because it shows how the assessor understood what you said.
Step 2: What cause lies behind the negative result?
A negative result usually has one of a few typical causes: lack of insight, contradictions, proof that was too short or flawed, or a change in behaviour that was not documented. The following table shows what you specifically do differently the second time.
| Reason the first time | What is different now |
|---|---|
| Abstinence started too late or too short | Start a new programme without gaps at an accredited laboratory and wait for the full period (6 or 12 months) |
| Programme invalidated by a missed appointment or a positive value | Assess it honestly, clarify the cause, restart properly, cover nothing up |
| Amount of alcohol stated too low | Reconstruct the amount honestly on the basis of the case file; it must match the BAC and lab values |
| Played down ("one-off slip") | Work through your own pattern of consumption or behaviour over time |
| No real cause named | Clarify what purpose the behaviour served for you and what it compensated for |
| Model answers, rehearsed language | Tell your story in your own words, with concrete examples instead of empty phrases |
| Change only announced | Live the change, document it and test it over a sufficient period of time |
| Motive only "because of the driving licence" | Develop an inner motive that holds up even under stress |
| Controlled drinking chosen although abstinence was necessary | Adapt your approach to the hypothesis: consistent abstinence for A1, and as a rule for A2 as well |
The page on proof of abstinence (Abstinenznachweis) explains how a valid testing programme must be structured. It is normal for several reasons to apply. What matters is to address all of them, not just the most obvious one.
Step 3: What does a follow-up course under § 70 FeV achieve?
A follow-up course (Nachschulung) under § 70 FeV (Driving Licence Regulation, Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung) helps you if the expert report explicitly recommends it. In that case, an officially recognised course for restoring fitness to drive can turn a borderline result into "fit".
This is the quickest route if you only just failed, because in this case you do not necessarily have to repeat the entire MPU. You submit the course certificate together with the expert report to the authority. If, on the other hand, the report is clearly negative without a course recommendation, the route leads through a new MPU.
Step 4: How do you genuinely work through the issues instead of learning answers?
Genuinely working through the issues means that you understand your own story and can tell it, instead of repeating other people's phrases. The assessor checks the consistency between the file, the questionnaire, lab values and your account.
To do this, work your way through the three phases of the interview:
- Past: what exactly happened, how much and how often did you consume, what was the underlying cause?
- Present: what have you specifically changed since then, since when, and how do others notice it?
- Future: which situations are dangerous for you, and what do you do then? What is your plan in case of a slip?
In cases of relapse, repetition or dependence, traffic therapy (Verkehrstherapie) is often the right framework, because it provides more intensive and longer support. Typically this is 10–12 sessions of 60 minutes each over 2–3 months, more depending on the case. For the second attempt, it is better not to plan too tightly. You can find typical interview questions in the guide on questions in the psychological interview.
Step 5: When do you register again?
You should only register again once all your proof is complete and you have demonstrably dealt with the reasons from the first expert report. An appointment that is too early costs you another fee for the expert report.
As a guideline for 2026, the fee for alcohol or drugs is approx. €550–750, and for points approx. €400–650. You are again free to choose from among the officially recognised assessment centres. Switching centres does not change the basis of assessment, however, because they all work according to the assessment criteria (Beurteilungskriterien) in the 5th edition from 2026. More on comparing them in the guide Choosing an assessment centre.
What should you avoid in the second attempt?
In the second attempt, you should above all avoid shortcuts. The pressure is higher, and precisely for that reason the temptation to go for quick solutions is great.
- No bought or backdated proof: that is forgery of documents (Urkundenfälschung).
- No driving licence tourism: an EU driving licence with a sham residence is not recognised in Germany, and driving with it is a criminal offence.
- No providers with a guarantee of passing: the expert report is prepared independently by the assessment centre.
- Do not conceal the first attempt: if the assessor asks about earlier MPUs, answer honestly. Contradictions cost credibility.
If you have doubts about the lawfulness of the order or about deadlines, have this checked by a specialist lawyer for traffic law (Fachanwalt für Verkehrsrecht).
What you can do now
- Read your negative expert report in full and write out every point of criticism.
- Assign each point to a row of the table and note what you specifically have to change.
- Check whether the expert report recommends a course under § 70 FeV, and if so register promptly.
- Start new or additional proof of abstinence immediately if it was missing or too short.
- Get professional support for working through the issues: find suitable preparation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to do all parts of the MPU again in the second attempt?
As a rule, yes, because a new MPU again comprises the questionnaire, medical examination, performance test and psychological interview. It is different if the expert report recommends a course under § 70 FeV. In that case, taking part in the course can turn a borderline result into "fit".
Will the authority find out about my first, negative expert report?
Not through you, because presenting it is voluntary and you do not have to submit a negative report. Only the assessment centre and you know about it. In the interview, however, you should still answer honestly if asked.
Can I continue to use my old proof of abstinence?
That depends on whether the programme continues without gaps and covers the required period. A missed appointment or a positive value usually invalidates a programme. Clarify recognition with the assessment centre in advance.
How much does a second MPU attempt cost?
The fee for the expert report is charged again, as a guideline for 2026 about €550–750 for alcohol or drugs. Depending on the case, there are also costs for further proof of abstinence and preparation. One well-prepared attempt is therefore cheaper than several quick ones.
