AARP Driver Safety Program Offers Free Course to Veterans

AARP invites military personnel to take a driver safety class, free of charge, this November.

CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of Veteran's Day and in recognition of their dedication and commitment to service, the AARP Driver Safety Program (DSP) is waiving entrance fees to its classroom courses for veterans in Illinois and across the country in November. All military personnel, active duty or retired, are eligible to receive a free DSP classroom course during the month of November (Nov. 1-30, 2011). Military personnel include those individuals who serve or have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard/Reserves, or Coast Guard.

Military spouses (including widows and widowers) and dependent children are also eligible to take the class, free of charge, as long as they present valid military spouse, widower, or dependent identification, such as a dependent ID card or a membership card to organizations such as the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars. The classroom course normally costs $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.

Since 1979, the AARP Driver Safety Program has helped over 13 million drivers learn safety strategies and adapt to physical and cognitive changes related to aging. The course teaches valuable defensive driving skills and provides a refresher of the rules of the road. Plus, participants may qualify for an automobile insurance discount by completing the classroom course.*

With classes offered in communities throughout Illinois, veterans should have little difficulty finding a class that's conveniently located. Classes are limited in size, however, so those interested should call early to find a class that fits their needs. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

After signing up for a course, participants should bring a valid military identification to the classroom—such as discharge papers (DD Form 214), American Legion cards, dependent ID cards or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) cards. Participating veterans will be asked to complete a Veteran Participation Form as part of the course, which will be provided on site by the instructor.

Locate a course near you by visiting DSP's online course locator at www.aarp.org/findacourse or by calling 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669). Please note that this promotion is for the classroom course only. It does not apply to the AARP Driver Safety Online Course.

For more information, visit http://www.aarp.org/veterans or email [email protected].

*The insurance premium discount is not available in all states for the online or the classroom versions of the course. Requirements vary from state to state. In some states, separate rules may apply to online driver improvement courses. Please consult your insurance agent for further details.

SOURCE AARP Illinois