Ask a lawyer on the topic of Traffic law

Reissuance of driver's license

September 10, 2010 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Steffan Schwerin

Hello, I had to give up my driver's license after a drunk driving incident in August 1997 with a blood alcohol level of 2.05. An MPU (Medical Psychological Examination) was ordered. I have not taken any steps to regain my driver's license until today.
Now my question is, I heard that under new EU law, the driver's license can be re-applied for without any conditions, without an MPU or re-examination, only a vision test and first aid training are required. Is that true?

Steffan Schwerin

Dear inquirer,

I am happy to answer your question as follows:

Individuals whose driving license was revoked by the driver's licensing authority or a criminal court more than two years ago will benefit from a relief following a change in the law. Previously, they had to expect to have to take a new theoretical and practical driving test like a novice driver if more than two years had passed between the previous revocation and the application for reissuance. However, this rule was abolished with the amendment of the Driver's License Ordinance (FeV) that came into effect on 25.07.2009.

While the regulations for reissuing a driver's license after a previous revocation still apply as for the initial issuance of a driver's license, even those who were previously holders of a driver's license must apply for a new driver's license at the driver's licensing authority of their place of residence. However, if this is done more than two years after the loss of the driver's license, the authority can now only demand a driver's license test if it provides facts that justify the assumption that the applicant no longer possesses the necessary theoretical and practical skills.

Nevertheless, the authority is still entitled to request an applicant to submit a medical or medical-psychological assessment (MPU) if there are doubts about the necessary physical or mental requirements for driving a motor vehicle.

I hope this information was helpful to you and remain with kind regards,

Steffan Schwerin
Attorney at Law