Governor Signs Bill Lowering the Age for Driver Safety Courses in New Mexico

WARREN GOLDSWAIN

It’s official. Governor Susana Martinez March 30 signed into law House Bill 91, which would allow drivers to take a safety course at a younger age. The new law allows people to take a driver refresher course beginning at age 50 instead of having to wait until they turn 55. It goes into effect July 1, 2015.

“We’re very excited and pleased that Gov. Martinez saw the benefits of offering these courses sooner rather than later,” said Gene Varela, AARP New Mexico State Director. “We also want to thank Rep. Tomas Salazar for sponsoring the bill and working so hard to get it through the legislative process.”

“For many of us, we took our state driving test many years ago and both the laws and the technology available in automobiles have significantly changed. AARP’s Driver Safety Course not only refreshes the rules of the road but also teaches people what to look for and what to expect as they begin to age behind the wheel,” Varela said.

The course also goes over some of the new technologies available in cars such as GPS systems and automatic breaking, as well as vehicle maintenance, and how to prepare for a road trip.

Drivers age 55 and above who take the course receive a mandatory discount from their insurance company. The amount of that discount is up to that individual company. Under the new law, for drivers who take the course and are between age 50 and 54, it will be up to the company on whether to offer a similar discount.

For more information on the AARP Driver Safety program visit www.aarp.org/driversafety.