Medical-psychological assessment of fitness to drive in Germany

Abstract

Within the German road traffic safety system the Medical-Psychological Assessment (MPA) has a more than 6 decade old history and tradition. According to the German traffic law system a driver has to make sure to drive only in a good physical and mental condition and to obey the traffic regulations. If drivers are sanctioned for driving under the influence (alcohol), driving while intoxicated (illegal drugs) or received offences for reverse or repeated violations to traffic rules etc. they have to pass the MPA before getting their driving license back or to avoid a withdrawal of their driving license. The MPA is an integrated medical and psychological examination usually containing the elements: - Questionnaire - Medical examination - Psychological interview - Psychophysical computer-based test of cognitive functions - The examination can be complemented by a driving test in real traffic under defined conditions. Due to the importance of this measure for the applicants and for traffic safety the MPA has repeatedly been evaluated in terms of its effectiveness (recidivism rates after a probation period of 3 years, data from the Central Index for Traffic Offenders of the Federal Motor Transport Agency). The results show over the years a decrease of the percentage DUI- and DWI-offenders with a relapse (current state A 8 %) and therefore indicate the predictive reliability of the MPA. There are still problems with drivers with multiple traffic offences (speeding, tail gaiting, e.g.), who have a relapse rate of more than 40 %. Altogether the MPA-system in Germany can be regarded as an effective measure in the German licensing procedure in preventing recidivism and an important approach for improving traffic safety.