Understanding the Role of a Verkehrspsychologe in the MPU Process

How traffic psychologists can help you pass the MPU and regain your driving license.

A Verkehrspsychologe plays a critical role in the MPU process, especially for those with past traffic violations or substance abuse issues. This guide explains what they do, how they prepare candidates for the psychological interview, and why working with one can dramatically improve your chances of passing the MPU.

Understanding the Role of a Verkehrspsychologe in the MPU Process

The Medical Psychological Assessment — or MPU — is one of the most dreaded hurdles for drivers in Germany who’ve had their license revoked. Whether due to alcohol, drugs, or aggressive driving, the MPU tests more than your sobriety — it investigates your behavior, attitude, and mental fitness for driving.

That’s where the Verkehrspsychologe (traffic psychologist) comes in.

A Verkehrspsychologe is a specialist trained to:

• Assess your mental and behavioral readiness

• Prepare you for the psychological portion of the MPU

• Help you recognize and correct harmful patterns

• Build your self-awareness and personal insight

• Increase your chances of passing the MPU on the first attempt

This blog will walk you through how they work, who should seek their help, and why their support often determines whether a person passes or fails.

Who Needs a Verkehrspsychologe?

While not officially mandatory, a Verkehrspsychologe is highly recommended for:

• First-time MPU candidates

• Individuals with past substance abuse

• Drivers accused of reckless or aggressive behavior

• Anyone who has already failed the MPU once

• People unsure how to present themselves during the psychological interview

If you’ve been advised to take the MPU, chances are your case involves more than a technical error — it involves behavior, addiction, or emotion. That’s where psychology becomes vital.

The Psychological Component of the MPU

The MPU includes three components:

1. Medical evaluation – for physical health or substance use

2. Cognitive test – reaction time, attention, concentration

3. Psychological interview – core of the assessment

The psychological interview is where most people fail. It tests your:

• Self-awareness

• Honesty

• Behavioral change

• Motivation

• Responsibility

A Verkehrspsychologe helps you prepare specifically for this — which makes all the difference.

What Does a Verkehrspsychologe Actually Do?

Let’s explore their process:

1. Case Review and Diagnosis

They review your background, MPU reason, prior reports, and behavior history.

2. Behavioral Analysis

Through structured sessions, they analyze what led to your offense: impulsiveness, addiction, stress, etc.

3. Self-Reflection Coaching

They guide you in understanding why your behavior was problematic and how you've changed.

4. Simulation of MPU Interview

They run mock interviews, helping you:

• Practice common questions

• Stay consistent in answers

• Avoid emotional or aggressive responses

• Build a genuine narrative of change

5. Documentation Support

Some Verkehrspsychologen issue a psychological preparation certificate, which can support your MPU case.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

There’s no fixed number, but a proper MPU preparation program typically includes:

• 6–12 individual sessions (60–90 minutes each)

• Weekly or biweekly frequency

• Continuous feedback and progress tracking

Some people may need fewer, others more — it depends on your MPU cause and how deep-rooted the issues are.

Why Self-Preparation Often Fails

Trying to “wing it” at the MPU usually ends in failure. Here’s why:

• People underestimate the test – it’s not a checkbox exercise.

• Lack of insight – without guidance, people can’t properly explain their change.

• Dishonesty – fear of punishment leads to denial, which is seen as resistance.

• Emotional reaction – stress leads to aggressive or defensive answers.

• Inconsistency – answers don’t match documents or behavior pattern.

A Verkehrspsychologe helps you avoid all of this by training your mind and emotions — not just your answers.

Example of an MPU Preparation Session

Let’s imagine a person named Lukas lost his license after repeated speeding and one alcohol-related incident.

In his sessions, the Verkehrspsychologe might explore:

• What internal emotions drive his speeding behavior?

• Does Lukas recognize alcohol as a coping mechanism?

• Can he differentiate between “being sorry” and changing his behavior?

• Has he built new strategies to manage stress or anger while driving?

By the end of 10 sessions, Lukas can articulate:

• His old behavior

• The turning point that made him seek help

• His new mindset and the lifestyle changes he’s made

That’s what the MPU evaluators are looking for.

Questions a Verkehrspsychologe Prepares You For

Here are examples of questions often asked in MPU interviews — and rehearsed during preparation:

• “Why do you think your license was taken away?”

• “What were the circumstances of your behavior?”

• “Have you changed since then? How?”

• “What steps have you taken to avoid this behavior again?”

• “What would you do differently today?”

• “What have you learned from this experience?”

The Verkehrspsychologe makes sure your answers are:

• Honest

• Coherent

• Insightful

• Free of contradictions

• Emotionally grounded

Benefits of Working with a Verkehrspsychologe

Here’s what people gain from these sessions:

Cost of Working with a Verkehrspsychologe

Prices vary depending on the psychologist and region. Average costs are:

• €80–€130 per session

• Total cost for full preparation: €600–€1200

Compared to the cost of a failed MPU and re-application, this investment is minor.

Real Success Stories

Many people credit a Verkehrspsychologe with helping them pass on their first or second attempt. Online MPU forums are full of reviews like:

“I had no idea how deep the MPU questions would go. My Verkehrspsychologin helped me realize patterns I hadn’t even noticed. I passed because I knew exactly how to talk about my growth.”

Another said:

“I was so scared after failing my first MPU. This time, I worked with a coach for 4 months. The examiner said I gave one of the most sincere interviews she’d heard.”

How to Find a Qualified Verkehrspsychologe

Search online for:

• "MPU Vorbereitung Verkehrspsychologe in meiner Nähe"

• Visit Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (BASt) for certified professionals

• Ask your MPU center for recommendations

• Check local legal firms that partner with psychological coaches

Make sure they are experienced with MPU-specific preparation, not just general psychology.

Final Thoughts: A Mind Game You Can Win

The MPU is more than a legal formality — it’s a deep, introspective process. Most people fail not because they’re “bad drivers,” but because they’re unprepared mentally and emotionally.

A Verkehrspsychologe is your guide in that process — showing you how to speak, reflect, and transform in the eyes of the examiner.

If you want to pass the MPU, start with your mindset — and get professional help to do it right.