The medical-psychological examination, or MPU for short, causes discontent among traffic offenders. Also known as the “idiot test”, it is seen as a hurdle for those who want to get their driver's license back after violating traffic law. However, the current handling of the MPU does not necessarily contribute to greater safety on the roads. According to chip.de, a closer look at the regulations and practice shows that reforms are necessary.
Fines in comparison: Germany vs. abroad
In international comparison, the way traffic violations are dealt with in Germany appears to be lenient. At 20 km/h too fast On German roads, it results in a fine of just EUR 70 in urban areas and EUR 60 outside urban areas. In other countries, however, similar violations can be significantly more expensive - in Great Britain, for example, fines of over EUR 1.000 are threatened.
Points system and driving bans: Logical, but not always fair
In Germany, only more serious violations result in temporary driving bans and points in the driving license register. Anyone who collects eight points in Flensburg, loses the license. The rule seems fair at first, as it gives drivers enough chances to improve. But what happens after the points are deducted often leads to controversy.
MPU: costly and controversial measure
The MPU is intended to ensure that traffic offenders are no longer a danger. But many find them arbitrary and expensiveThe examination consists of three parts: medical tests, reaction tests and the psychological assessment. The latter in particular opens the door to subjective assessments and economic interests of the assessors.
Costs and success rate: A lucrative business idea
The costs for the MPU can be between 350 and 1.700 EUR. And around 40 percent fail, especially if they have not attended a preparation course, which is also expensive. And since 2018, private companies have been allowed to carry out the MPU and set their own prices, which leads to a huge price range. TÜV, ABV and Dekra dominate this market.
Preparation courses: between help and rip-off
Preparation courses, often offered by subsidiaries of the testing centers, are another source of income. The courses can easily cost around 500 EUR and serve as proof to psychologists that you are seriously dealing with your own problems. However, there are also many third-party providers on the Internet who offer preparation courses without certification and tend to give tips on cheating.
MPU abroad
Can you also take the MPU abroad? Theoretically yes, but it may not be recognized by the German driving license authorities. The prerequisite is that the same conditions are met that also apply to German assessment centers. Is it cheaper to do the MPU abroad? In principle, courses abroad can be cheaper. However, if the reports are not recognized in Germany, the savings are pointless.
When does the MPU requirement expire?
At the latest after 15 years In Germany, those affected generally no longer have to fear an MPU when applying for a renewed driving license. This period results from the expiry of the suspension period (maximum 5 years) and the limitation period for entries in the driving aptitude register (maximum 10 years).
Impact on traffic safety
The commercial preparatory courses lead to Uncooperative speeders can quickly get their driving license back. Without genuine remorse and improvement, however, road safety is not guaranteed to increase. At the same time, honest participants who work on themselves are suspected of arbitrary behavior and may even have to take the MPU more often.
Reform proposals: More transparency and fairness
To make the MPU really useful, there are several concrete suggestions:
- Timely and transparent information about the order for the MPU and the possibility of appealing against it.
- Certification of preparatory coursesto ensure that these are not just “cheat courses”.
- Therapeutic support for people who have lost their driving license due to alcohol or drug offenses.
Conclusion: Strict but fair rules
It is important to deal strictly with traffic offenders. However, the rules must be transparent and understandableto not only help those affected to get their lives back under control, but also to improve general road safety. This is the only way we can prevent innocent people from being involved in accidents involving unruly speeders or drunks.
FAQ: Taking the MPU abroad – is that possible?
- Can you also take the MPU abroad? Theoretically yes, but German authorities often do not recognize them. The same conditions as in Germany must be met.
- Is it cheaper to do the MPU abroad? Courses abroad are often cheaper, but the savings are lost if the certificate is not recognized in Germany.
- When does the MPU requirement expire? After 15 years at the latest, the MPU requirement in Germany is no longer applicable, based on the maximum suspension period of 5 years and the limitation period in the driving aptitude register of 10 years.
Have foreign MPU recognized in Germany
- Why is a foreign MPU rarely recognized? In Germany, specific regulations apply to the MPU, which are often not met by foreign examinations. These include certain qualifications of the assessing doctor and compliance with the German MPU laboratory guidelines.
the EU driving license
- Can you avoid the MPU by using a driving license from abroad? Many people try to avoid the MPU by getting a driving licence abroad. However, this is not valid in Germany during the suspension period. invalidDriving without a valid license can result in up to one year in prison or a fine. Even after the ban has expired, the resident must have been registered in the relevant country.
- What does the case law say about this? The European Court of Justice allows German authorities to retrospectively check whether the requirements for obtaining a driver's license abroad were met. If it is determined that the driver's license was obtained illegally, the MPU requirement remains and the driver's license is revoked.
