🧪 Probationary period, withdrawal of the driving licence and MPU

How the probationary period works, when the driving licence is withdrawn and when an MPU can be required.

probationary period follow-up seminar withdrawal MPU licence revoked fitness to drive alcohol

In brief

New driving licences are on probation for two years. For violations there is a follow-up seminar, then a warning, then withdrawal of the driving licence.

The authority must withdraw the driving licence if someone is unfit, for example at 8 points. If it has doubts, it can require a medical-psychological assessment (MPU). Anyone who does not take it without good reason may be deemed unfit.

Step by step

Take the letter seriouslyOrders from the driving licence authority have deadlines.
Get adviceIf an MPU is ordered, seek advice, for example from traffic lawyers or advice centres.
Submit the expert report on timeOtherwise unfitness may be inferred.
Plan the reissueAfter withdrawal, bar and proof rules apply (not checked in full text).

Deadlines

2 years

Length of the probationary period§ 2a StVG

8 points

Withdrawal of the driving licence§ 4 Abs. 5 StVG

1.6 per mille / 0.8 mg/l

Threshold for an MPU for drink-driving§ 13 FeV

Watch out – common mistakes

During the probationary period, an objection (Widerspruch) against a seminar order or withdrawal has no suspensive effect (§ 2a StVG).
The driving licence expires on withdrawal. The licence document must be handed in (§ 3 StVG).
If a required expert report is not submitted, the authority may infer unfitness. It must point this out (§ 11 Abs. 8 FeV).
Bar periods on reissue and the cost of an MPU were not checked.

In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Probationary period (§ 2a StVG)

On first acquisition the driving licence is issued on probation; the probationary period lasts two years. It is extended by two years if a follow-up seminar is ordered. Stages: first offence, follow-up seminar; second, warning with a recommendation of psychological counselling; third, withdrawal. For reissue after withdrawal, proof of attendance at the follow-up seminar is required. The rules apply by analogy to EU/EEA holders who move to Germany (prior holding time is counted).

Withdrawal (§ 3 StVG)

The authority must withdraw the driving licence if someone is deemed unfit or not competent. With withdrawal it expires. While criminal proceedings in which withdrawal is possible are pending, the authority may not take the facts into account. It is bound by criminal judgments.

Fitness assessments (§ 11, § 13 FeV)

If there are doubts, a medical report can be required. A medical-psychological report is required in particular for serious or repeated violations. For alcohol, § 13 FeV names, among other things: repeated offences, driving a vehicle with 1.6 per mille or more (breath alcohol 0.8 mg/l or more) and earlier withdrawal because of alcohol.

Not checked in full text

Narcotics and cannabis (legal changes), deadlines for reissue, costs and course of the MPU, recognition of the assessment bodies.

Who is responsible

Local driving licence authority
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (driver fitness register)
Assessment centre for driving fitness (as stated in the order)

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Probationary period, withdrawal of the driving licence and MPU“?

How the probationary period works, when the driving licence is withdrawn and when an MPU can be required.

Which deadlines and figures matter?

2 years: Length of the probationary period (§ 2a StVG)
8 points: Withdrawal of the driving licence (§ 4 Abs. 5 StVG)
1.6 per mille / 0.8 mg/l: Threshold for an MPU for drink-driving (§ 13 FeV)

What should I do first?

Take the letter seriously: Orders from the driving licence authority have deadlines.
Get advice: If an MPU is ordered, seek advice, for example from traffic lawyers or advice centres.
Submit the expert report on time: Otherwise unfitness may be inferred.

What do I need to watch out for?

During the probationary period, an objection (Widerspruch) against a seminar order or withdrawal has no suspensive effect (§ 2a StVG).
The driving licence expires on withdrawal. The licence document must be handed in (§ 3 StVG).
If a required expert report is not submitted, the authority may infer unfitness. It must point this out (§ 11 Abs. 8 FeV).

Evidence

Bundesministerium der Justiz, StVG §§ 2a, 3, 4, retrieved 20 September 2026
Bundesministerium der Justiz, FeV §§ 11, 13, retrieved 20 September 2026

As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

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