Guide · After a negative MPU
Failed the MPU: what now?
A negative assessment is disappointing, but it is not the end. Read it calmly, because it says exactly what went wrong. After that there are usually three paths: a new MPU after better preparation, in some cases a course instead of a new MPU, and before that a decision on what happens to the assessment.
First: read the assessment
The assessment explains why the assessors still had doubts about your fitness to drive. It often says that the change was not sufficiently proven or not clearly explained, that statements did not match the file, or that abstinence proof was missing or too short. That is exactly where better preparation starts.
Do I have to hand the assessment in to the authority?
The authority has given you a deadline to submit an assessment. If you do not submit it in time, the authority may conclude under § 11(8) of the German driving licence regulation that you are unfit to drive. A negative assessment usually leads to a refusal as well.
How best to proceed in this situation, for example whether to withdraw your application and apply again later, is a legal question. Please get advice from a lawyer specialising in traffic law.
A course instead of a new MPU
Some negative assessments include a course recommendation. Then, instead of a new MPU, a certificate of attendance at a recognised course to restore fitness to drive can usually be enough. The conditions are set out in § 11(10) of the German driving licence regulation:
- The course is recognised under § 70 of the driving licence regulation.
- The assessment considers exactly this type of course suitable.
- You do not currently hold a driving licence.
- The driving licence authority approved your attendance before the course.
These courses exist for drivers with alcohol or drug offences. This route does not apply to an MPU because of points.
The second attempt
For a new MPU, you should not simply say the same things again. Take the points from the assessment, close gaps in your proof and work through your story honestly. Many people fail the first time because of answers learned by heart that did not match their file.
In my preparation we read your previous assessment together, clarify what was missing and practise the interview in a simulation. Reviewing a previous assessment is part of every package.
Frequently asked questions after a negative MPU
How soon can I retake the MPU?
There is no fixed waiting period for a retake. A new appointment only makes sense once the reasons in the assessment have been dealt with, for example when you have sufficiently long abstinence proof.
Can I go to a different assessment centre?
Yes, you can take the next MPU at a different officially recognised assessment centre.
What does a course recommendation in the assessment mean?
That a recognised course can be enough instead of a new MPU, if the conditions of § 11(10) of the driving licence regulation are met and the authority approves beforehand.
Will preparation help me the second time?
Good preparation starts exactly at the reasons given in the assessment. Still, nobody can guarantee a pass; that is decided by the assessment centre.
