The course costs $15 to $20 for AARP members, depending on whether you take it online or in a classroom
The AARP Driver Safety Course (also called the Smart Driver Course) costs $15 if you take it online, or $20 if you attend a classroom session led by an AARP volunteer instructor. Both versions cover the same material and take about four to five hours to complete. You pay once, and the price includes your completion certificate, which you can give to your insurance company to request a discount.
If you are not an AARP member, the course costs $25 online or $30 in a classroom. AARP membership itself costs $16 per year, so if you plan to take the course and are not yet a member, joining first saves you money on the course fee alone.
Some insurance companies offer additional discounts on top of the course discount — typically 5 to 10 percent off your premium for three years. The amount varies by insurer, so check with your company before you enroll to see what they offer.
Key Takeaways
- AARP members pay $15 online or $20 in a classroom; non-members pay $25 or $30.
- The course takes four to five hours and results in a certificate you can send to your insurance company.
- Many insurers reduce your premium by 5 to 10 percent for three years after you complete the course.
- If you are not an AARP member, joining for $16 per year saves money on the course fee if you plan to take it.
Online versus classroom: what the difference means for you
The online version costs $15 for members and $20 for non-members. You work through the course on your own schedule, on any device with internet access. You can pause and resume as needed, and there is no time limit to finish. Most people complete it in one or two sittings.
Classroom sessions cost $20 for members and $30 for non-members. A volunteer instructor leads the course in person, usually at a local library, community center, or senior center. Sessions run four to five hours, typically with a lunch or coffee break in the middle. You get the same certificate at the end, and some people prefer the classroom setting because they can ask questions in real time.
Both routes teach defensive driving, how to adjust for age-related changes in vision and reaction time, and how to handle common road situations. The content is identical; the only difference is how you receive it.
How to find the course near you and register
Go to aarp.org/drivingsafety to search for courses in your area. You can filter by your zip code and see both online and classroom options. The website shows the date, time, and location of classroom sessions, and lets you register directly.
For online courses, you can register and start when ready on the same page. You will need to create an AARP account or log in if you already have one. If you are not a member, you can join during registration.
Classroom availability varies by location. Some areas have sessions every week; others may have them once a month. If no classroom session is scheduled near you soon, the online course is usually the faster option.
What your insurance company needs from you
After you finish the course, you receive a completion certificate by email (for online) or in person (for classroom). This certificate is what you send to your insurance company to request the discount.
Most insurers ask you to mail or upload the certificate to your policy account, or you can call your agent and read them the certificate number. Some companies process the discount automatically once they receive it; others may take a few weeks. The discount typically applies to your next renewal or the renewal after that, depending on when you submit the certificate.
Keep a copy of your certificate for your records. Insurance companies sometimes misplace documents, and having a copy protects you if there is a dispute about whether you submitted it.
Whether the course discount saves you money
The math depends on your current premium and your insurer's discount rate. If your car insurance costs $1,200 per year and your company offers a 10 percent discount, you save $120 per year for three years — a total of $360. Subtract the $15 course fee, and your net savings is $345.
Even at a smaller discount — say 5 percent on a $1,200 premium — you save $60 per year, or $180 over three years. After the course fee, that is still $165 in your pocket.
The discount applies for three years from the date you complete the course. After three years, it expires, and you would need to take the course again if you want the discount to continue. Some people take it every three years; others take it once and let the discount lapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to take the course?
No. Non-members can take it for $25 online or $30 in a classroom. However, if you plan to take the course, AARP membership at $16 per year pays for itself in the course savings alone, and members also get other discounts on insurance and other services.
How long is the certificate good for?
Your certificate does not expire, but the insurance discount it unlocks typically lasts three years. After three years, you would need to take the course again to get a new discount period. Some insurers may honor an older certificate — call yours to ask.
Can I take the course if I have a suspended or revoked license?
Yes. The course is open to anyone, regardless of license status. However, check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you enroll, because some states have rules about whether a discount applies if your license is not currently valid.
What if I do not finish the online course in one sitting?
You can log out and come back anytime. The course saves your progress, and you have no important date to finish. Most people complete it within a few days of starting, but you can take weeks if you prefer.
Will the course lower my insurance premium when ready?
No. You must submit your certificate to your insurance company, and the discount typically takes effect at your next renewal or the one after that. The timing depends on your company's process and when your policy renews.