In over 50 years behind the wheel, Peter Mecking has never caused an accident –– and he would like that record to continue. Now, at age 70, he has voluntarily undertaken a so-called "driving fitness check." He drove his red Cupra around his home city of Cologne for 45 minutes, under the close observation of driving instructor Dominik Wirtz.

Mecking generally drives about 100 kilometers (62 miles) a day. For him, the test was a matter of course.

"I am taking it because there does come a point when you should stop driving, due to diminishing mental and physical performance," he told DW. "And if someone told me I should stop driving, I would accept that, too. Because I would be putting myself and others in danger on the road."

For the test, driving instructor Wirtz navigated Mecking through Cologne's streets, and then to the highway. He watched whether Mecking was keeping to the speed limit, using lanes properly and keeping a safe distance from the cars ahead. And also whether he was respecting the right-of-way and showing consideration to cyclists, e-scooters and pedestrians.

Mecking mastered the 45-minute test with confidence. His driving skills were praised by the instructor, whose only advice was that the 70-year-old should check his blind spots more often.

Ten million people over the age of 65 have a driver's license in Germany, and more and more of them are voluntarily having their driving skills checked. But driving instructors aren't able to take away their license, if they think it's necessary –– they can only provide feedback.

"I'm currently overseeing two senior driving tests a week," Wirtz told DW. "The people who take the test are sensible and open-minded –– they are open to criticism –– I tell........

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