Guide · Terms

MPU glossary: the most important terms

Around the MPU you come across many technical words, in letters from the authority, in the assessment report and at the assessment itself. Here I explain the most important ones briefly and in plain words. The German term you will see in letters is given in brackets.

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Abstinence proof (Abstinenznachweis)

Proof that you have not used alcohol or drugs for a certain period. It is provided through urine samples or hair tests at a lab that works according to the CTU criteria. Usually 6 or 12 months.

Viewing your file (Akteneinsicht)

You may view the documents that the licensing authority sends to the assessment centre (§ 11 (6) FeV). It is worth it, because the assessors know your file well.

Annex 4a FeV (Anlage 4a)

Part of the German Driving Licence Regulation with the principles by which an MPU is carried out. It says, for example, that the assessment relates to the specific case and must be comprehensible.

Assessment centre (Begutachtungsstelle)

An officially recognised centre that carries out the MPU, for example centres run by TÜV or DEKRA. You choose the centre yourself and tell the authority.

Assessment criteria (Beurteilungskriterien)

The professional framework assessors use to decide whether someone is fit to drive again. The 5th edition was published in March 2026, mainly because of the new cannabis rules. Good preparation knows these standards.

CTU criteria (CTU-Kriterien)

Rules for chemical-toxicological testing. They set out how abstinence checks must be done to be accepted in the MPU, for example how many urine samples are needed. They are part of the assessment criteria, in the 5th edition since March 2026.

EtG and PEth

Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a breakdown product of alcohol measured in urine or hair. Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is measured in blood. Both show whether you have drunk alcohol.

Driving fitness register (Fahreignungsregister)

The register at the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg where points are stored. At 8 points the licence is withdrawn (§ 4 StVG).

Licensing authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde)

Also called Führerscheinstelle. It decides on the re-issue, orders the MPU and sets the deadline for the assessment.

Reason for assessment (Fragestellung)

The specific question the authority asks the assessors, for example whether you are expected to drive under the influence of alcohol again. It determines the content and price of the MPU. It is stated in the order.

Assessment report (Gutachten)

The result of the MPU. It is positive, negative, or negative with a course recommendation. With a course recommendation, a recognised course may be enough instead of a new MPU, if the authority agrees.

Course under § 70 FeV

A recognised course to restore fitness to drive for drivers with alcohol or drug offences. It is an option after a course recommendation in the report (§ 11 (10) FeV).

Performance test (Leistungstest)

The computer-based part of the MPU. It tests, for example, reaction, concentration and attention.

Re-issue (Neuerteilung)

The application for a new licence after it was withdrawn. This application starts the procedure in which the authority decides on the MPU.

Simulation

A trial run of the psychological interview during preparation. With me, every package includes at least one simulation.

Ban period (Sperrfrist)

The time during which no new licence may be issued after a court has withdrawn it. It lasts six months to five years (§ 69a StGB).

Common questions

What does “Fragestellung” mean in the MPU?

The specific question the authority asks the assessors, for example whether you are expected to drive under the influence of alcohol again. It determines the content and price of the MPU.

What are the CTU criteria?

Rules for chemical-toxicological testing. Only abstinence checks done according to these rules are accepted in the MPU. They are part of the assessment criteria, in the 5th edition since March 2026.

What is a course recommendation?

A negative report that considers a recognised course under § 70 FeV suitable. With the authority’s consent, the course can then replace a new MPU.

What is EtG?

Ethyl glucuronide, a breakdown product of alcohol. It is measured in urine or hair and shows whether alcohol was drunk.