Order of Events

And When Are You Notified of the Findings?

As its name indicates, the MPT consists of two main parts, a medical and a psychological test:

The Physical
This test determines whether you possess the physical requirements to take part in road traffic safely.

• An interview is held that involves your current state of health and your previous history of illness.
• The examining doctor carries out a physical check based on the specific reason why the test was required.
• If drink or drugs were involved, blood and urine tests will be carried out, and in some cases hair samples will be analyzed too.

The Psychological Assessment
In an interview with you, the traffic psychologist will first deal with the circumstances, attitudes and behavior that led to the difficulties. He or she will then focus on changes in your attitudes and behavior.
In all, then, the question to be answered is whether you are aware of the individual reasons why your driving has come under scrutiny and have reached the appropriate conclusions.
It is not a matter of guilt issues. You will not be expected to engage in any kind of "mental striptease", and the psychologist will not play any "psycho-games" with you.

Frank and Fair
We know that there are some rumors and horror tales about the MPT, and that is why we try to be as frank and fair as possible. The psychologist will, for example, enter the principal details of the interview straight into the computer. At the end of the interview you will be issued immediately with a printout and can check whether everything you said was understood correctly. If you do not agree with what the psychologist has written or would like to add something important, the records of the interview will be amended accordingly.

What About Tests and Questionnaires?
It will frequently be necessary, depending on the occasion for the test, to check your capabilities (reactions and concentration, attention and ability to withstand stress). This is done by means of special traffic psychology tests using a computer.
But you needn't worry. You will be told exactly what they involve, and every test will be preceded by an extensive exercise stage. You do not take the test itself until you have completed the exercise stage successfully, and you are not expected to set or break any records.
You will probably be asked to fill out a number of questionnaires. They help the examiners to prepare for the interview or the test and could, for example, include questions about your personal development (career, family status, etc.) and questions about your health and how you handle drugs or alcohol.

How Can You Convince the Examiners That You Are Fit to Drive?
By first taking an intensive and self-critical look at the occasions that have brought you to the licensing authority's attention and at the reasons for them. In a second step you should explain what resolutions or strategies you have adopted for the future and how you plan to implement them. As they will, as a rule, involve a change in behavior, you ought also, if possible, to be able to report on your experience with this new and changed behavior.

And the Findings?
Wherever possible, the examiners will notify you of their findings on the day of the test. In principle, their findings come in three conceivable categories:

• A Positive Finding:
  

You have been able to convince the examiners. Submit this finding to the licensing authority and you will in all probability be issued with a new driver's license.

A Finding that Recommends Additional Training:

You were unable to convince the examiners entirely. They noted a number of positive aspects but not everything was as it should be. The experts believe, however, that after additional training on special courses (usually on around four occasions over a period of three weeks) the points that have yet to be clarified can be resolved. If you take this finding to the licensing authority, the authority will as a rule agree to you attending a course. Once the course is completed you will get your driver's license back without a further MPT.

 

• A Negative Finding:

 

Unfortunately, the number of positive aspects was insufficient. But if you were frank, the examiners will have had an opportunity to gain an impression, and in that case you can expect to be told exactly what to do to improve your chances of a positive finding at a further MPT. This finding may not get you your driver's license back but you know just where you stand and what to do next.

How Long Does the Test Take?
You should expect it to take three to four hours on the day. Try to arrive after a good rest and make sure that you are not pressed for time.

And When Are You Notified of the Findings?
As a rule, assuming no additional certificates are required (such as certificates from other doctors) that have yet to be received, the findings should reach you by mail in about 14 days.