Here’s a quick update on a new law affecting senior drivers in Minnesota. The state legislature has approved reducing the required hours for senior driver-safety classes by half to encourage more older residents to enroll and qualify for auto insurance discounts.
Joe Biernat, an instructor with the Minnesota Highway Safety and Research Center, highlighted the importance of this change. He noted that with our rapidly aging population, it’s crucial for older drivers to stay updated on evolving traffic trends and rules. Biernat said, “Minnesota spends a lot on infrastructure, but very little on the drivers using it. This change will entice more people to participate, making them better drivers and our roads safer.”
Although there are concerns about fitting all necessary information into a shorter class schedule, an independent AARP study found no significant difference in knowledge retention between the longer and shorter courses.