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Recently updated on September 22, 2023 at 08:22 am
It can be fast to drive too fast. Even a red traffic light is sometimes overlooked or an alcoholic drink is enjoyed too much. But those who break traffic laws may have to give up their driver's license. And in extreme cases, he does not automatically get it back after the blocking period has expired. Rather, the responsible traffic authority can oblige those affected to undergo a medical-psychological examination: not a walk in the park, even for experienced road users. With the right preparation, however, nothing should stand in the way of passing the test, also known as the MPU or idiot test.
What is behind the medical-psychological report?
Points in Flensburg have not only been collected quickly since the catalog of fines was tightened at the end of 2021. However, too many of them, causing grossly negligent accidents or other serious road traffic offenses can mean the withdrawal of the driver's license. A medical-psychological report may decide whether the person concerned gets it back.
The MPU has existed in Germany since 1954. It is also used to find out whether physically or mentally handicapped people are allowed to take the driving test. More frequently, however, it is used to determine whether conspicuous road users will be able to drive a motor vehicle in the future without endangering the general public. The number is enormous: around 100.000 people affected have to undergo the “idiot test” every year. This term has become established in everyday language, and not without reason. Those who unnecessarily risk their driver's license are generally considered to be more than just unreasonable.
The competent driver's license authority decides who is subject to an MPU. According to Section 2 (8) of the Road Traffic Act, they may order the investigation at their own discretion, depending on the person and the offence. The only requirement: There must be objective facts that justify concerns about fitness to drive.
Don't take it lightly
Anyone who has to undergo an MPU will receive an official official letter about this. It contains details of the implementation, times and locations of possible driving tests. However, those affected should not register in a hurry. Because not only do they have to bear the costs themselves, which sometimes vary greatly among the providers. Above all, they should take the time to prepare extensively. Because driving a car well and knowing the traffic rules is not enough to pass the idiot test. With up to 50 percent of all test subjects, the first tests are decided negatively: a rate that does not have to be that high. Anyone who prepares intensively for the investigation gives those responsible no reason to continue withholding their driver's license.
Prepare for three areas
Depending on their individual situation, candidates must provide specific evidence in individual cases. In principle, however, all medical-psychological reports are structured in the same way. They are divided into three sections: a physical test, a psychological survey and what is known as performance diagnostics. Optionally, a review of practical driving behavior can be ordered. A positive test result in all areas is required to pass the MPU. If you fail part of the exam, you have to take the entire idiot test again.
1. Physical Examination
- The physical examination is the purely medical part of the MPU. The medical officers should use it to rule out possible illnesses relevant to fitness to drive. Depending on their history, test subjects are often tested for alcohol or drug abuse. Blood, urine or hair samples are taken from them and checked in the laboratory for residues of pharmaceuticals or narcotics. Frequently, an immediate renunciation of the narcotics is advised to provide evidence against a suspected dependency. But you can also have one MPU pass without proof of abstinence. It is true that the responsible experts can be positively influenced in some cases by the corresponding certificates. However, they are not legally required to regain a driver's license.
- However, examinees without proof of abstinence are usually checked for a reflected appearance. They should therefore convincingly demonstrate their responsible behavior when dealing with stimulants and be able to credibly promise limited consumption in the future. This makes it possible to pass the MPU without completely abstaining from drugs or alcohol. When in cases of abuse of alcohol or narcotics a suitability to drive a motor vehicle may be declared is not the sole responsibility of the doctor's assessment. Explicit regulations can also be found in Section 13 of the Driving License Ordinance.
2. Psychological conversation
- Those affected should prepare particularly well for this part of the idiot test. Because similar to job interviews, not only countless questions are asked here, but also unexpected ones. They are intended to illuminate the self-assessment of past driving errors and to rule out future misconduct. A brief statement showing remorse and praising improvement is not enough. Rather, the experts want to use their questions to get closer to the entire personality structure of the examinee. How likely is it that the offense committed will be repeated? Has the person concerned learned from his offense, is he honestly dealing with the current situation?
- It is particularly important here to always stick to the truth. As a rule, the entire course of the conversation is recorded and, in case of doubt, listened to again. Anyone who contradicts themselves in the course of the survey reduces their chances of passing the MPU. However, anyone who gives the traffic psychologist possible reasons for his misconduct without restraint often wins his goodwill. Because nobody has to justify problems at work or in a relationship. They should no longer stand in the way of suitability to drive a motor vehicle in the future.
3. Mental performance diagnostics
- The third part of the MPU, known as performance diagnostics, is a standardized behavioral test. It tests the examinee's attention span, reaction speed and ability to concentrate. Here, too, the exercises are put together individually based on the misconduct committed, and physical fitness may also be put to the test.
Which preparatory courses are recommended?
In particular, those affected can prepare themselves perfectly for the sub-areas of psychological interviews and performance diagnostics in special courses. In simulated conversations, the examinees are obliged to deal with their driving behavior. In addition, they are informed of possible weaknesses in argumentation through helpful feedback from the course instructor and can learn self-confidence when answering even unpleasant questions. The ability to concentrate can also be increased relatively easily. Written and visual exercises can train memory and maintain attention during MPU. In the meantime, the benefit of professional preparatory measures for a fitness examination is well known. But dubious providers also profit from this fact. Private companies that claim higher than average costs or guarantee success should be treated with caution.
Those affected are on the safe side by using certified organizations such as TÜV, the Society for Occupational, Traffic and Environmental Safety mbH or DEKRA. Trained psychologists and officially recognized assessment bodies also guarantee trustworthy advice. Finally, online courses can also be booked. Many of them are profound in terms of content, but often do not offer any constructive feedback from an expert course instructor compared to a personal conversation. But it is precisely this professional feedback that can help decide on the output of the MPU. The results of the MPU are communicated to those affected immediately. If the result is positive, a written confirmation will follow shortly, on the basis of which the driver's license will be issued again.
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Thank you for the extremely helpful contribution and the tips on the preparation courses. My driver's license was revoked last year for drunk driving. I definitely learned from it and now want to prepare for the MPU. Hopefully I'll find a suitable contact person for this this week.