What the AARP Drivers Safety Course is and who teaches it

The AARP Drivers Safety Course is a classroom or online class that teaches defensive driving techniques to people 50 and older. AARP partners with local instructors and community centers to offer the course in person, and also offers it online through their website. The course takes about four to six hours to complete, either in one session or split across two shorter sessions, depending on which format you choose.

The course covers topics like how age-related changes affect driving, how to adjust your vehicle for safety, how to handle different road and weather conditions, and how medications can affect your ability to drive. You will also learn about the rules of the road and how to share the road with other drivers. The instructors are trained by AARP and often have backgrounds in driver education or traffic safety.

Key Takeaways

  • The AARP Drivers Safety Course costs between $15 and $20 for AARP members and $20 to $25 for non-members, depending on whether you take it in person or online.
  • Completing the course may lower your car insurance premium by 5 to 10 percent for three years, though you must give your insurance company the completion certificate.
  • You can find a class near you through the AARP website by entering your zip code, or you can take the course entirely online at your own pace.
  • The course does not remove points from your driving record or affect traffic violations, but it may help you avoid future accidents.

How to find and register for a class near you

To find an in-person class, go to the AARP website at aarp.org/drivingsafety and enter your zip code. The site will show you classes in your area, the dates they meet, the instructor's name, and how many seats are open. You can register online or call the instructor directly using the phone number listed. Some classes fill up weeks in advance, especially in winter months, so register early if you have a specific date in mind.

If no classes are meeting near you soon, or if you prefer to work at your own pace, you can take the course online. The online version is self-paced, meaning you can start and stop whenever you want and complete it over several days if needed. You will need a computer or tablet with internet access and a web browser. After you finish all the modules and pass the final quiz, you can print your certificate when ready.

What your insurance company needs to see

When you finish the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate is what your insurance company uses to calculate your discount. You must contact your insurance company and give them a copy of the certificate — they will not know you took the course unless you tell them. Some insurance companies ask you to mail the certificate, while others let you upload it through their website or show it to an agent in person.

The discount typically lasts for three years from the date you complete the course. After three years, you can take the course again to renew the discount. Not all insurance companies offer the same discount amount, and some do not offer a discount at all, so call your insurance company before you register to confirm they will honor the certificate.

Cost and payment options

The course costs $15 to $20 if you are an AARP member and $20 to $25 if you are not a member. In-person classes and online classes cost the same. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check, depending on the class format and instructor. When you register online, you pay when ready. If you register by phone or mail, the instructor will tell you how to send payment.

Some employers, senior centers, and libraries offer the course at a reduced cost or free to their members or employees. If you are retired from a large company or belong to a union, check whether they have a partnership with AARP. Your local Area Agency on Aging can also tell you whether any free or low-cost versions are available in your county.

What happens after you complete the course

After you pass the final quiz (you must score at least 80 percent), you will receive your certificate of completion. For in-person classes, the instructor usually hands you the certificate at the end of class. For online classes, you can print it when ready from your computer. Keep the original certificate or a copy in your car, because some states require you to show it to a police officer if you are pulled over for a traffic violation.

The certificate does not change your driving record or remove any points you already have. It also does not excuse you from traffic laws or fines. What it does is show your insurance company that you have taken steps to improve your driving safety, which is why they offer the discount.

Differences between in-person and online formats

In-person classes meet at a specific time and place, usually at a community center, library, or senior center. You will be in a room with other students and an instructor who can answer questions in real time. The class typically runs four to six hours in one day, or two to three hours on two different days. You get your certificate when ready after passing the quiz.

Online classes let you work at your own pace on your computer. You can pause and resume whenever you want, and you do not have to attend at a set time. The course material is the same as the in-person version, but you watch videos and read text instead of sitting in a classroom. You will still take a quiz at the end, and you can print your certificate right away. Online classes work well if you have a busy schedule, live far from a class location, or prefer to learn alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will taking this course lower my insurance rates?

Many insurance companies offer a 5 to 10 percent discount on your premium for three years after you complete the course. Not all companies offer this discount, and the amount varies. Call your insurance company before you register to confirm they will honor the certificate and what discount they offer.

Can I take the course if I am not an AARP member?

Yes. Non-members pay a slightly higher fee ($20 to $25 instead of $15 to $20), but you can take the course and receive the same certificate. You do not have to join AARP to register.

What if I fail the final quiz?

If you score below 80 percent on the quiz, you can retake it. Most instructors let you retake the quiz at no extra cost, either right away or at a later time. Check with your specific instructor or the online platform for their retake policy.

Does this course remove points from my driving record?

No. The course does not affect your driving record or remove traffic violations or points. It is a safety education course, not a traffic school. Some states have separate traffic school programs that can remove points, but this is not one of them.

How do I find the course in my area?

Go to aarp.org/drivingsafety and enter your zip code to see in-person classes near you. If you do not see any classes listed, you can take the online version instead. You can also call 1-888-227-7271 to ask about classes in your area.