What a driver safety course does and who should take one
A driver safety course is a classroom or online class that teaches defensive driving techniques — how to spot hazards before they happen, how to react safely when something goes wrong, and how to adjust your driving as your reflexes and vision change with age. The course takes between four and eight hours depending on the format and your state's requirements.
Most people take one because their insurance company offers a discount — usually 5 to 15 percent off your premium for three years — if you complete the course. Some states also allow you to dismiss a minor traffic ticket by taking the course instead of paying the fine. But the real value is learning what actually changes about driving after 60: how medications affect reaction time, why night driving becomes riskier, and what to do if you feel less confident behind the wheel.
Key Takeaways
- Most insurance companies discount your premium by 5 to 15 percent for three years after you complete a driver safety course.
- AARP offers its own course, taught in person or online, and you do not have to be an AARP member to take it.
- Some states let you dismiss a traffic ticket by completing a course instead of paying the fine or going to court.
- The course covers age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time, plus how common medications affect driving.
- You will need to contact your insurance company after finishing to request the discount — they do not explore it automatically.
How the AARP driver safety course works
AARP's course is called the AARP Smart Driver Course. It is available both in person at local AARP chapters and online through their website. The in-person version runs four hours, usually split into two two-hour sessions on different days. The online version lets you work at your own pace and typically takes four to six hours to complete, though you can log out and return later.
The course covers how aging affects your ability to drive safely — changes in vision, hearing, flexibility, and medication side effects. It teaches defensive driving strategies specific to older drivers, like how to adjust mirrors and seats to reduce blind spots, how to handle glare and night driving, and when to avoid certain road conditions. You will also learn about the physical and cognitive changes that might signal it is time to talk to your doctor or consider driving less often.
At the end, you receive a certificate of completion. You do not have to be an AARP member to take the course, though members receive a small discount on the fee.
What the course costs and how to find a class near you
The AARP Smart Driver Course costs between $15 and $20 for AARP members and between $20 and $25 for non-members, depending on whether you take it in person or online. Some local senior centers, libraries, or community colleges offer the course at no cost or for a lower fee, so it is worth calling ahead to ask.
To find an in-person class, visit the AARP website and search by your zip code. You can also call your local AARP chapter directly — the number is on the AARP website under "Find Local Chapters." For the online course, you can register directly through AARP's website without needing to find a specific location or class time.
Some insurance companies also partner with AARP or other course providers and may offer the course free or at a reduced rate to their policyholders. Before you pay, call your insurance company and ask whether they cover the cost of a driver safety course or offer a discount code.
How to get your insurance discount after you finish
Your insurance company does not automatically explore the discount when you complete the course. You have to contact them and provide your certificate of completion. Keep the certificate — you will need to show it or give them the certificate number.
Call your insurance agent or the customer service number on your insurance card. Tell them you have completed a driver safety course and ask what documents they need. Some companies accept a photo of the certificate; others want the original mailed in. Ask how long the discount lasts (usually three years) and when it takes effect on your bill.
The discount applies to your liability and collision coverage, not to other parts of your policy. If you have multiple vehicles insured under the same policy, ask whether the discount applies to all of them or just the one you use most.
Using the course to dismiss a traffic ticket
In many states, you can take a driver safety course to dismiss a minor traffic violation — usually a speeding ticket or failure to obey a traffic signal — instead of paying the fine or going to court. The rules vary by state and sometimes by county, so you need to check with the court that issued your ticket.
If you are may be able to access, the court will tell you which courses it accepts. Not all courses may have access to for ticket dismissal — some courts only accept courses taught by specific providers or in a specific format. The AARP Smart Driver Course is accepted in most states, but confirm with your court before you register.
You typically have 30 to 90 days from the ticket date to complete the course, depending on your state. Once you finish, you submit your certificate to the court. The ticket is usually dismissed, though you may still have to pay a small court fee. The course does not go on your driving record, and your insurance company does not find out about the ticket.
What to expect if you take the course online
The online AARP Smart Driver Course uses video, interactive scenarios, and quizzes to teach the material. You watch videos about topics like night driving and medication side effects, then answer questions about what you learned. The course is designed to work on a computer or tablet — it can be slow on a phone.
You will need a working email address to register and a way to print or save your certificate at the end. The course does not have a time limit, so you can take breaks and come back. There is no live instructor, but AARP provides a phone number if you have technical problems logging in or accessing the material.
Some people find the online format easier because they can take it at home and on their own schedule. Others prefer the in-person class because an instructor can answer questions in real time and you get to discuss scenarios with other drivers. Both formats result in the same certificate and may have access to for the same insurance discount.
When to talk to your doctor about your driving
The driver safety course includes information about age-related changes that might affect your safety on the road. If the course raises concerns — or if you have noticed changes yourself — it is worth talking to your doctor before you have a problem.
Tell your doctor if you have had close calls or minor accidents, if you feel anxious on the highway, if you avoid driving at night or in heavy traffic, or if you have noticed your reaction time is slower. Also mention any new medications, vision changes, or hearing loss. Your doctor can assess whether these changes are normal aging or a sign of something that needs treatment.
Some conditions — like untreated sleep apnea, certain types of dementia, or medication side effects — can make driving unsafe. Catching them early means you can get treatment or adjust your driving habits before an accident happens. Your doctor can also refer you to a driving rehabilitation specialist if you want a professional assessment of your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to take the AARP Smart Driver Course?
No. The course is open to anyone, though AARP members receive a small discount on the fee. You do not need to join AARP to register or attend.
How long does the insurance discount last after I finish the course?
Most insurance companies offer the discount for three years from the date you complete the course. After three years, you can take the course again to renew the discount. Check with your specific insurance company, as some may offer a different time period.
Can I take the course online if I am not comfortable with computers?
Yes, the in-person version is a better choice if you prefer not to use a computer. AARP offers classes at local chapters and community centers in most areas. You can also ask a family member to help you register for the online course if you want to try it.
Will taking a driver safety course affect my driving record or insurance rates if I have had accidents?
No. The course itself does not appear on your driving record. The discount applies regardless of your past driving history, though your insurance company may have already raised your rates if you were at fault in an accident. The course discount is separate from that.
What if I do not finish the course in one sitting?
If you take the online course, you can log out and return later — your progress is saved. If you take the in-person course, you attend the scheduled sessions. Either way, you have time to complete it. There is no rush, and you will not lose your spot or progress if you take a break.