BELFAST — The course formerly known as AARP Driver Safety has a new name and a new program. Now titled Smart Driver, it features a new workbook and new videos, both based on a research-based curriculum. Autumn is a good time for motorists age 50 and older to sharpen their driving skills by updating their driving knowledge by participating in the Smart Driver program, presented through a partnership between the Volunteers of America, Northern New England and AARP.

Smart Driver instructor Paul Sheridan's next two workshops will take place in Belfast at the Reynolds House, 33 Booth Drive, at Congress St, off Rt.1 The dates are Monday, Sept. 15 or Friday, Nov. 14.

Do you know how to best adjust your side view mirrors to eliminate blind spots? Do you know how to apply the three-second rule, and important here in Maine, when that should become a 4, 5 or a 6-second rule? The main thrust of the course is about giving yourself every possible advantage now, and as you age, to be able to continue to drive safely for as long as you can.

You will be encouraged to look at your current driving habits while reinforcing the good ones, consider new habits, and increase awareness of changes in the roads, cars, and yourself. There is no exam, and all work is in the classroom.

Those attending will learn defensive driving techniques and strategies, review new traffic laws, rules of the road and more in the four-hour course. They will discover how to adjust their driving to age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time through an interactive discussion about the changing technology on newer vehicles and the warning signs that suggest it's time to give up the keys.

Best of all, in Maine drivers 55 years or older who successfully complete the AARP course are eligible for a car insurance discount, good for three years.

The times (on either date) are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a half hour for your brown bag lunch. Course seating is limited; there is a $20 fee, with a $5 discount for AARP members. Advanced registration is required. Call 338-0350 to reserve a seat, and for directions.