Local News in Brief : Driving Class for Seniors
The City of Monterey Park is about to give seniors in the San Gabriel Valley a chance to brush up on their driving skills and reduce their automobile insurance rates.
State legislation went into effect in July, requiring insurance companies to offer a discount on automobile liability insurance to drivers over 55 who complete a course approved by the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Insurance companies have said that the discount could be between 5% and 10% of annual premiums.
Monterey Park so far is the only city the DMV has authorized to offer the course and is the only institution planning to offer it free. About 35 civic groups and private driving schools will be allowed to charge up to $20 for the course. Besides reviewing basic techniques, the course will tell drivers how hearing and vision loss, fatigue and use of medications can affect driving performance.
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